Heffernan’s Bluejays Set Positive Momentum for the Season

Elmhurst student-athletes during the Elmhurst Football game vs. Rockford on 9/13/2025. (PC: Lorrie Decker/Elmhurst Athletics)

Mike Heffernan earned his first win as the head football coach at Elmhurst University. The Bluejays defeated Rockford University 34-30 on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Langhorst Field.

“Obviously, the first win as the head football coach is extremely special, very emotional,” said Heffernan. “But just like I told the team, it isn’t about me, it’s about them. They deserved it.”

The Bluejays won in a sloppy and turnover filled game. They jumped out to an early three-possession lead at halftime after two touchdowns in each of the first two quarters. However, a change at quarterback for Rockford sparked a strong third quarter to draw within four. Both defenses stiffened in the final quarter as a late interception for the Bluejays sealed the win.

Both teams had four turnovers. Rockford’s starting quarterback had three interceptions in the first half before being benched.

“We did a great job taking it away, but we need to do a better job taking care of it,” said Heffernan. The Bluejays threw two interceptions and fumbled the ball twice.

Individual performances from the Bluejays show talent in the rough. John Odom threw for 400 yards and four touchdowns. Mason Leach led the team in rushing and receiving yards with 88 rushing yards and 122 receiving yards, including two touchdowns, one of which went for 70 yards.

“I just did my job, John [Odom] threw me a good ball, and I looked upfield to see Preston [Simard] and David [Monteilh] blocking for me,” said Leach. “They created the lane, I just had to navigate it. The best part was turning around and seeing my boys right there with me.”

“Mason did have a good game. He was very productive on the ground and catching the football. I am really proud of where Mason has come since the Spring,” said Heffernan.

Jonathan Wells added two interceptions for the defense.

Heffernan took over for the Bluejays in February of this year and is an alumni who played on the team for three years. Previously in his professional career, Heffernan was the head coach of The College of St. Scholastica.

“Knowing that Coach Heffernan was [a Bluejay] definitely helps in buying in,” said Leach. “But it is who he is and how he runs our program that speaks to me and my teammates the most. He makes it known that he is always there for every one of us.”

This fall, Bluejay football follows last year’s 3-7 season, in which they lost their opening game to Adrian College 55-20.

“It definitely gives us confidence starting out 1-0. This is what we practiced for and trained for all throughout camp, so it feels good to have it pay off,” said Leach. “We are going into next week with a 0-0 mentality.”

The following week, the Bluejays played their road opener against Illinois Wesleyan University on Sept. 20. Former EU head coach Mike Murray is the defensive coordinator for the IWU Titans after stepping down last year. Bluejays lost 42-6.