Thunderbird Builds Early Lead, Defeats Deer Valley 40-20

Thunderbird built a 26-point lead through three quarters before holding off a fourth-quarter push from Deer Valley for a 40-20 victory Friday night in a 4A West Valley boys varsity football matchup at Deer Valley High School.

The Titans opened the scoring in the first quarter when No. 5 Daryl Little hauled in a touchdown reception. The extra point was good, giving Thunderbird a 7-0 advantage with 5:45 remaining in the quarter.

Thunderbird continued to move the ball later in the opening period, with its quarterback breaking free for a 49-yard run. The Titans found the end zone again with three seconds remaining in the quarter, although the ensuing extra-point attempt was unsuccessful following a mishandled snap and recovery.

Thunderbird carried a 13-0 lead into the second quarter.

Neither team scored during the second period as the defenses kept the game at 13-0. Thunderbird No. 23 Zychaun Little recorded a sack of the Deer Valley quarterback as the Titans maintained their two-score advantage heading into halftime.

Thunderbird added to its lead in the third quarter behind Daryl Little. Little scored on a rushing touchdown to extend the Titans' advantage to 19-0 after the ensuing extra-point or two-point attempt was unsuccessful.

Little later reached the end zone again on the ground. Thunderbird converted the extra point, sending the Titans into the fourth quarter with a 26-0 lead.

Thunderbird No. 7 Hunter Donathan opened the fourth-quarter scoring with a 6-yard rushing touchdown. The extra point was good, pushing the Titans' lead to 33-0.

Deer Valley responded with its first points of the night when No. 8 Austan Chaves scored a touchdown. Chaves' extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, making it 33-6 with 9:55 remaining.

The Skyhawks quickly added another score after a Thunderbird fumble. Deer Valley QB1 scored on a rushing touchdown, and the extra point was good, cutting the deficit to 33-13 with 8:38 remaining.

Thunderbird answered behind Little, who broke through multiple Deer Valley defenders for another rushing touchdown. The Titans converted the extra point to extend their advantage to 40-13 with 6:14 remaining.

Thunderbird then recovered the ensuing kickoff, giving the Titans another offensive possession.

Deer Valley continued battling late, with QB1 adding another rushing touchdown. The extra point was good, accounting for the final points of the game.

Thunderbird finished with a 40-20 victory after building a 26-0 advantage through the first three quarters and withstanding Deer Valley's 20-point fourth quarter.