As the fall football season continues, players and students are ready for that special Friday Homecoming game. The Wolves are striving for their tenth consecutive Homecoming game win (not including the canceled 2020 season). As Chandler Football prepares for the Chandler vs. Highland face-off, we get in on some details from coaches and players about this season.

This year’s starting quarterback, Senior Blake Heffron explained that camaraderie is a strength for the team this season, “Last year we were kind of separated. This year we are really trying to be together as one.” Heffron said their coaches have an impact on and off the field.  Heffron said, “Our coaches are very good and they’re very influential. They’re teaching the team to become men outside of football and in the real world and how to face adversity, how to overcome adversity and get through everyday life outside of football.” In addition to great hands-on leadership from the coaches, the Wolves have implemented a leadership council program every Thursday. Senior tight end Kaden Anderson commented, “Leadership is great. We have lots of leaders. Lots of guys being vocal. I feel good about how Coach Underwood and the rest of the coaches are leading us.” Senior defensive end Jeremiah Young, who is a part of the leadership team added, “It feels like we are doing a good job in making sure everyone is on track with what they’re supposed to be doing. We are making stronger brotherhoods and obviously striving for a championship.”

Head Coach Garretson thinks the whole team is in great shape and feels positive about the season. He stated, “They put in a lot of time in the off season, in the summertime, in the weight room, and it eventually gets time to play ball and I have been very happy with their performance.” Senior wide receiver Justice Spann added, “Not a lot of teams are doing what we are doing. We do what everyone else doesn’t do. We are working harder than everyone else.”

 Coach Garretson said fans should pay special attention to the Wolves defense this year. “We got a new defensive coordinator, Coach DeRosa. He brings a different type of defensive package than what we’ve run in the past. It’s a very complicated format to attack offensively. It fits our personnel really well,” he said. Coach Garretson is already happy with the season so far and every aspect the players bring to the table. He said that overall the team isn’t the largest it has been before, but is maintaining the ability to play well with lots of great players. Only time will tell as the season unfolds to see this year’s team capability. Coach Garretson and multiple players all agreed that the heat at afternoon practices only makes them stronger and more prepared for upcoming games as they bear the blazing Arizona sun together. He embraces the importance of keeping players safe by giving them breaks in the shade and having Mr. Deer and the sports medicine team are around to keep players hydrated and healthy.

So what does the season look like for the Chandler Wolves leading up to the Homecoming game? Chandler Football has not faced Highland since 2021, so many questions can arise about what the outcome will be. Heffron is looking forward to an exciting match-up against a strong opponent; “I’d say it’s gonna be a great game. Last year Highland won the 6A State Championship, so they’re gonna be no joke. They’re actually really good, so it’s gonna be a great Homecoming game.” Young said, “We feel good, working everyday, getting the little things fixed. So when it comes to game time, we will be a step ahead of everybody. The little details matter.” Young explains that despite the increased hype for a Homecoming game, the Wolves will prepare and play like any other game of the season; “Yes, it’s a Homecoming game, but we don’t really think about that stuff. We go into every week preparing hard. We don’t underestimate anybody. We feel the same way about every other game.” 

With an exciting Homecoming game coming up and positive feedback from players and the head coach, the Wolves shoot not just for a Homecoming win but the overall season goal. Heffron made that end goal clear, “The team would like to leave a legacy and obviously hold up that State Championship trophy at the end of the year.”