Thunderbird Survives Prescott‘s Furious Rally, Wins 38-35
PRESCOTT, AZ – September 6, 2025 – Thunderbird High School narrowly escaped a stunning comeback attempt by Prescott High School Friday night, holding on for a 38-35 victory after Prescott scored 28 unanswered points in the second half.The game showcased a clash between two programs aiming for postseason success, with Thunderbird looking to build on a quarterfinal appearance and Prescott seeking to establish itself as a contender in the 4A Grand Canyon Conference.
prescott’s comeback was fueled by a dominant second-half performance, highlighted by a 79-yard touchdown run by Chamberlain with 7:36 remaining, bringing the Badgers within a field goal at 38-35. Prescott forced a Thunderbird punt with 4:48 left, but couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity. A crucial fourth-and-two attempt by Thunderbird at midfield failed, giving Prescott one last chance with 1:48 on the clock. However, a fumble by Eli Allen after a catch was recovered by Thunderbird, effectively sealing the win.
“I was proud of our kids. They battled. They fought. They didn’t have any quit in them. They faced a lot of adversity tonight,” said Prescott head coach Rod Collett.”We play a schedule that challenges us. We feel we’re at the point in the program where we’re playing the Thunderbirds, and the Northwest Christian’s and the top-ranked teams in 4A.” Collett also took obligation for the team’s slow start, stating, “I didn’t get us prepared enough and we fell behind early in the game and that’s on me.”
Thunderbird,coming off a quarterfinal loss to 4A champion Mica Mountain last season,is navigating a rebuilding phase after losing 31 seniors to graduation. Despite the close call, Thunderbird coach Matt Nalette acknowledged Prescott’s resilience. ”I have to give a ton of credit to Prescott. The Badgers have a ton of fight in them. Coach Collett outcoached me in that second half,” Nalette said.”We’re still a young team and we’re growing.”
Thunderbird’s sophomore standout, Little, had a especially strong performance, earning praise from Nalette. “He had a phenomenal night,but none of that surprises me as I see what he does every day in practice,” Nalette commented. “He’s a young man that I’ve known as he was little.It’s been fun to watch him grow and develop, and we’re only just scratching the surface with a couple of games into his sophomore year.”
Prescott (1-1, 0-0 4A Grand Canyon) will host Northwest Christian on Friday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. Thunderbird will travel to Independence for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
