CHANDLER LIONS
Coach: JACK GRAY
8-3
OFFENSE
The Lions had an outstanding season last year, ending with an 8-3 record and a trip to the postseason. They will look to build off of that this season and look to make it further in the postseason. Sixth-year head coach Jack Gray thinks his squad has a good shot to surprise some people. “We will continue to build a tough and physical culture,” he said. “We had a great offseason and if we continue to have a great summer, we can be a very dangerous team in 2A-1 this year.” The Lions’ offense will be led by some solid skill players. Grant McGinnis (6-0, 210, Sr.) will be at running back this season. Gray says that while he is new to the team, he is expected to have a big impact on the season. “Grant is a player that was not here last season,” Gray said. “I have seen him on film, and he is one of those runners that seems to get ten yards every time they touch the ball. He is a big, physical, and athletic runner that has great vision.” Two players that will see time at wide receiver and running back are Cruz Jackson (5-11, 180, Sr.) and Ty Garver (6-0, 170, Sr.). They are both great athletes that have put in a lot of hard work. Coniah Ritchie (6-2, 190, Jr.) will be at tight end. He started as a sophomore, and he has gained a lot of muscle and speed. Another player to keep an eye on at running back will be Darius Wade (6-0, 175, So.). He has the frame and ability to play fullback and receiver.
DEFENSE
On defense, the Lions held their opponents to an average of 20 points per game last season. They will look to continue that strong defense this season, working to use their athleticism and speed to get to the ball and slow down their opponents. Dylan Rodriguez (5-11, 180, Sr.) and Garver will be patrolling the secondary and keeping the offense’s big plays to a minimum. Hunner Robinson (5-11, 200, Sr.) and McGinnis are both going to be at linebacker. They will have their heads on a swivel and be ready for whatever the offense throws their way. Assistant coaches for the Lions this season will be Fred Peery, AJ Woodall, Shay Rackley, Alex Reed, and Randy Hedge.
9-6 – vs. Stroud
9-13 – vs. Lone Grove
9-20 – at Clinton
9-27 – vs. Sequoyah Tahlequah
10-4 – at Metro Christian
10-11 – vs. Daniel Webster
10-17 – at Westville
10-25 – vs. Tulsa Central
11-1 – at Sperry
11-8 – vs. Dewey
