TEMPE, Arizona — Mica Mountain has completed a perfect season by defeating Arizona College Prep, 42-13, at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe.
Josiah Thornwell rushed 19 times for 177 yards and four touchdowns in the win. Two of his touchdowns came in the first quarter, and the Thunderbolts led 21-7 at the end of the quarter.
Mica Mountain scored touchdowns on its first four possessions.
Mica Mountain is a state champion in just its third full varsity season. The first state championship in school history, also the first state title for head coach Pat Nugent, who previously coached at Cienega, Flowing Wells, and CDO.
"It's emotional because I've worked a long time, 34 years coaching and to go out on top like this is pretty special because you never know what going to happen next week," Nugent said. "To know I'm bringing home a title with this coaching staff and these players is pretty special."
"To give this man a win in his maybe soon to be retirement, is tremendous," Mica Mountain Senior, George Flores said. "Hes a legend, he's a Tucson legend."
Nugent did not confirm whether this would be his last season or not. Instead, he's focused on the team who finally got him the golden football.
"Peyton Manning finished on a good note and maybe that's the way to go and call a great story career on a championship but I don't want any sadness going on in our program," Nugent said. "This is about winning tonight, this about honoring these kids, coaching staff and number one our community in Vail."
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Erin Patterson is a reporter for KGUN 9. She's agraduate of the University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s in News Media with a Sports Concentration. Erin recently obtained her Master's Degree in Sports Journalism from Arizona State University at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, where she gained experience a sports reporter, anchor and producer. Share your story ideas and important issues with Erin by emailing erin.patterson@kgun9.com.
