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Chandler

Chandler Football Preview – Presented by Thompson’s Insurance Agency

Coach: JACK GRAY 

LAST 8 YEARS: 

2021 – 8-4 

2020 – 9-4 

2019 – 6-5 

2018 – 5-5 

2017 – 3-7 

2016 – 0-10

2015 – 3-6 

2014 – 7-4 

OFFENSE 

The Chandler Lions have a lot of positions to fill coming into 2022 with only four returning starters on offense. “We lost many key players to graduation, so we will be expecting players to step up and fill their shoes,” coach Jack Gray said. However, the Lions do have veteran upperclassmen at key positions. Running back Casem Hill (5-11, 180, Sr.) has 4,798 career rushing yards and averages 145.4 yards per game. He’s eclipsed 100 yards in 25 games and found the endzone 55 times. Quarterback Alec Jackson (6-2, 205, Jr.) and wide receiver Stefaun Mackey (5-9, 165, Sr.) look for more opportunities in 2022 with another year of experience and chemistry under their belts. Center Chaden Sullivan (6-2, 260, Jr.) plays a key role in orchestrating the offensive line and setting the tone for other lineman in the Lion’s multiple pro-offensive set. “We will be under center, shotgun, and pistol using a few different personnel packages,” Gray said. The Lions will look to establish the running game early so they can capitalize on play action opportunities, run-pass options, and other ways to get their playmakers into space. 

DEFENSE 

Six starters return on defense for Chandler and their 3-3-5 defense. “Our main philosophy is getting the fastest and quickest players on the field. The stack allows us to adjust to many different defenses we see week to week. We are adamant about our players having a relentless pursuit to the ball from every position,” Jensen said. A slew of upperclassmen will lead the charge for the Lions on defense. Edge threats Ethan Manning (6-1, 210, Sr.) and Stran Messer (6-1, 190, Jr.) will look to pressure the opposing quarterback at every opportunity. Linebackers Zion Ward (5-10, 175, Sr.) and Jeremy Galbraith (5-10, 185, Sr.) will utilize their speed and vision to contain the field. Defensive backs Brayden Nation (5-10, 165, Sr.) and Blake Rickner (5-9, 155, Sr.) provide discipline in the secondary and will be looking to force turnovers and take advantage of mistakes. Speedster Ty Garver (So.) saw some playing time in 2021 as a freshman and is expected to find a bigger role in the secondary in 2022. 

SCHEDULE: 

9-2 – vs. Stroud 

9-9 – at Bristow 

9-16 – vs. Poteau 

9-23 – at Kellyville 

9-30 – vs. Meeker 

10-7 – at Bethel 

10-13 – vs. Crossings Christian Academy 

10-21 – at Jones 

10-28 – vs. Star Spencer 

11-5 – vs. Luther 

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