Caleb Gottry attends Chandler Preparatory Academy and is a member of the AIA’s Student SID program.

The Titan fans lit up the stands and the Titan players lit up the scoreboard in a dominating performance for Chandler Prep’s senior night on Friday, October 27th. With the win, the Titans claimed the region title going undefeated in their region this year. Chandler Prep showcased a strong defense, giving up only six first downs, a strong offense, led by junior running back Sam Martin, and ultimately, a strong senior class of 12 Titans running special plays designed for Friday’s game to feature the Chandler Prep seniors. Head coach Goodman said this about his seniors:

“I’m going to miss these boys. This was a group that was eighth graders my first year. I only have about half of them that played for four years, but I feel like I had all of them before that time. It’s a special group and they will be missed. Let me add this: I love them to death too.”

The Titan offense shined in Friday’s game with eight total touchdowns against the San Carlos defense. The Titans drove the ball down the field in the first two minutes of the game and scored their first six points with senior kicker, Carson Zilmer throwing his first touchdown pass to senior wide receiver, Andrew Cook.

The Titan defense also dominated the Braves, only allowing one touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Senior defensive end, Hans Ford was given player of the game for his tackles and ferocity on defense as well as his work as an offensive tackle. Junior, Aiden Daly also made his share of hard tackles. As a defense, the Titans were able to make stops with a strong defensive line, interceptions, and fumble recoveries.

Chandler Prep failed to score on a Zilmer interception and a sack on a San Carlos punt by Zach Romesburg, but the Titans got a defensive score when senior Jake Hathaway recovered a fumble, returning it for a Titan touchdown.

Following a forced turnover on downs in the second quarter, the Titans once again drove the ball toward the end-zone, led by Martin. On third down and goal from the one-yard line, junior Reese Vilaboy threw to senior, Quenton Barger who hauled it in for a Titan touchdown.

As one of the main contributors to the Titan defense and offense as a defensive end and an offensive tackle, senior Isaiah Usher was rewarded with a pass from the Chandler Prep quarterback that he caught and ran in for a Titan touchdown. Usher also snagged an interception later in the third quarter that ultimately led to seven more points for the Titans.

The Titans entered the second half strong, starting with a three and out San Carlos offense that put the Titans on the Braves 23-yard line after a fair catch by Zilmer on a short punt from the half-yard line. The Titan offense quickly scored a touchdown with wide receiver Cameron Nikjou throwing a touchdown pass to Cook in the end-zone.

Only a minute later, junior running back, Sam Martin drove the ball in from the 13-yard line. This followed a turnover on downs with a sack on fourth down off a bobbled snap before the Braves could punt. Martin later carried the ball in from the 25-yard line for the final Titan touchdown of the game. This game was a milestone for Martin as he broke the Chandler Prep school record for season rushing yards in the last minute of Friday’s game. Martin was very excited and said,

“I feel pretty great. I’m happy right now. I’d like to thank my O-line and Reese Vilaboy of course. The man’s a legend.”

Coach Goodman was proud of his team after tonight’s game and said this about their performance and his record breaking running back:

“I felt pretty good. Obviously, there were a few missed cues in those crazy senior plays, but it was cool to get the single season rushing record. It seems like it’s just about one person, but it’s about the five or six people in front of him to make that thing happen. It’s a team effort, so I was glad to see us do that”

The Titans go on the road to face Tempe Prep for their final regular season game at Mesa Community College at 7:00 on November 1st. Titan Up.