Chandler’s Lions sputtered in the first half against Perry Friday night, but found their rhythm in the fourth quarter and turned a tight game into a runaway.
They led only 14-13 at halftime and 21-13 after three periods, but rang up three touchdowns in the final period to win, 41-13.
“We played one good quarter of ball,” said Chandler coach Jack Gray. “The first three quarters, it was just a lot of mistakes, coming off blocks early, not picking up the right guys.
“They brought the fight to us and played tough. they had a great group of kids. They were playing a lot harder than we were the first half and most of the third quarter.
“It took us a while to wake up.”
Once they did, Perry had no answers, especially for the run game.
Casmen Hill carried 41 times for 294 yards and four scores and the Lions finished with 394 yards rushing.
“In the fourth quarter we broke off a couple of long runs, and I thought that’s what we could do the whole night,” Gray said.
Kaden Jones rushed for a touchdown and connected with Stefaun Mackey for a touchdown pass.
Now, it’s on to Marlow Friday, where the Lions will take on the unbeaten Outlaws at 7:30 p.m. Friday night in Round 2 of the playoffs.
Marlow is 11-0 and fresh off a 63-20 whack ing of Purcell in the first round. They have rarely been challenged this season, with their closest game a 40-14 win over Class 4A Chicka sha in their opener.
“We have to have better practice,” Gray said. “The guys were excited about the playoffs, but unfocused.
“We have to get them zeroed in on Marlow. It’s going to be another animal, just like last year.
“Practice has to be tough, physical and focused.”
Last year, Marlow edged the Lions, 31-28, in the third round of the playoffs.