Thatcher Opens Season With Impressive Win Over ALA Ironwood

Thatcher opened the 2026 football season with an impressive performance against ALA Ironwood, using a strong defensive effort and several explosive plays to set the tone for the year.

The Eagles nearly started the night with fireworks as Tafden Taylor returned the opening kickoff all the way back on the first play of the game. A flag brought the return back to the 45-yard line, but Thatcher quickly took advantage of the field position. 2027 running back Ethan Hayes punched the ball up the middle for the Eagles' first touchdown of the season.

Tafden Taylor returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown on Aug. 21, 2026. Jonathan Olden/Bamboo Sports Media

From there, Thatcher began to take control.

The Eagles' defense consistently put pressure on ALA Ironwood and forced four turnovers in the first half alone, giving the offense multiple opportunities to extend the lead.

Taylor was one of the standouts on opening night, scoring two touchdowns and helping fuel Thatcher's offense. After the game, Taylor said the Eagles are entering the season with something to prove. “That we are just underdogs and just try and prove everyone wrong...”

That mentality comes after Thatcher finished 9-2 last season before suffering an early playoff exit against Florence. After graduating a large senior class, the Eagles enter 2026 with a new group looking to take the program even further.

If opening night was any indication, Thatcher is ready to make some noise this season.