Connor Morman
ASU Student Journalist

Chandler set to play first home game of 2019 season Friday night

September 24, 2019 by Connor Morman, Arizona State University


The bleachers at Austin Field, which is set to host the first Wolves home game of the 2019 season Friday night. (AZPreps365/Connor Morman)

Connor Morman is a Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chandler for AZPreps365

Championships. Victory. Success.

Austin Field, the “State’s Best Football Field” and also home of the Wolves, is filled with reminders of the expectations that come with playing football at Chandler. 

The three-time defending state champions don’t need to be reminded of the goals and aspirations of the program, but the “Wall of Champions” and banners along the bleachers provide a glimpse of what Chandler football is all about. 

After four straight road games to open the season, the Wolves will finally play at Austin Field for the first time this season against Desert Ridge on Friday night. 

“It’s great to be home, there’s no question,” coach Rick Garretson said. “We’re looking forward to it, playing in front of our home fans, students, and alumni. We’re all looking forward to Friday night.” 

Playing four straight road games, two out of state, to start a season is difficult for any team. The Wolves, however, have made it look easy, going 4-0 and outscoring their opponents 206-24. 

“It’s been pretty tough, but as a team we’ve come together,” senior tight end Jay McEuen said. “Playing on the road is a challenge, but it prepares us for the rest of the season.”

Preparation has played a key role in the Wolves early success. The coaching staff constantly pushes the team in practices, in the weight room and in the film room.

“Every day in practice, we work hard, so we’re prepared for a lot of things,” junior wide receiver Jalen Richmond said. “Our conditioning is great. It’s just something we do at Chandler. We’re always ready.”

“We have thorough scouting reports every week on the other team,” junior running back Nicolas Nesbitt said. “They (the coaches) are on us pretty good in film too. They make sure we do the right thing.”

The Wolves coaching staff has experience in getting the most out of the players for the past half-decade, a big reason the Wolves have won four of the last five state championships.

“When you have a veteran staff that’s been there and done that, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” Garretson said. “We proceed the way we’ve done for the past four or five years, developing the kids in the weight room, developing the kids on the field, developing the kids in the film room. Ultimately, that leads to success on Friday nights.”

Senior leadership also plays a key role in keeping a young team like the Wolves motivated and ready to play week in and week out. The Wolves senior class is small, but they are leaving their mark on this team.

“Our senior class isn’t that big, but our seniors are good leaders and make sure the young guys are doing well, because we have a lot of young guys playing,” McEuen said.

Nesbitt can’t wait for Friday. “I like playing in front of my friends and family. That’s what I look forward to, and we work hard for that. I’m very excited… A lot of people want to see what we’re about. This is our time to show it.”