Caleb Gottry attends Chandler Preparatory Academy and is a member of the AIA’s Student SID program.

On September 24th under the Friday-night lights, the Chandler Prep Titans went on the road to face the Gilbert Christian Knights. The Titans fought hard to keep the score close in the first half, but the Knights were able to run powerfully, exhausting and overpowering Chandler Prep’s defensive line in the final two quarters. The Knights took the victory 34-7. Head Coach Peake said this after the loss:

“Obviously, kudos go out to Gilbert Christian for bringing a great game and a great game plan. I was a little disappointed in how we came out tonight. I think we were a little flat and we didn’t bounce back well after we got down, but I’m looking forward to the challenges coming up.”

After a disappointing first quarter with no Titan first downs and a Gilbert Christian touchdown, Chandler Prep came back on to the field with renewed vigor. On the first play of the second quarter, sophomore Creon Fulgham snatched an interception and ran it into the red zone. On fourth down, with the Titans on the eight-yard line, senior Sebastian Pastrana had a vital carry for the one yard Chandler Prep needed. A few plays later, junior quarterback, Nolan Kemper ran in the Titan touchdown, tying the score at seven. A 36-yard carry just a few minutes later, however, put the Knights into field goal range and Gilbert Christian took the lead again.

Despite the loss, several Titans had their moments to shine. Junior Sterling Harris and sophomore Adrian Robinson were both essential parts of the Chandler Prep offense and defense. Both were key in tackling breakaway running plays and Harris collected the Titans’ only sack of the game. Together they carried the ball for over 50 yards. Harris commented on what the team needs to work on going forward:

“As a team, we really need to get the little things down. That’s it. We just need to get the little things right and then we should be fine.”

Senior Josh VanOrdt also played a key role as the Titans kicker and primary receiver as senior receiver Noah LoBue was out on Friday due to a shoulder injury. VanOrdt collected over 65 receiving yards. Kemper often ran out of time quickly in the pocket but avoided getting sacked more than once and used his legs well to get yards and a few first downs on his own.

The Titans were scoreless in the second half. Gilbert Christian showed the versatility of their starting offense, scoring a touchdown on a muffed hold during an attempted field goal, a passing play, and a running play all in just the third quarter. Chandler Prep continued to rotate in fresh players on defense and managed to keep the Knights to one field goal for the final quarter, making the final score 34-7, the Titans second loss of the season.

Chandler Prep football plays their next game away versus the Heritage Academy Laveen Heroes on Friday, October 1st at 7:00pm. Titan Up.