Video: 2017 Early Contenders — No. 14 Chandler
Host Zack Poff takes a look Arizona's top dog in our Top 25 Early Contenders series.MaxPreps 2017 Arizona Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Chandler2016 record: 13-2
Head coach: Shaun Aguano
The reigning 6A state champs have arguably the most talented team in the state, led by MaxPreps Sophomore All-American quarterback
Jacob Conover, who threw for 3,715 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2016.
The Wolves need to replace the output of graduated senior TJ Green, who ran for 2,267 yards and 35 scores last season.
Bryce Jackson returns at corner after 65 tackles and two interceptions in his junior year, while
Chris Manoa returns at defensive tackle.
DeCarlos Brooks looks to lead Chandler back to another state title.
Photo by Mark Jones
13-1
Head coach: Norris Vaughn
The Arizona power was one win away from claiming its second perfect season in school history but lost to Chandler in last year's 6A state championship game.
The Pride lost 4-star safety Isaiah Pola-Mao to the next level, but his younger brother,
Matthew Pola-Mao, should help lead one of the best defenses in the country.
See the MaxPreps Arizona football stat leaders3. Saguaro (Scottsdale)2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: Jason Mohns
The Sabercats enter 2017 as winners of 25 straight and have a chance to do something no other Arizona high school football team has ever done — win a fifth-consecutive state championship.
Quarterback
Max Massingale returns for his senior year after throwing 30 touchdowns and completing 143 of 200 passes for 2,291 yards. He also ran for 1,012 yards and 12 scores.
Josiah Bradley enters his senior season at running back after compiling 424 yards and eight scores while backing up departed senior Stone Matthews.
See the MaxPreps Arizona football playoff brackets4. Perry (Gilbert)2016 record: 11-2
Head coach: Preston Jones
The Pumas enter 2017 with rising senior quarterback
Brock Purdy coming off a monster season in 2016 where he threw for 3,333 yards and 42 touchdowns. Purdy added 842 yards rushing and eight scores.
He'll have
Kenny Fultz at running back after scampering for 592 yards and seven TDs as a junior. Purdy also will have to speedsters to throw to at wide receiver in
D'Shayne James and
Colby Dickie.
Senior safety
Braden Ford should be a ball hawk in the defensive backfield.
See the MaxPreps Arizona football photo galleries5. Hamilton (Chandler)2016 record: 7-5
Head coach: Dick Baniszewski
The Huskies have two key skill guys returning in quarterback
Tyler Shough and running back
Jawhar Jordan Jr.
Shough threw for 2,079 yards and 27 scores as a junior, while Jordan added 1,269 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground.
The lines should be stout with
Hunter Mayginnes at guard and
Gavin Anderson on the defensive line.
