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

GILBERT – The Chandler Prep Titans fell to the San Tan Roadrunners on Friday night in Gilbert. Feeding off a packed capacity on Homecoming night, the San Tan Roadrunners rode the wave of five interceptions to defeat Chandler Prep, 21-7. 

“We battled the whole game on defense today,” Chandler Prep coach Chris Ator said.  “Our guys have been positive all season, and I think we need to use this game as a learning opportunity.”

After forcing a three-and-out, Chandler Prep started the first drive of the game on its own 10-yard line. On a third-and-8 play, Titans junior quarterback Kody Dodson threw an interception when junior defensive end Henry Tauscher fell back in coverage, setting the Roadrunners up on the Titans’ 5-yard-line.

On the next play, sophomore fullback Porter Smith ran it in for San Tan, giving them an early 7-0 margin.

Halfway through the fourth quarter, the score stood at 7-0. San Tan orchestrated a five-play, 64-yard touchdown drive with 4:40 remaining. The drive was capped off when senior running back Brandt Propes found a hole in the defense and scored on a 43-yard run to make it 14-0 with 4:40 left in the game

Dodson and the Titans quickly responded with a touchdown drive of their own. The Titans marched down the field to score in two minutes to cut the deficit in half with 2:39 remaining. Dodson amassed 75 total yards and a 5-yard passing touchdown to junior wide receiver Aaron Crawford during the drive 

A failed onside kick attempt led to another San Tan touchdown when Propes exploded for a 31-yard touchdown run with 35 seconds left in regulation to make it 21-7.

Propes finished with 21 carries, 146 yards, and two TDs. Smith added 14 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown of his own. 

“Hats off to them. They came out with a good plan,” San Tan coach Chase Cartwright said. “They wanted to stop our passing game, and we leaned on our offensive line, tight ends, and running backs to conjure up some drive-savers for us. I was proud of our efforts.”

For the Titans, Hamler had seven carries for 53 yards. Sophomore wide receiver Logan Kelley caught nine passes for 96 yards. Junior wide receiver Aaron Crawford corralled five passes for 54 yards and a touchdown.

“For us to be down 7-0 with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter is a big testament to how hard our guys work," Ator said.

Dodson completed 20 of 45 passes for 225 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions.

“I always tell my teammates that we’re still in the game and there is still time to bounce back,” Dodson said. “As the leader, I just need to keep my confidence. We have to start strong and finish strong, and play for each other.”

Chandler Prep (3-2, 0-1) will play at Bisbee (2-2, 1-0) on Friday at 7 p.m.

San Tan Charter (4-1, 1-0) will play at American Leadership Academy - Anthem South (2-3, 0-1) on Friday at 7 p.m.