Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls won six championships in eight seasons. Bill Russell’s Boston Celtics won 11 championships in 13 seasons. Geno Auriemma’s UConn women’s basketball team captured 10 championships in 16 seasons.

These programs enjoyed immense success over a sustained period of time and dominated their competition.

The Chandler Wolves have put themselves in that same category for high school football. They rank fifth in MaxPreps’ preseason national poll and tops in the entire state of Arizona after winning the past two Open Division championships, in addition to three straight 6A championships dating back to 2016.

The Wolves have not lost a game since August 2018 and have shown no signs of slowing down under third-year head coach Rick Garretson.

There are expectations that this team will repeat as open division champions once again.

“Our goals for this season are simple: win the Open Division, continue our legacy and build on it,” Garettson said.

Last season, Chandler, along with every other team in Arizona, had to play its games in front of limited fans.

“Last season was different in many ways. Football is a very energetic game, we feed off the fans,” Garettson said.

While they may dominate their competition on the field, Chandler has built a brotherhood off the field that players say will last a lifetime.

“Football to me is another pathway to expand on life that has helped me make friends that I probably would never hang out with if it weren’t for football,” said senior free safety Frankie Morales.

Chandler’s football program prides itself on both sides of the ball, and they have also been known to show no mercy toward their opponents.

“My goals for me personally is to lead the team in tackles and as a team blow every team out and win state again,” Morales said.

Another senior ready to take the next step is defensive lineman Isaiah Johnson, who has multiple NCAA Division I offers from schools including University of Colorado, Colorado State, University of Arizona, Utah State and University of Idaho.

“Football is everything to me. It may sound like a broad statement but outside of family football comes first,” Johnson said.

Johnson finished fourth on the team in sacks last season. It is evident he is coming into this season hungrier and looking to lead a strong defensive unit that finished with 32.5 sacks in the 202 campaign.

“My goals for this upcoming season would be to continue the win streak, anchor my defense and help my teammates get better,’’ Johnson said.

Senior wide receiver Kyion Grayes is in store for perhaps his best season to date. He was listed as the No. 2 receiver in Arizona and had several offers from Power 5 programs in college, ultimately committing to Ohio State.

“Football is my everything. It’s my escape and it makes me feel like I’m at home,” Grayes said. Grayes finished 2020 with 556 receiving yards in the abbreviated season, and his 10 receiving touchdowns were good for first on the team.

“I wanna break 1,000 receiving yards this season. I’ve had good seasons in the past but breaking 1,000 yards is definitely my plan for this upcoming season,” said Grayes.

The Wolves will be returning seven starters from their championship team, four on defense and three on offense. They will begin their quest for another open division championship when they host Centennial on Sept. 3.