Head coach Mike Morgan notched his 333rd career victory, as St. Johns knocked off region rival Thatcher, 14-7, in a defensive battle on the road in Thatcher.

Morgan is three wins from tying late Paul Moro's 336 career victories.

Morgan said his players played an outstanding game on both sides of the football.

"The game was a defensive battle," Morgan said. "All the scoring from both teams was in the first half. Our offense scored enough to win the game. I am proud of all the players. The players played strong throughout the game. The game could have gone either way."

Morgan credits his coaching staff for preparing the team. Morgan said the coaching staff did a great job.

After earning his Bachelor's Degree in 1979 from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Morgan was hired as an assistant football coach at Chinle High School, from 1979 to 1981.

Morgan began his football head coaching career at Ganado High School in 1982. After 7 years as the Hornets' head mentor, Morgan resigned at Ganado to become St. Johns High School football head coach in 1989 and remains in that capacity today.

St. Johns, 6-2 overall, 2-1 in region, entertains Benson, 6-2 overall, 3-0 region, this Friday at 7 p.m. for Homecoming.

Thatcher dropped to 5-3 overall and 2-1 in region. Thatcher hosts Round Valley, 5-2 overall, 2-0 in region, this Friday at 7 p.m.

Junior running back Ira Tullous scored St. Johns' initial touchdown. Tullous scampered into the end zone from 21 yards for a touchdown. Gage Trickey booted the pigskin between the uprights for a 7-0 St. Johns lead in the first quarter.

Thatcher's Michael McBride bolted into the end zone from 6 yards for a touchdown. The Eagles completed the PAT, tying the game at 7-7, in the second quarter.

St. Johns scored its game winning touchdown in the second quarter. St. Johns quarterback Ramon Sanchez connected with wide receiver Dion Perry on a 49 yard scoring strike. Tickey tacked on the PAT with a kick.

"Benson is a strong team," Morgan said. "We are going to work hard in practice this week. I am sure Benson will be prepared for us. Our players have to be focused and ready to play on both sides of the football."