Everyone Gets into the Act in Heritage's 65-12 Win

Heritage defensive back Brandon Barker leaps to avoid a defender, hits the turf running and heads for the end zone on a 56-yard interception return for a touchdown Friday night.

A lopsided victory not only showcased some of Heritage High School's top starters, it also provided an opportunity for a lot of underclassmen to get into the act Friday night.

Everyone seemed to have fun in the Patriots' 65-12 win over visiting Coachella Valley -- a victory that improved Heritage's record in nonleague play to 3-0.

"It's fun watching some of the kids who don't always get an opportunity to play come in and execute," said Heritage coach Kraig Broach. "That's always fun because they deserve it. That's what you can talk about tonight -- the others that deserved their time and executed."

It all started with a sound first half by the starters. Senior running back Isaiah Morrow rushed for 156 yards in the first two quarters, including touchdown runs of 54 and 60 yards. He also caught a 66-yard TD pass from quarterback Brett Virgil, who threw for 101 yards in the first half.

On defense, senior Brandon Barker had two interceptions in his first-ever start at safety -- one a 52-yard touchdown return. He now has three picks in his last two games.

In photo at right, Barker (9) watches from the sidelines with Morrow (26).

In addition, linebacker Christian Weible and defensive lineman Axel Uveakovi put constant pressure on Coachella Valley quarterback Darius Hulsey. But there was so much more to this victory, including:

-- A 51-yard touchdown run by Virgil in the first quarter (left).

-- A 1-yard touchdown run by Jalen Glover in the second quarter, set up by his own 26-yard run one play earlier, and a 29-yard TD run by Glover in the third quarter.

-- A 16-yard TD pass from Virgil to junior wide receiver CJ Newman late in the second quarter, following a fumble recovery by the Patriots' Quentin Asberry.

-- An interception by junior linebacker Jason King in the third quarter.

-- Capable leadership of the offense by sophomore quarterback Jesus Cano, brought up from the junior varsity, in the second half.

-- A 14-yard touchdown run by another back-up player, Javier Luna, in the closing minutes.

-- An interception by backup defensive back Isaac Cervantes in the final minute.

"Jesus Cano, what an experience for him," said Broach, talking to Virgil at right. "Javier Luna on that last touchdown. Some sophomore kids got some real experience tonight. And Isaac Cervantes ... an experience he'll never forget, getting that last interception."

Barker's defensive play in the first half was especially impressive, considering he had moved from cornerback to safety for this game.

"We knew they were going to throw the ball a lot," said Barker about Coachella Valley, which had over 200 yards passing in the first half. "I knew they were going to try and come after me because this was my first time playing safety. I know I had a big target on my back.

"I wasn't OK with it at first because I've never played safety before. I'm used to just getting out and turning fast. At safety, you've got to backpedal and read the entire field. You're responsible for everything. But it was better for the team and it worked out OK."

Heritage defensive lineman Axel Uveakovi sacks Coachella Valley quarterback Darius Hulsey in the first quarter.

Defensive lineman Quentin Asberry takes Hulsey down in the second quarter.

Jalen Glover walks through a big hole in the line to score a touchdown in the second quarter.

Isaiah Morrow heads down the sideline on one of his three touchdown plays.

Patriots wide receiver CJ Newman leaps to make a catch in the end zone, comes down in bounds and holds onto the ball for a 16-yard touchdown pass play.