Over the last decade, nearly everything about the Chandler football program could fit in one descriptor: Big-Time.

Big-time games in front of big-time crowds, big-time wins, big-time players and big-time attention from media, both local and national.

The big stage also brings big pressure.

For senior quarterback Blake Heffron, nothing seems too big so far in this 2023 season, whether it’s pressure, the opponent or even his own lineman, which sometimes tower over him.

At 5-8, Heffron is hardly the prototypical size for a signal caller, much less one leading a nationally ranked program. However, with his unique blend of leadership and humility, Heffron is built in every way to guide the Chandler ship.

“Pressure is a privilege,” Heffron says of playing a spotlight position for a team and program constantly competing there.

“It’s a privilege getting to play with these guys and to represent Chandler. I wanted to play with the best of the best, and here I am.”

As the 5-0 Wolves prepare for a matchup with Casteel this week, Heffron is exactly where he expected to be when he first joined the Chandler program as a freshman in 2020.

But one year ago, no one expected Heffron to be directing the offense as the quarterback--himself included.

                                                            Big Arm to Fill

In 2022, then-junior Dylan Raiola had claimed the job after transferring from Burleson Texas, where he had already been designated as the nation’s No. 1 class of ‘24 quarterback by most ranking services. With the size and arm strength Division I coaches love, Raiola quickly inherited the starting role for the '22 season.

But after a shutout loss to Basha in last December’s Open Division semifinals, Raiola once again sought out his own greener pastures, abruptly leaving for Pinnacle, before ending up in Georgia.

Suddenly and unexpectedly, the focus shifted back to Heffron, a quarterback by trade before Raiola’s arrival the previous season.

He played quarterback for Chandler’s freshman and junior varsity teams, and was brought up to the varsity for the 2021 playoffs as a slot receiver.

But Raiola’s splashy arrival meant Heffron’s days as a quarterback were all but over.

But he never looked elsewhere. A natural athlete with good hands, Heffron continued his dedication to the program, honing his receiving skills and becoming the primary slot receiver as a junior.

“He’s been a great leader and everything you want in a quarterback,” Chandler head coach Rick Garretson said of Heffron.

As it would also turn out, Heffron’s skill set and receiver experience have only increased his IQ as a quarterback. Something assistant coach Chad Carpenter has seen all along.

“He was a smart receiver, and especially at his size, he understands the nuances of getting open, the spacing, and helping the quarterback,” Carpenter explained this week.

“We’re spread a little thin compared to years past, and Blake’s been invaluable with emphasizing the team concept. It can be really nice coaching a kid who’s already hard on himself and is always trying to improve himself and the team.”

Carpenter knows what he’s talking about in terms of Effron’s dual skill set. He was a standout quarterback growing up in Weiser, Idaho, but his talent as a wide receiver allowed him to excel at Washington State, before the Arizona Cardinals drafted him in the fifth round as a receiver in 1997.

As a seasoned Chandler offensive assistant and quarterback coach, Carpenter’s work with Heffron has proved beneficial for everyone involved.

“There’s a lot of great athletes playing quarterback in high school and college,” Carpenter explains. “A lot of kids get used to beating teams with their legs, but when it comes down to it, a great quarterback needs to also use his arm, and more importantly he needs the understanding of when to do both.” 

                                               No ‘I’ in team or Heffron

Four plays into a highly touted week three matchup against nationally ranked Orange Lutheran out of Southern California, Wolves star tight end Kaden Anderson went down with a torn ACL.

For a few moments, a silent anxiety filled the air at Chandler’s Austin Field.

“That was a huge loss,” Heffron conceded.

“At that point most of our offense was wrapped around Kaden, and especially for that game, so with him going down we had to have some guys step up.”

That’s exactly what happened, as Chandler relied on a balanced rushing attack and a pair of interceptions–one for a touchdown–as the Wolves secured a convincing 35-10 victory on a national stage. It also catapulted them back into the top 20 national rankings by Maxpreps. Heffron, along with tailback Ca’Lil Valentine, combined for 195 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. 

Chandler quarterback Blake Heffron has guided the Wolves back into the top 20 of the national rankings this season. Photo by Marcus Wilkins maxpreps.com

Just as important, Heffron played mistake free football, completing timely passes and protecting the ball. The stat sheet was hardly remarkable, but the victory was.

Since that victory, Heffron’s leadership and team-first mentality have provoked a seemingly contagious effect on this 2023 brand of Chandler football. 

Stepping up in Anderson’s 6-4, 225 pound absence has been junior Carter Ochoa, a 5-10, 165-pound junior who normally plays receiver on the outside.

“Carter Ochoa has really stepped up for us and filled in well, especially for someone playing tight end at his size,” Effron said.

“That’s quite a position change, but he’s really been a team player, and it’s really been the same for our entire team. We’ve had to change up some things on offense and really spread the ball around.”

                                               Big Game Blake

Last week’s showdown against Highland was a great demonstration of Chandler’s flexibility. With perhaps the state’s best defense, Highland shut down Chandler’s running game all night. So the Wolves leaned heavily on Heffron’s arm, and he got things done through the air with 220 yards, one touchdown pass and no interceptions. Most of Heffron’s damage was done outside the pocket, where he could buy time and visibility to find receivers. But Highland’s defense was stingy in the red zone, holding the Wolves to nine points in five trips.

“That got frustrating and some of it had to do with Kaden’s absence,” Heffron mentioned.

“But a lot of it had to do with Highland.”

Thanks to the Wolves defense and kicker Adriano Palotto’s three field goals, Chandler found itself nursing a 17-15 lead with under three minutes remaining. That’s when Heffron used his smarts to seal the game. 

The call was perfect–a fake handoff going left with an option for Heffron to run or pass in the opposite direction. With everyone in attendance expecting the run, Chandler wideout Justice Spann snuck into the secondary, Heffron spotted him, making for an easy catch and run touchdown from 37 yards.

Not surprisingly, Heffron gave the credit to his defense, coaches, and opposition afterward.

“I’m just lucky to be playing with these guys in this uniform,” Heffron said last Friday night.

Halfway through the season, with many battles remaining, Effron’s coaches and teammates are reciprocating the gratitude.

“He’s been a warrior and it seems like our entire team has followed his lead,” coach Carpenter added of his quarterback.

“Things could’ve gone the other way a few times, but (Blake) has really helped give us the best team chemistry we’ve had in a long time. I think one of the best qualities in a quarterback is having the discipline to avoid mistakes. When it comes down to the big games against the best teams, it can mean the difference between winning and losing.”

Big praise from one who’s done it on the big stage under big pressure. 

Or in the words of Heffron, “a privilege.”