Thomas Cogdell is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chandler Preparatory Academy for AZpreps365.com

After a 6-4 finish last year and a third-place ranking in the 2A Gila section, Chandler Preparatory Academy looks to extend its history of winning this season.

With young and recognizable faces filling the roster accompanied by vets like Nolan Kemper, Chandler Prep has started with a 2-2 record.  

These young faces propelling the Titans to victory are ones who have been around the program for years. Players like Adrian Robinson and Creon Fulgham got experience in their sophomore year during Chandler's 6-4 run but now look to build on last year's success. 

Just as Robinson and Fulgham did last season, they look for the same from their younger teammates. The seniors that once coached them up have graduated, and now they look to replicate that same leadership. 

“This year, I’m expecting big things, especially from our freshmen,” said Fulgham. “We don’t have that many players, but I’d say we have four starting freshmen just because one, they're that good, and two, we need numbers.” 

Quarterback Nolan Kemper has been on Chandler Prep's roster since he first strapped up his cleats as a freshman and has experienced three consecutive winning seasons. 

“My senior year, I really want to be a leader and a role model for the younger kids,'' Kemper said. "Our team has a lot of younger kids that are starting on the field, and I think I wanna be someone they look up to for advice and someone that they can look up to for effort." 

Even with leadership from mature players like Robinson, Fulgham and Kemper, the level of consistent winning at Chandler Prep would be hard to achieve without a figure like coach Frank Peake.  

Peake has been a part of the Titans football program since 2014, according to azcentral's Richard Obert, and took over the job in 2021. Like some of his players, he got his feet wet last season and has big expectations for this season.

“I think we have a bright season ahead of us,” said Peake. “I think that while low in numbers, we’re mighty in heart and perseverance, and so I think the future looks great. We have a great eighth-grade class coming up, so I think the future is bright.” 

The Titans host their section rivals, the Santa Cruz Valley Dust Devils, at 7 p.m. Friday.