Chandler Knocks Off Hamilton 30–17, Advances to Open Division State Championship
In the latest chapter of the Battle of Arizona Avenue, Chandler delivered a statement victory when it mattered most. The Wolves stunned top-ranked Hamilton 30–17 in Saturday night’s Open Division semifinal, earning a spot in the AIA State Championship and avenging their regular-season loss to the Huskies.
From the very first snap, the tone was set. A disastrous Hamilton miscue — a snap that went into the end zone — resulted in a safety and gave Chandler an immediate 2–0 lead. That early break sparked a dominant first half for the Wolves on both sides of the ball.
Wolves Control the First Half
With momentum in hand, Chandler leaned heavily on junior quarterback Will Mencl, who became the focal point of the offense and the eventual hero of the night. Mencl powered in two first-half rushing touchdowns, helping extend the lead to 16–0 at halftime, while Chandler’s defense suffocated Hamilton’s normally explosive offensive attack.
Hamilton, which entered the night as one of the top teams in Arizona and a national top-20 squad, couldn’t establish rhythm early. The Wolves’ defensive front controlled the line of scrimmage, limited the run game, and forced long third-down situations that stalled drives throughout the first two quarters.
Second Half Surge and the Dagger
Early in the fourth quarter, Mencl delivered the knockout blow. On a designed run inside the red zone, he broke through for his third rushing touchdown of the game, extending Chandler’s lead to 30–3 and electrifying the crowd.
Hamilton finally responded with two late scoring drives, trimming the deficit to 30–17, but the comeback came too late. Chandler’s defense tightened once again in the final minutes, closing out one of the program’s most complete performances of the season.
Player of the Game: Will Mencl
There was no question who the star was. Quarterback Will Mencl turned in a career performance, scoring all three of Chandler’s touchdowns and never committing a turnover. His legs were the difference, repeatedly extending drives and finishing possessions in the red zone with power and confidence.
Mencl’s Final Line:
- 3 rushing TDs
- Zero turnovers
- Commanded a ball-control offense that dictated tempo all night
His performance wasn’t just productive it was poised, timely, and championship-caliber
