Heritage Wins in a Tight Game Against Temescal Canyon

Heritage High running back Isaiah Morrow watches from the sidelines during the Patriots' victory Friday night.

When you have the state's current longest winning streak on the line, it could make you nervous if your team commits 11 penalties, giving up 102 yards.

Heritage High School did just that, but still won the game 14-6 against Temescal Canyon High School Friday night, giving the Titans their first loss of the season in league play.

"The penalties kind of took us out of rhythm when it came to certain drives," Coach Kraig Broach said, not sounding too alarmed by the amount of penalties Heritage racked up. "The kids did enough to win and when it counted, they made some plays."

The Patriots (8-0, 3-0) were still able to pull out a victory despite being held to only 31 yards passing the entire game and none in the second half.

Senior running back Isaiah Morrow led the offense with 95 yards rushing on 20 carries, including a 2-yard run for a touchdown at the start of the second quarter.

Despite being held down by the Titans (3-5, 2-1) pass defense, quarterback Brett Virgil was able to join in on the rushing attack with 9 rushes for 81 yards, including an 11-yard run for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Heritage's defense stood strong as well. Defensive back Aleva Hifo (left) intercepted a pass in the first quarter when linebacker Christian Weible stormed past the offensive line, forcing Temescal Canyon's quarterback Justin Gomez to throw the bad pass.

On Temescal Canyon's final drive of the game in the fourth quarter, senior linebacker Jacob Marquez tracked down Gomez for a sack, knocking Gomez out of the game with 1:32 left. On the very next play, on third down and 16, Marquez struck again, this time sacking backup quarterback Jacob Stepanek.

With little choice, the Titans went for it on fourth down and were successful when Stepanek completed a pass to wide receiver Artie Barrera with 1:11 left on the clock.

Taking the ball all the way to the 9-yard line, the Titans had to go for it again on fourth and 2 yards to go and 49 seconds left. This time, Stepanek tried to force a pass to Barrera again, but was unsuccessful, slamming the door closed on the Titans' night.

"Give Temescal Canyon credit," Broach said. "They played a great game and the coaching staff did a great job. They've gotten a heck of a lot better."

Next Thursday, Heritage will be home against its crosstown rival, Paloma Valley (5-3, 2-1) in the Menifee Bowl game.

Linebacker Christian Weible looking to the sidelines for the play call



Jalen Glover lines up at wide receiver. He rushed the ball for 23 yards on 7 carries

Running back Isaiah Morrow sets up in the backfield