Great Home Opener For the Wolves
The Chandler Wolves bounced back in a big way Friday night, outlasting the American Leadership Academy Queen Creek Patriots in a fast-paced, high-scoring game at Austin Field. Behind explosive plays from wide receiver Skyler Ormita (#1) and a strong defensive presence, Chandler pulled away late for a 48-29 win.
Big Plays In The First Quarter
Chandler wasted no time setting the tone. Junior wide-receiver Jai Jones (#11) hauled in the opening touchdown, followed by a clean PAT. The Wolves’ defense immediately backed it up, with Damir Reagan (#14) shutting down a key Patriots drive. Moments later, Jayden Spann (#6) found the end zone, and Chandler had an early two-score lead.
The defense continued to shine when Jayden Arnold (#3) came down with an interception, and Maxwell Sprott (#82) cashed it in with another touchdown. ALA Queen Creek responded before the quarter closed, as Nash Hall (#22) muscled in for six. But on the ensuing kickoff, Chandler’s Skyler Ormita electrified the home crowd with a return touchdown, giving the Wolves a 28–6 lead after just 12 minutes.
Trading Blows Before Halftime
Quarterback Will Mencl (#7) extended Chandler’s lead with a rushing touchdown early in the second quarter, though an unsportsmanlike penalty dampened the celebration. The Patriots kept the momentum going, with Talan Scott (#2) hauling in a touchdown, but their two-point try came up short.
Momentum briefly swung when Chandler fumbled deep in their own territory, and ALA recovered. But with just 13 seconds left in the half, Ormita struck again with his second touchdown of the night, followed by Arnold drilling the PAT. The Wolves even pulled off a surprise onside kick. Though ALA Queen Creek blocked a late field goal attempt to keep it 35–12 at the break.
Patriots Push Back
The Patriots opened the third quarter with a steady drive capped by a field goal, then followed with a touchdown from Nash Proctor (#3), trimming the lead. At 35–21, it looked like ALA was clawing back into it. But just before the quarter ended, Chandler’s Kaydon Gray (#84) scored on a big play, restoring momentum.
Wolves Seal the Win
In the fourth, ALA made one last push. They capitalized on a Chandler fumble and converted it into points, cutting the margin to 35–29. But the Wolves slammed the door shut with a pair of scores down the stretch, including Ormita’s third touchdown of the night, putting the game out of reach.
Final
Chandler 48, ALA Queen Creek 29
The Wolves move to 2–1 on the season after splitting their first two games against Centennial and Cathedral Catholic (CA). Head coach Ty Wisdom praised his team’s big-play ability but noted the need to cut down on turnovers and penalties.
ALA Queen Creek, now 0–3, continues to search for its first win under head coach Rich Edwards. The Patriots need to find some chemistry urgently as their schedule doesn't get any easier. Next up, they are taking on Liberty in Week 4, and Salpointe Catholic the week after that.
