The Patriots played host to American Collegiate Academy Friday on senior night, riding a five-game win streak and looking to clinch their sixth victory in a row.
Prior to the game, though, Heritage took time to recognize senior members of football, band and cheer, as well as, for the first time, the team’s senior statisticians, Logan Kapit and Arnav Kumar, and photographer, Alycia Cypress.
Despite an early three-and-out for the Patriots on their initial drive of the game, Heritage found the endzone first midway through the first quarter after senior RB Carlson Joseph powered his way across the goal line.
American Collegiate Academy would respond with a score of their own on the ensuing possession, trimming Heritage’s lead to 7-6 following a 20-yard touchdown pass and missed extra point.
Later in the first, senior QB Edwin Rhodes found junior WR Vinson Davis for an 18-yard score to extend the lead to 14-6. Following a quick defensive series, Rhodes found paydirt once again to start off the second quarter, this time connecting with senior WR Douglas Emilien to push the lead to 21-6.
Before Heritage could pull away, though, American Collegiate Academy returned a Patriot’s onside kick attempt back for a touchdown, closing the gap to 21-13.
On the very next drive, Rhodes dumped it off to junior WR Oronde Gadson, who evaded two defenders to walk in for the score with 10:40 to go in the first half. On the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, Rhodes faked the handoff and strolled untouched into the endzone to give the Patriots the 29-13 advantage.
Another defensive stand put the ball back into Rhodes’ hands, who racked up his fourth touchdown of the day on a pass to sophomore WR Jacolby Spells with 6:55 remaining in the second to give Heritage the 35-13 lead.
An interception by sophomore CB Earl Little Jr. on the next series set up shop once again for the Patriots at around midfield, who cashed in for six on a 15-yard pitch to Joseph for his second score of the day.
Rhodes would close out the half with his fifth touchdown pass of the game on another strike to Davis to give Heritage a 49-13 lead heading into the break.
The second half featured more of the same dominance from the Patriots, who would shutout American Collegiate Academy for the rest of the game, record two more defensive takeaways, two more touchdowns, and a safety to win the game with a commanding 64-13 lead.
The victory moves Heritage to 7-1 on the season heading into the final regular season game of the year.
“We had a great game,” Joseph said following his two-touchdown performance. “We almost had our perfect game. Next week, hopefully we can put it all together.”
The Patriots will look to ride their momentum into homecoming week, when they play host to Hallandale next Friday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 pm.
All photos taken by Joanne Haner
