Tony Carter is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chandler Prep High School for AZPreps365

CHANDLER – Chandler Prep exploded for 43 points in the first quarter Friday night en route to a 64-0 win over Lincoln Prep, giving the Titans their fourth win in five games with two games remaining in the regular season.

The win moved the Titans (5-2, 1-1) into sole possession of third place, in the 2A Metro region.

“Our coaches have done a great job keeping us disciplined,” senior running back Avery Hamler said. “We are trying to build a certain standard, and the scoreboard showed that.”

After junior wide receiver Aaron Crawford’s 50-yard opening kick return, Chandler Prep needed just four plays to go 33 yards for a touchdown. To cap off the drive, junior quarterback Kody Dodson connected with sophomore wide receiver Logan Kelley for a 17-yard touchdown. Dodson entered Friday’s game ranked among the top 10 in passing yards in Arizona. 

The Titans forced a three-and-out on the Lightning’s ensuing possession. On fourth-and-25, Dodson helped his own cause and returned the punt 57 yards for a touchdown. 

Leading 14-0 five minutes into the game, Titans coach Chris Ator surprised the Lincoln Prep return team with an onside kick that Chandler Prep recovered.

Ator said the Titans rely on aggressive special teams play and wanted to seize momentum early. 

“Going for onside kicks is kind of who we are as a team,” Ator said. “We wanted to get on them early and finish quickly.”

With 6:30 remaining in the first quarter, the Titans executed a flea-flicker that resulted in a 54-yard passing touchdown from Dodson to junior wide receiver Oliver Rodriguez, which pushed the lead to 28-0.

On fourth-and-15 from the Lightning 32-yard line, junior defensive tackle Jackson Erwin scooped up a muffed punt attempt and rumbled into the end zone.

 

Although it was not the desired outcome, Lincoln Prep coach Paul Schubring credited his upperclassmen for playing to the last whistle. 

“It was cool to see the upperclassman step up and let the team know that we need to be a more cohesive unit amidst tonight’s negativity,” Schubring said. “We have to be better as a unit for next week, and the week after that.”

Hamler collected 54 rushing yards and a score. Crawford added two catches for 66 yards and one receiving touchdown.

“We look to go 1-0 every week,” Hamler said. “We cannot get too high on the wins and too low on the losses. Football is an energy game and we must play for pride these next two weeks.”

Dodson completed 8 of 10 passes for 183 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Along with his punt return for a touchdown, his lone rushing attempt went for a score

“We have two opponents coming up that are beatable,” Ator said. “If we prepare the right way we definitely have a great chance at finishing the season 8-2 with great momentum heading into the playoffs.”

Chandler Prep (6-2, 1-1) will visit American Leadership Academy - Anthem South (2-5, 0-2) on Friday at 7 p.m.

Lincoln Prep (2-5, 0-2) will travel to San Tan Charter (6-1, 3-0) on Friday at 7 p.m.