It was a thrilling back and forth battle that came down to the final quarter.

In the final 12 minutes, host Chandler scored 24 unanswered points to prevail over No. 6 Centennial, 47-27, Friday night in the quarterfinal round of the Open.

"It wasn't pretty, but it's all about advancing,” Chandler head coach Rick Garretson “That's all that matters."

The ugly for Chandler happened as soon as the third quarter started.

It had the lead, 23-7, and the momentum, but the third quarter was highlighted by the Centennial’s fierce defense, which caused three turnovers that led to 20 points for the Coyotes.

Chandler running back Xavier Valdivia fumbled after a huge hit from Centennial senior safety Demari Washington. Centennial junior defensive end Noah Carter scooped the fumble and returned it for a 90-yard score.

A Kenneth Worthy III interception led to Centennial junior fullback Aaden Nguyen’s 1-yard TD run.

Another fumble by Valdivia was scooped and scored by Centennial senior defensive back Aaron Monroe Jr.

And just like that Centennial led 27-23 heading into the fourth quarter.

But script flipped once again after Chandler capitalized on Centennial's mistakes.

Chandler scored 24 unanswered points via a touchdown pass from Dylan Raiola to Tyreeq Styles, Charles Ennis 2-yard TD run, 20-yard field goal from Jacob Medina, and 45-yard punt return for a touchdown by Blake Heffron to ice the game.

"I told them we had them right where we wanted them," said Garretson on the message to his team after a rocky third quarter.

The only score in the first quarter belonged to Chandler.

Raiola found Ennis for a 5-yard TD grab. Centennial responded later in the second quarter with a drive that consisted of five plays and 71 yards, ending with senior running back Kavaughn Clark punching in a 2-yard run.

But Chandler didn't blink. The Wolves scored 16 straight points in the remaining four minutes of the second quarter.

Raiola threw his second touchdown of the night to Styles for 40 yards.

Shortly after, Valdivia punched in a 3-yard TD run. After a 33-yard field goal from Medina, Chandler went into halftime on a high note.

As for Centennial, Centennial head coach Richard Taylor credited his senior class for leading a tremendous turnaround, going 3-8 last season to 8-3 this season.

"This senior class has so much to be proud of,” he said. “After going 3-8 last season, that's all everyone talked about. No one talked about our seven state championships prior, and these guys kept their heads down, went to work and led this charge in bringing the program back into championship shape. I am forever grateful for this senior class. We have lots of young talent. We will be just fine."

Centennial will Iose 23 seniors but returns lots of freshmen, sophomores and juniors that contributed to the Coyotes’ success this season.

For Chandler, it advanced to the Open Division semifinals to face a familiar foe, Basha, the No. 2 seed.

The Wolves will look to avenge their 14-7 loss to Basha in late October.