Chandler Erases Early 14-0 Deficit to Win Battle of Arizona Ave

One of the biggest Rivalries in Arizona high school football took place on Arizona Avenue as the Chandler Wolves and the Hamilton Huskies squared off.

It would be Chandler who won this year's matchup as they took home a 31-24 victory.

This one is special for 5-star Oregon QB commit Will Mencl, as he is able to get his first Battle of Arizona Avenue win for the first time in his career.

“In my three years here, I have never won Battle of Arizona Ave,” Mencl said. “All week, knowing there is a big goal to win this game.”

Even though Chandler won, it seemed like Hamilton was going to run away with it with their fast start.

On the second play of the game, Hamilton 4-star QB Jax Sculley heaved a deep bomb down the field to Eastern Washington wide receiver commit Christian Riley for a 73-yard gain.

The following play, Sculley ran a QB sneak for a 1-yard touchdown.

Hamilton’s defense came to play early too, as they forced a fumble that was recovered by 3-star Nevada commit Connor Strand.

A few plays later, Sculley fired a quick pass over to Riley for a 3-yard score.

Kicking off the game on fire, Hamilton got out to a 14-0 lead only four minutes into the game.

After turning the ball over on their first drive, Chandler responded on their following drive to get on the board.

Mencl connected with 3-star Sacramento State WR commit Maxwell Sprott to set the Wolves offense up in Hamilton’s territory.

Getting down near the goal line, the Wolves opted to run the ball to get in the end zone.

On fourth and goal, 2028 running back David Douglas ran up the middle and pushed his way into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown.

The Wolves' defense was able to get a takeaway on the next possession to get the ball back.

2028 defensive back Brivid Laudermilk was able to snag an interception to stop Hamilton’s momentum on offense.

Closing out the first quarter, Chandler was able to tie the game up.

Mencl floated a pass to the back of the end zone to 2028 wide receiver Easton Arreola for a 5-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14 apiece.

Early in the second quarter, though, Hamilton would get their rhythm going on offense again to take back the lead.

Sculley threw his second touchdown pass of the night to 2029 4-star wide receiver, Roman Oliver, who maneuvered his way into the end zone for a huge 42-yard touchdown.

As halftime neared, the Wolves had one last possession to close the gap.

With time not being on their side, Chandler had to take a field goal instead of scoring another touchdown in the half.

2027 kicker Ryan Zima drilled a 32-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter.

Hamilton led 21-17 at halftime.

For a majority of the third quarter, neither offense could get a drive going.

That was until late in the third when Hamilton put together a solid drive to get into scoring position, but ultimately had to settle for a field goal.

2028 kicker Preston Olson hit a 29-yard field goal to extend the Huskies lead to 24-17.

Needing to get back into the game, Chandler relied on their star quarterback to get them back on the board.

On fourth and one in their own territory, the Wolves became aggressive and went for it.

That was when Mencl called his own number and broke free for a huge 62-yard touchdown to tie the game at 24 heading into the final quarter.

Chandler head coach Ty Wisdom said it was a way to flip the momentum and that he trusts his quarterback to get the job done.

“I thought we had a way to flip the momentum,” Wisdom said. “If I go down, I’m going down with the ball in 7’s (Mencl) hands.”

Midway through the fourth quarter, Mencl once again used his legs to score.

Securing their first lead of the game, Mencl scampered into the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown.

Chandler’s defensive unit proceeded to get a huge stop and force Hamilton to punt the ball away.

That would be the last time the Huskies had possession as Chandler proceeded to move the chains with their ground attack.

Chewing up the remaining clock, Chandler would go on to win 31-24 and move to 9-1 on the season.

Now likely securing a first-round bye in the Open Division playoffs, Chandler is still going to prepare like they do any other week in hopes of making a deep playoff push.

“I know it’s a bye week, but we’re not taking it off at all,” Mencl said. “Just being intentional with everything we do.”

Next up: 9-1 Chandler and 8-2 Hamilton await their final seedings for the Open Division playoffs that kick off next week.