Prediction: Chandler (Ariz.) gets back on track

The 2025 high school football season will be getting underway in less than six weeks, which means it’s officially preview season. Rivals High School will be breaking down the nation’s top teams from coast-to-coast, and today we head to the desert to take a look at the seven-time state champion Chandler. The Wolves open up the season at home against Centennial (Ariz.) on Aug. 29.

Player Spotlight: WR Jai Jones

When you watch Jai Jones running routes, you see a smooth operator working defensive secondaries. Last season, Jones appeared in just six games for the Wolves but still put up solid numbers with 29 receptions and 308 yards. The sky’s the limit for Jones’ upcoming junior campaign. The three-star prospect already has offers from Arizona, Arizona State, California, Colorado State and Oregon.

Others to watch: QB Will Mencl, LB Iona Kupu

Season Prediction: 9-1

The 2024 season could’ve easily been an eight-win one for the Wolves if the ball had bounced their way, but instead Chandler posted its first losing campaign since 2005. Now with the team a year ahead, and with Jones anchoring a strong corps of receivers, optimism is in the air in the Phoenix suburbs. The schedule also appears ripe for a bounce-back season from the Wolves.

According to the Massey Ratings, Chandler will be a far cry from the 5-6 club from last fall and should be primed for a deep playoff run through the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) Class 6A bracket. Chandler was bumped out in the opening round last year as a No. 9 seed, but we see them reaching the state semifinals before an anticipated meeting with Brophy College Prep occurs.

Game-By-Game Predictions

Aug. 29 – Centennial (Ariz.) Coyotes – W
The Chandler Wolves start off the season with a bang at home against a pretty good Coyotes team.

Sep. 5 – at Cathedral Catholic (Calif.) Dons – W
Chandler didn’t face Cathedral Catholic last year, but will go on the road to California and return home with a victory.

Sep. 12 – ALA Queen Creek (Ariz.) Patriots – W
For the Wolves, this will be their third-straight grueling contest. They’ll pull off a six-point win over the Patriots.

Sep. 19 – Williams Field (Ariz.) Black Hawks – W
Now Chandler starts to ease into a more manageable portion of its schedule when they travel to Williams Field. This becomes a 21-point rout for the Wolves.

Sep. 25 – Sandra Day O’Connor (Ariz.) Eagles – W
This one gets out of hand quickly and almost reaches the precipice of a running clock. Wolves roll to win No. 5.

Oct. 10 – at Perry (Ariz.) Pumas – W
Last year this would’ve been a pretty good game. This time around, the Chandler Wolves don’t play with their food and wins by 21.

Oct. 17 – Valley Vista (Ariz.) Monsoon – W
In the Wolves’ most lopsided victory of the season, they come away with a 40-point decision and get a running clock triggered in the second half.

Oct. 24 – at Cesar Chavez (Ariz.) Champion – W
Its back-to-back weeks with a running clock as the Wolves post another blowout victory.

Oct. 31 – at Pinnacle (Ariz.) Pioneers – W
Playing on Halloween brings tricks and it brings treats. The Wolves pull from their bag of goodies a trick play to win by a touchdown and head home undefeated at 9-0.

Nov. 7 – at Hamilton (Ariz.) Huskies – L
With a undefeated regular season on the line against one of the state’s best squads, Chandler drops a 31-30 heartbreaker.