Chandler and Centennial prove their worth

August 30, 2014 by Jose Garcia, AZPreps365


Chandler football coach Shaun Aguano's young daughter ran to her dad after Friday night’s game and asked him if his team won.

It did, but the opponent, Centennial, almost left Iguano’s daughter pouting in a tightly contested game that proved that Centennial and Chandler are worthy state title contenders. It was only the first game of the season for each team, but this was a huge early litmus test for Centennial, a Division II favorite, and Division I’s preseason No. 1 Chandler.

Common first game mistakes were committed by each squad, but Chandler and Centennial also flashed what makes them great during the back and forth battle won by Chandler 28-24.

“I’m proud of you,” Centennial coach Richard Taylor told his team after Friday’s home opener.

Chandler almost delivered the knockout blows after it opened the third quarter with two touchdown drives, grabbing the momentum for the first time and a 21-10 lead.

Chandler quarterback Bryce Perkin’s 34-yard touchdown dash through traffic gave Chandler its first lead, 14-10, and a Centennial turnover deep in its territory led to the second third quarter score. But in stepped second half sub Isaac Steele to give Centennial the offensive spark it needed at quarterback.

Steele’s first two drives resulted in touchdowns, allowing Centennial to retake the lead, 24-21. But Chandler responded with a 72-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by a couple of pass plays to wide receiver Justin Jan.

On Steele’s third drive, Chandler’s defense created a turnover with 4:21 remaining after sacking Steele. Chandler went on to run out the clock.

Centennial’s front seven and power run game helped the team get off to a solid start, as Chandler trailed 10-0 and didn’t collect its first down until 8:04 remained in the first half.

But, as Centennial learned, Chandler’s threats will strike sooner or later.

“We had to get the jitters and anxiety of the first game out,” Perkins said. “Once we got that out, we let the game come to us and started rolling on offense, and our defense did a heck of a job.” 

Chandler coach Shaun Aguano will be a guest on Saturday's AZ Preps 365 show on 98.7 FM. He is scheduled to be interviewed at 9:15 a.m.