2014-15-aia-football-sollenberger-azpreps-report-highres

Chandler’s Turn at D-I Title May Arrive in 2014Wolves’ Firepower Unquestioned; Defense Is Fuzzy PartQB Bryce Perkins accounted for over 3,000 yards in total offensein 2013 (photo by Jeanine Brock/maxpreps.com).By Les Willsey, aia365.comFor the first time in a decade last season the big-schoolfootball championship was claimed by a different schoolfor a third consecutive year. Desert Vista's triumph in 2011,Hamilton's in 2012 and Mountain Pointe's in 2013 was abreakthrough not seen since Red Mountain, Mesa MountainView and Hamilton were champs 2001 through 2003,respectively.Could a fourth school break into the big-win categorythis year and make it four schools in four years? There area couple possibilities with the leading candidate -- dareone say -- Chandler High?Chandler, with a 10-3 record, was right there with thebig boys last year in coach Shaun Aguano's third seasonguiding the Wolves. Chandler reached the semifinals, losinga heartbreaker to Hamilton, its top rival it finally defeatedfor the first time ever early in the season after adecade of attempts. Chandler bulked up its schedule andwas better prepared for a postseason run because of it.Chandler's three losses were to St. John Bosco, a Californiapower and unbeaten champ at 16-0, eventual statechamp Mountain Pointe (14-0) and Hamilton (11-3).So what serves to qualify Chandler to advance a gamefarther in 2014 and win its postseason finale?"We have a lot of speed and quickness," Aguano said,referring to all the Wolves' skill position spots. "A lot of experience.We have some linemen back, too, and thathelps."In an understatement, those attributes of speed andquickness wrap around second-year starting quarterbackBryce Perkins, running back Chase Lucas and receiversDanny Mahan and transfer wide out N'Keal Harry. Perkins,a senior with a verbal commitment to ASU, piled up 3,052yards rushing and passing. He threw for 24 touchdownscompleting 70 percent of his attempts. He added 18 rushingTDs. Lucas, a junior, is dual threat adding 36 receptionsfor 436 yards to his 883 yards on the ground. Mahan,a possession receiver, is the veteran of the pass catcherswith 19 receptions for 267 yards. Marcos de Niza transferHarry was one of the top targets for the Padres and suppliesa big-play threat as does Justin Jan and another returner,Terrell Flanigan.The offensive line is huge with returning guards KeolaDaniels and Matthew Menlove, tackle Dustin Woodard andcenter Vinny Vital, a center who relocated from Marcos deNiza. They each average 285 pounds. The former triostarted last year or had significant playing time.Chandler's defense last year was one of its best in recentcampaigns. Despite a potent offense the Wolves willneed a defensive unit playing at the level last year's teamdid the final few games of the season."We have some players we need to replace on defense,"Aguano said.Most of the experience on defense for 2014 resides atlinebacker and in the secondary. Leading the way are linebackerKT Tilini (24 tackles at middle backer) and safetyMason Moran (46 tackles). Up front are Thomas Chisholmand Basha transfer JW Windsor. Windsor, a lineman, wasamong the top three tacklers for Basha last year."Our (defensive) group is talented," Aguano said. "Theyare working with some wrinkle changes. Not game readyyet, but they'll get there."Chandler has the same schedule this season, save subbingout St. John Bosco for a mid-September contestagainst defending Colorado 5A champ Valor Christian.Valor Christian posted a 13-1 record in taking its state's topfootball crown. Chandler opens on the road at Centennial,who is itching for payback from a severe 42-21 beating atChandler. That loss was the lone regular-season defeat forCentennial until it bowed in the D-II semis to Chaparral."We've got three very tough games in our first four startingwith Centennial," Aguano said. "Mountain Pointe andValor are early games, too."Chandler will have a good idea where they stand comemid-September. The early slate is certainly a title-worthytest.page 6