Perry seeks its first title Saturday vs. Chandler with Brock Purdy leading the way (AzPreps365 photo)

 

This year's 6A championship game opponents -- Chandler and Perry -- didn't become acquainted until 2013. Chandler was in the midst of becoming a perennial power and
Perry gradually working toward that level.

They meet in a winner-take all contest at University of Arizona Stadium today at 7 p.m. -- Chandler in search of back-to-back titles and a third in four years. Perry is ooking for ultimate paydirt and its first title in its first-ever title game.

The record between them over five years has Chandler dominating. The Wolves have won all six meetings and by large margins - an average tally of 55-20. That includes Perry's only three losses the last two seasons - the most recent two months ago with Chandler's 55-27 triumph.

Perry needs to set aside that chunk of history and believe -- as they seem to at this point -- the top trophy is up for grabs.

The game figures to be a shootout although Chandler's defense was the better unit in the earlier meeting. Chandler suffered its only two losses early in the season with junior quarterback Jacob Conover sidelined for 1 1/2 of those losses by a shoulder injury. Since Conover's return -- which just happened to occur vs. Perry on Oct. 6 - the Wolves are averaging 55 points a game. They've won nine games in a row, six with Conover back at the helm. Conover passed for just 200 yards in that game. His backfield mates Drake Anderson and DeCarlos Brooks sliced and diced Perry for most of the 407 rushing yards that night. Chandler built a 28-0 lead at the half  - the only half this season Perry's offense has been shut out.

Conover, who has yet to decide on a college, has passed for 949 yards and 15 TDs in three playoff games - 7 TDs in the semifinal win over Red Mountain. Conover has thrown 23 TDs in eight games with only two interceptions. The Wolves have the luxury of picking their poison offensively to subdue foes.

Perry possesses 6A's most prolific quarterback in senior Brock Purdy. Purdy has passed for 4,083 yards and 52 touchdowns. Add another 886 yards rushing and nine TD he's nearly the 5,000-yard man. In his three playoff games, Purdy's thrown for 1,146 yards and 14 TDs.

Purdy has yet to receive an appropriate offer at the next level most fans and his coaches believe he deserves. At this point a championship would than salve that wound.

With so much firepower in both lineups starting at quarterback, it wouldn't be right not to mention the guys that take the handoffs and catch the passes.

Chandler's receivers are led by the dynamic tandem of Gunner Romney and Jarick Caldwell. Both have missed time due to injury like Conover. Their numbers are impressive - 65 catches for 1,279 yards, 14 TDs for Romney and 47 receptions for 729 yards and 4 TDs for Caldwell. Chandler's backs can carry the load anytime. Anderson's rushed for 1,811 yards and 29 scores and Brooks 1,148 yards and 13 TDs.

Perry's main targets are senior Colby Dickie and junior D'Shayne James. Dickie has caught 61 passes for 1,273 yards and eight TDs. He moves the chains often. James is the over-the-top wide out. James has hauled in 43 receptions for 1,009 yards and 13 TDs. His line was 4 for 156 and a TD in the win over Mountain Pointe.

Perry's ground game is led by Purdy with his scrambling and designed runs, but Kenny Fultz can be a handful as he proved in the semis vs. Mountain Pointe with 95 yards and three TDs. Fultz has rushed for 616 yards and 15 TDs.