Friday night marked a turning point for Greenlee County high school football as two local programs secured their first victories of the season.
Duncan Wildkats defeat Fort Thomas 28‑14
The Wildkats built a two‑touchdown halftime lead and held Fort Thomas scoreless for the first half, ultimately winning 28‑14. Duncan scored six points in the opening quarter and added eight in the second to take a 14‑0 lead at the break. A strong third quarter, outscoring the Apaches 14‑6, extended the advantage to 28‑6. Fort Thomas managed only eight points in the final period, falling short of a comeback.
The win brings Duncan to a 1‑1 overall record and a 1‑0 start in the 1A South eight‑man region. The team’s defense rebounded after a 48‑20 loss in its season opener at Lordsburg, New Mexico.
Senior quarterback Dayton Penry completed 10 of 19 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in the opening loss, while junior receiver Karsen Lacey accounted for all three touchdown catches. Against Fort Thomas, the Wildkats avoided an early deficit and scored all 28 points before the fourth quarter.
Duncan’s next game is a home opener against Red Rock on Friday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m.
Morenci Wildcats rally past Tanque Verde 14‑7
One week after a shutout loss, Morenci found its footing on the road, holding Tanque Verde to a single touchdown and earning a 14‑7 victory. The win also avenged a 24‑16 home loss to the Hawks last season.
Morenci’s low‑scoring triumph reversed a 44‑0 defeat at Safford on Aug. 20. The Wildcats are rebuilding after graduating key players from a 7‑5 playoff team, including running back Julien Aragon, who rushed for 1,645 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2025.
Junior quarterback Deegan Miller, who threw five touchdown passes as a sophomore, returned to lead the offense alongside senior Joel Baca and juniors Jeremya Cruz and Joshwa Sandoval.
Tanque Verde fell to 0‑2 after opening the season with a 34‑28 loss to Phoenix Christian. The Wildcats will host their home opener against Willcox on Friday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m., and begin 2A East play on Sept. 18 at home against Globe.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
