The target never leaves Chandler’s football program.

This year, the Wolves come into the season ranked No.10 nationally by MaxPreps.com.

They also come in with a 26-game winning streak, the longest in the state, and have won four state championships in a row.

They went 13-0 last year, capturing the first Open Division state championship in Rick Garretson’s first season as head coach.

Garretson was named The Arizona Republic High School Football Coach of the Year.

“Preseason polls reflect last year’s success and how many returning starters you have,” Garretson said. “We have a ton of work ahead of us in preparation for the 2020 season.”

Chandler is the only Arizona school ranked in the Top 25 by MaxPreps.

MORE: Defending state champion Chandler cautiously returns to football field

Quarterback Mikey Keene became the first Chandler quarterback to lead the school to an undefeated championship season. He is back, along with running backs Eli Sanders and Nicolas Nesbitt, and receivers Jalen Richmond and Kyion Grayes, along with defensive end/outside linebacker Brandon Buckner.

Chandler opens the season against perennial state powerhouse Peoria Centennial on Aug. 21 and finishes against rival Chandler Hamilton. Both schools should give the Wolves a run for the Open title.

MaxPreps Preseason Top 10

No. 1 IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.

No. 2 Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif.

No. 3 St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif.

No. 4 St. Frances Academy, Baltimore, Md.

No. 5 North Shore, Houston, Texas

No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

No. 7 St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia, Pa.

No. 8 Duncanville, Texas

No. 9 Grayson, Loganville, Ga.

No. 10 Chandler

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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