CHANDLER LIONS
Coach: Jack Gray
7-4
Depth may again be the biggest question at Chandler, but the Lions counter that concern with one of the more experienced cores in Class 2A-1. Under eighth-year head coach Jack Gray, Chandler is coming off a 7-4 season and brings back much of the lineup that powered that success, even though overall roster numbers remain low. Gray notes that the Lions will have a low number of players, just like last season, so depth will be an issue, but he also points out that they lose only one offensive lineman and retain their starting tight end and running back. That combination of continuity and proven production has Chandler optimistic it can again lean on a punishing ground game and a fast, aggressive defense to contend in 2026.
On offense, Chandler returns seven starters and operates from a Multiple Pro framework built around the outside zone. The Lions use outside zone in many different variations to get the ball in the most dangerous players’ hands, allowing them to dress up the same core concepts with motions and formations. Senior running back and VYPE Top 100 nominee Darius Wade (6-0, 185) is the focal point; coaches praise his blend of length, strength, speed, and quickness and believe he has the tools to play at the next level, a very high level. Wade’s competitiveness and leadership make him the tone-setter for the offense, capable of carrying the load between the tackles or bouncing runs to the edge. He is supported by senior tight end Kale Winters (6-6, 230), who gives Chandler a big, physical presence on the edge; senior quarterback/receiver Clayton Ritchie (6-2, 175), whose versatility offers flexibility in the passing game; and sophomore receiver Josiah Tillis (5-9, 200). Tillis is a strong, explosive, high-IQ player who loves to land the big hit and set the tone, and already handled multiple roles on both sides as a freshman.
Defensively, the Lions bring back six starters and lean on a 3-3-5 alignment that emphasizes speed, disguise, and disruption. The staff calls it a “highly adaptable defense that uses speed and can adapt to many different types of offenses,” while also giving them the ability to create a lot of chaos with pressure and movement. Wade anchors the secondary at defensive back, while Winters, Tillis, and sophomore linebacker Peyton Arms (6-0, 200) form the backbone of a front seven that can fly to the football. Arms and Tillis bring downhill physicality at linebacker, and the overall experience across the defense should allow Chandler to mix coverages and blitz packages without sacrificing discipline. If the Lions can stay healthy despite their small roster, that blend of a feature back in Wade, a seasoned offensive core, and a flexible, fast 3-3-5 defense gives them a realistic shot at stacking another winning season in 2026.
9-11 at Prague
9-18 vs. Stroud
9-25 at Dickson
10-2 vs. Little Axe
10-9 at Anadarko
10-16 vs. Casady
10-23 vs. Lindsay
10-30 at Crossings Christian
11-6 at Washington
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