Heidelberg senior quarterback Chase Craft is closing in on two major career milestones. He has thrown for 8,771 yards and 109 touchdowns and rushed for 3,713 yards and 55 touchdowns.
Craft is 1,229 passing yards away from 10,000 and 287 rushing yards short of 4,000. He has also drawn college interest, with reported offers from Mississippi State, Utah, Southern Miss, UNLV and Oregon State.
Still, Craft has one goal at the top of his list: helping Heidelberg win another state championship.
“Only one goal and the same goal from the summer is that gold ball,” Craft said.
Craft has played football since he was four and became Heidelberg’s starting quarterback as a freshman. He said reaching these milestones would mean a lot, but his journey has also been shaped by faith and the people who have supported him.
“What stands out about how far I’ve come is putting matters in God’s hands,” Craft said. “I know every Friday I touch the field, it’s time to dominate!”
He credits his family, coaches and Heidelberg fans for helping him along the way. His mother’s work ethic gives him an especially strong reason to keep pushing.
“The biggest reason is my family, coaches and, most importantly, nothing like those Heidelberg Oilers fans,” Craft said. “Just looking how hard my mother works as a woman, I know one day what I’m doing right now is to retire her.”
Craft’s experience at multiple positions has helped him understand the game from both sides of the ball. He said playing defense has sharpened his ability to read opposing schemes when he lines up at quarterback.
“Playing those positions, especially on the defensive side of the ball, I can pick the defensive side of the ball apart back there as QB by reading what scheme they in,” Craft said. “Not only on offensive side, defense too!”
One of Craft’s most memorable moments came when Heidelberg won the 2024 state championship. He remembers taking on a major role as the Oilers made their title run.
“Winning the state title in 2024, putting the team on my back!” he said.
Now Craft hopes to help lead Heidelberg back to Davis Wade Stadium. He knows the career milestones are connected to the team around him.
“I stay focused by staying to course,” he said. “I wouldn’t be able to chase individual goals without my teammates, my brothers, leading them towards Davis Wade. I know that I’m achieving my individual goals!”
Craft wants Heidelberg supporters to remember the journey and what it meant to represent the Oilers.
“I want them to remember that it was amazing ride and a blessing to represent them as an Oiler,” he said. “And we ain’t done yet!”
