Coach: JACK GRAY

9-4

OFFENSE

After an impressive 2022 season, Coach Gray is excited and optimistic for the 2023 football season. In terms of an outlook for this season, he stated, “Players will need to fill the voids of the senior class, including the departure of our running back Casmen Hill. Our players have been working very hard in the offseason and creating a lot of competition for those positions. Adding some big-time returning players with the competition can help lead us to really good season.” There are six returning offensive starters for this Chandler Lions this season. These starters include quarterback Alec Jackson (6-3, 205, Sr.). Jackson had an impressive 1,475 yards passing last season, along with 21 Touch Down Passes, and 113 yards passing per game. There’s also center Chaden Sullivan (6-2, 260, Sr.) who is a four-year starter. Wide receiver Ty Garver (6-0, 175, Jr.) last season had 357 yards receiving and six touchdowns. The other returning starters for the Chandler Lions include running back and wide receiver Cruz Jackson (5-11, 185, Sr.), three-year starter at tight end and offensive lineman Stran Messer (6-1, 195, Sr.), and wide receiver Corbin Hollon (5-11, 145, Sr.). When asked about his offensive philosophy, coach Gray stated, “We run multiple offensive sets with outside zone being our main run play. We mix in gap schemes that counter our opponents. We play our outside zone along with RPO’s and play action pass.”

DEFENSE

Coach Gray talks about his defense, “We use a 3-3-5 Stack. We want speed on the field and our defense allows us to adjust to many different types of offenses. We can also give multiple looks to the opponents’ offense as well.” There are four returning defensive starters for the Chandler Lions this season. The top six defensive starters include defensive lineman Chaden Sullivan (6-2, 260, Sr.) who had 28 tackles last season, defensive end Stran Messer (6-1, 195, Sr.) who had 56 tackles and six sacks last season, and defensive back Ty Garver (6-0, 175, Jr.) who had 63 tackles and two interceptions last season. Linebacker Hunner Robinson (5-10, 195, Jr.) recorded 44 tackles and three sacks last season, while defensive end Zeke Kuczinski (5-10, 185, Jr.) figures to have a big year for the Lions. Keep an eye on middle linebacker Carson Clagg (5- 10, 190, Sr.) who has the skill set to be a real difference maker and have a breakout season in 2023.

SCHEDULE

9-1 – at Allen

9-15 – vs. Tishomingo

9-22 – at Wayne

9-29 – vs. Wynnewood

10-6 – vs. Dibble

10-12 – at Stratford

10-20 – vs. Rush Springs

10-27 – at Ringling

11-3 – vs. Healdton