2017 Early Contenders high school football preview: No. 14 Chandler

PREVIOUS: No. 13 DeMathaNEXT: No. 15 Cass Tech

Video: 2017 Early Contenders: No. 14 Chandler
Host Zack Poff breaks down the Wolves' prospects this season, complete with video highlights.

Head coach: Shaun Aguano

Last season: 13-2, No. 17 national ranking, won 6A state title

Last decade: 93-33, one state title



Famous alumni/players: NFL quarterback Brett Hundley (Packers), former NFL first-round pick Adam Archuleta, New York Giants running back Paul Perkins PLAYERS TO WATCH

WR Gunner Romney (6-3, 200, Sr.) — The state's No. 8 recruit, who committed to BYU this month, had 70 catches for 1,309 yards last season.

QB Jacob Conover (6-2, 200, Jr.) — The Sophomore All-American threw for 3,715 yards and 32 touchdowns last season.

DT Chris Manoa (6-0, 300, Sr.) — Arizona's No. 21 recruit, who had four sacks and eight hurries last year, has committed to UNLV.

WR Jarrick Caldwell (6-3, 200, Sr.) — Look for Caldwell's numbers to jump up dramatically after catching 26 passes for 484 yards and four touchdowns.

WR Bryce Jackson (5-9, 178, Sr.) — The UNLV commit gives Conover a third big threat. KEY GAMES



Aug. 26 — vs. No. 3 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)

Sept. 8 — vs. Mountain Pointe (Phoenix)

Oct. 27 — vs. Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) STORYLINES

* Eleven starters return from the state title team and with top players off an 8-1 junior varsity squad stepping up, a repeat title run appears within grasp.

* With so many receiving weapons to go along with top junior RB/CB DeCarlos Brooks, Conover might throw for more than 4,000 yards.

* Brooks will need to partially fill the shoes of All-Arizona running back T.J. Green, now at the University of Arizona.



* Romney is not only the team's top recruit, but according to Aguano "Is one of the most remarkable young men and athletes that I have ever coached," he told Richard Obert of the Arizona Republic. "His character, leadership, work ethic and intelligence are incredible. … He will be very successful in whatever he does."

* Aguano has scheduled ambitiously for years, but admitted to Obert that in IMG Academy, a squad with more than 20 top FBS scholarship players, Chandler will be facing "A different animal. I want to front-load our schedule with powers and see how these kids respond."