Big Game Preview: Chandler Vs. Corona del Sol
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Chandler Wolves Chandler moved to 3-0 last week defeating one of California’s top teams in Orange Lutheran 35-10 in a game where they physically dominated up front and were able to show off some of their speed on the outside.…
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Continue ReadingChandler Wolves
Chandler moved to 3-0 last week defeating one of California’s top teams in Orange Lutheran 35-10 in a game where they physically dominated up front and were able to show off some of their speed on the outside. This was a very impressive win due to OLU having several power five prospects on their roster and having a terrific start to their season, and some of their own impressive athletes. Chandler more than matched up with them and showed why they are ranked the number one team in the state. Look for more success in the tranches and on the outside this week against Corona del Sol who comes in 1-2 after losses to Centennial and Pinnacle.
Top players this season for the Wolves:
Highlights
Heffron is one of the more explosive and dynamic players across the entire state, and has elite twitch, speed and is a natural big time playmaker with the ball in his hands. Able to play all over the field, he has already ran for 300+ yards and 7 total touchdowns. His ability to lineup at quarterback, running back or in the slot make him very dangerous and dynamic while very tough to plan for with the rest of the weapons he has around him.
Valentine is one of the top backs in the state, and recently locked down his commitment to Illinois in July. Picking up right where he left off, through three weeks of play he has rushed for just under 300 yards and 5 touchdowns, while adding another 34 yards receiving out of the backfield. He has elite vision and open field speed in the clear, while running hard behind his pads and always gaining the extra yards.
Kupu is a very intriguing prospect because he can play all over the field, and is a Swiss army knife for the Wolves. Kupu has twelve tackles on the season and 1 FF while flying around on this Wolves defense. He plays well in space, shows elite closing speed and open field tackling abilities, while exploding through contact and takes good angles in the open field. He is a high IQ kid that can trigger on ball carriers and cover in space, while able to cover a ton of ground at the third level and offers elite return abilities as well.
Branch has had a very nice start to his senior season, going for 172 yards and 2 scores, scoring on a 82 yard catch and run on his way to averaging just under 75 yards per game. He is a massive target on the outside that can win in 50/50 ball situations and goes up and gets it with good body positioning and strong hands in traffic, while also able to stretch the field vertically and stress safeties.
Browder is a true plug in the middle of this defense, and is a high motor sideline to sideline guy that can track down ball carriers backside, triggers quickly and sniffs out plays from the second level. He has erupted for 20 tackles and 1 FF in three games, and has made a big impact in the run game while extremely tough to block and account for.
Corona del Sol
Corona del Sol rolls into this tough matchup against the number one team in the state with a 1-2 record, dropping games to Centennial and Pinnacle over the last few weeks. They did pick up a nice win against Casa Grande in week one, and have shown some offensive explosion at times with a solid receiving core and a signal caller with a big time arm downfield. They definitely have some talent on their roster that should be able to compete with the loaded Wolves.
Top players this season for the Aztecs:
Vines-Bright is one of the top receivers in his class across the western region, and has proven that through the first few weeks of the season. Checking in at number two in our most recent rankings for the position, he has erupted for a 146 yards per game average, and has been a mismatch nightmare on the outside for CDS. He currently has nine Div. I offers from the likes of Michigan, Louisville, UCLA, Washington, Ole miss, and ASU among others.
Highlights
Ackerly checks in as one of the top players in the region at the quarterback position, and has very impressive chemistry with his top wideout in Vines-Bright. So far this season, he has already surpasses the 1,000 yard mark, with 5 touchdowns and adding another two scores on the ground.
LB Isaiah McKay, 2024
24 total tackles, 8 tacklers per game.
DL Ty Abella, 2024
1 sack, 3 TFL’s, 10 total tackles
DB Jamar Patterson Jamar Patterson 6'0" | 180 lbs | DB Corona Del Sol | 2027 State AZ , 2027
One of the more impressive rising young players across the state, has recorded a interception and 3 total tackles.
TE/WR Jacob Helt, 2025
Helt is a big time target that has hauled in at-least 60 yards receiving per game and scored a touchdown this season.