Jakob Arnarsson is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Westwood High School for AZPreps365.com.

MESA — Before Brandon Large could sign the contract, he needed to take a walk.

It wasn't meant to bring him a breath of fresh air but rather to take a walk down memory lane. Large wanted to explore the halls of Westwood High School that he used to call home.

“I told them, before I can accept this job, I need to go walk the campus and just see how everything is. And walking the campus was amazing,” Large said. “I was able to take (my wife) and walk her around and show her everything — and that was special.”

A decade earlier, Large walked the campus as a student. He was the team’s quarterback, helping lead the team on several long playoff runs. Now, Large returns in a new role along the sideline. 

As a coach, Large is trying to bring Westwood back to the success he enjoyed as a player. His goal is to constantly build up the program until it is one of the premier choices in the state. 

The formula is proving to be effective. Last season, in Large’s fourth year in charge, Westwood made the playoffs for the first time in 12 seasons. 

“It was amazing,” Large said. “You put everything you have into it, and just seeing that reward for the boys and for the community was amazing.”

Heading into the regular season finale, a home game against Salpointe Catholic, the Warriors hold a 4-5 record. A win would likely secure them a second straight playoff appearance.

But success on the field isn’t his top priority. His focus is on his players. He seeks to create a good experience for each, helping them grow as players and young men. He knows the results will follow. 

“I'm the type of person that doesn't view a successful season by wins and losses,” Large said. “(I judge it) more so by the impact that we're making on our boys and getting them ready for life and to be outstanding young men and amazing fathers and husbands at some point.”

He looks back fondly at the memories he created at Westwood. He was the team’s starting quarterback as a junior and senior back in 2006-07. In his senior season, he helped lead the team to a 7-6 record.

“I am a Westwood guy,” Large said. “I absolutely loved my time at Westwood and loved the experience that Westwood gave me and the connections that I had and that I still have with the Westwood community.” 

At the heart of the success is Large’s relationship with his players. He recognizes that building them up to the program he wishes to hinges on his ability to help his players grow.

“A coach like Coach Large is what guys need for inspiration and to have the ability to think that they are going to the next level,” said Keshawn Barkus, the team's leading rusher. “They have the power to go to the next level with someone like that by your side.” 

Large leads by example. He expects constant effort from each of his players. No matter their role, he wants them to practice and play hard. 

So, Large does the same. He invests long nights all year round into the program.

“I think he puts in more work than most guys in the state,” said Tevin Rutherford, Westwood’s first-year Athletic Director. “I think it shows in the culture of his program.”