Erik Ruby
ASU Student Journalist

Chandler football takes it "one game at a time"

September 25, 2018 by Erik Ruby, Arizona State University


The Wolves stretch before practice leading up to game against Perry Friday. (Photo by Erik Ruby/AZPreps365)

Chandler’s success on the football field has its consequences.

“We’re every teams Super Bowl,” said offensive line and strength coach Chris Chick.

That’s why the Wolves don’t focus on the big picture. Chandler, ranked No. 1 in the state, prioritizes the minutiae.

“We take it one game at time,” coach Shaun Aguano said. “We try not to have our kids overlook the game ahead of them and that’s been our focus for the last three to four years.”

No matter who the opponent is, Chandler goes in with the same mindset: Wreak havoc and leave victorious.

“When we start looking at someone else or down the road, next thing you know we get caught and somebody sneaks up, catches us and we lose a game we shouldn’t,” Chick said. “Just because you see a team on film that looks kind of average it doesn’t mean you are going to play an average game.”

Chandler heads into region play sporting a 4-1 record with its only loss coming to California’s now nationally ninth-ranked team in Corona Centennial.

This week’s “Super Bowl” brings one of their tougher challengers yet - the Perry Pumas.

Perry comes into this week ranked No.7 in the state. It boasts a balanced offensive attack led by junior quarterback Chubba Purdy, who averages 230 yards in the air and has seven rushing touchdowns this season.

However, Chandler has a quarterback threat of its own in 4-star BYU commit Jacob Conover.

The senior heads into region play averaging 228 yards passing on an efficient 25.8 attempts per game.

Conover views his leadership and winning over personal accolades. How does he work towards victory week after week? By preparing one game at a time.

“When you start focusing on [one game at a time] you get a rhythm going,” Conover said. “You don’t focus on offense or defense, you focus as one team.”

While Chandler still has a great chance to walk away from this season with its third straight state championship, the Wolves priority is this Friday at 7 p.m. in Gilbert as they take on the Pumas, the team they beat for the state championship this year.