The long-awaited football season kicked off under the sunset 7:30, Aug. 25 at home. Starting out the season as the #20 team nationally, playing against St. Johns out of Washington D.C., ranked #26 nationally, Heritage began their season against a strong opponent. However, the St. Johns Cadets were not strong enough to take them down, as Heritage pulled away with a 45-20 win.
The first quarter started out slow with multiple incomplete passes and false starts until sophomore defensive end Kymani Morales recovered a fumble and ran into the end zone, scoring the first touchdown of the season. The Cadets returned the favor with a rushing touchdown halfway through the second quarter, which only inspired the Patriots to build momentum. Junior kicker Gavin Harvey’s field goal, along with touchdowns from sophomore wide receivers Malachi Toney and Brandon Bennett increased the Patriot’s lead to 24-6 by halftime.
The drive did not end here as Heritage further pulled away in the second half. Three substantial plays – junior running back Deandre Desinor’s rushing touchdown, junior defensive tackle Omarian Abraham’s pick six and junior running back Chance Washington’s run and rushing touchdown – secured a Heritage win when the score became 45-13 with nine minutes to go. The Cadets got in one last touchdown to make the final score 45-20.
All the work the football team put in this summer shined on the field, and the team can now head into the first day of school on a win.
