Michael Chandler's UFC Return Sparks Rivalry Amid Man Utd Turmoil

Michael Chandler's team rallied to a 31-24 victory over Hamilton in the Battle For Arizona Avenue on Thursday night, Nov. 5, 2026, securing a 9-1 regular season record ahead of the state playoffs. The win came after Chandler's quarterback Will Mencl overcame a 14-0 deficit with two touchdown passes and two rushing scores, including a 62-yard run on fourth-and-1 to tie the game at 24-24 in the third quarter. Chandler finished the regular season ranked No. 2 in the 6A AIA/MaxPreps poll, while Hamilton dropped to No. 3 after an 8-2 finish. The teams will learn their playoff seeding Saturday morning, Nov. 7, when the 12-team bracket is released. Chandler's fourth-quarter drive culminated in a 4-yard touchdown run with 6:57 remaining, sealing the first lead of the game at 31-24. Mencl broke loose on a fourth-and-1 play, sprinting up the middle for a 62-yard touchdown that tied the score at 24-24 with 1:59 left in the third quarter. He then drove the team 73 yards on three straight passes before capping the comeback with a 4-yard touchdown run. The victory marked Chandler's fourth consecutive win over Hamilton in the rivalry, following a 30-17 playoff win last year where he ran for 105 yards and three touchdowns. The game drew an overflow crowd at Hamilton High School, with the final score standing as the decisive result of the regular-season finale.