THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 25, 2021
Sports
SPORTS 37
Chandler’s Kyion Grayes aims for greatness you’re not going to play,’” Grayes said. “The only reason I am playing is because I can block.” Grayes is not just a blocker, however. Quick off the line of scrimmage, his
BY DREW SCHOTT Staff Writer
O
n the first play of the 2020 Open Division Championship, Chandler coach Rick Garretson witnessed what he called probably the best block he has ever seen in high school football. As senior running back Eli Sanders raced 80 yards to the end zone for the game’s opening touchdown, he went untouched by any of Hamilton’s defenders, thanks in part to a pancake block laid by one of his teammates. It wasn’t an offensive lineman. It wasn’t a tight end either. It was junior wide receiver Kyion Grayes II, playing in his first game back from an ankle injury, heeding the advice of passing game coordinator Chad Carpenter. “He says, ‘if you’re not going to block,
see KYION page 38
Left: Since joining Chandler ahead of his freshman season, Kyion Grayes has dreamt of becoming the next great wide receiver to come out of the Wolves’ program. Now entering his senior year, he’s the top-rated wideout in the state and plans to play at the next level for Ohio State University. Right: Chandler head coach Rick Garretson praised Grayes for his passion and dedication to the game. Garretson said Grayes enjoys being coached hard in practice and does what he can to help his team succeed.
(Zac BonDurant/Contributor)
Chandler High coach vies for Shula Award BY DREW SCHOTT Staff Writer
R
ick Garretson is already well on his way continuing the success of Chandler High School’s football program. Since taking over for Shaun Agauno in 2019, Garretson has recorded a 23-0 record and two Open Division Championships. People are taking notice, including the front office of the Arizona Cardinals, which nominated Garretson for the 2021 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award. “It’s quite an honor to represent Arizona and to represent the city of Chandler and Chandler High School,” Garretson said. According to the National Football League Foundation, the award is given to the coach who demonstrates “the integrity, achievement, and leadership
Chandler High football coach Rick Garretson is a contender for a prestigious NFL award. (MaxPress)
exemplified by the winningest coach in NFL history, Don Shula” and can “demonstrate a commitment to the health and safety of their players as well as the exemplary characteristics of the late Coach Don Shula.” Shula is best known for serving as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 1970-1995. He won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1972 and 1973 and led the Dolphins to a 14-0 perfect season in 1972. “He is the ultimate football coach,” Garretson said. “When I think of guys growing up in my era, you’ve got (Vince) Lombardi and you’ve got Shula.” Garretson said his nomination for the award is a reflection of his program and the dedication of his players and coaches. “It’s a tribute to my players, a tribute to my coaches because I’ve always said ‘It’s not a one man show,’” Garretson
see SHULA page 38
