Heritage Football Legacy Ceremony Promotes Team Spirit

Heritage High athletic director Scott Moore addresses the football players and crowd Friday at the school's Legacy Ceremony. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon

Practice has been going on for a while, but Heritage High School really got in the football spirit on Friday, Aug. 14 with its annual Legacy Ceremony pep rally in the gym.

Members of all levels of the football program were there in uniform, as well as the school band and cheerleaders. The stands were packed with family members, students and friends. Athletic director Scott Moore welcomed the crowd and introduced head varsity coach Kraig Broach, whose team will open the season Aug. 28 at Great Oak High School.

Emphasizing the team aspect of the football program, each player selected a teammate to apply the letter H on one side of his new helmet. Then the players went into the crowd and asked a family member or friend to apply the second H on the other side.

"Ultimately, they play for each other," Broach said about the team-building tradition. "It gives you chills to watch the interaction. We do this event because we believe there are times you need to come together and just have a fun celebration. We have great people here."

Last year the Patriots finished the season 12-1, losing only to Riverside Poly in the CIF semifinals.

Quarterback Brett Virgil addresses the crowd during Friday's ceremony.

Tallas Hargrave (57) and Elijah Carter (17) put stickers on each other's helmets.

Gilbert Hernandez Jr. gets help from his father, Gilbert Hernandez Sr., and his grandfather Jose Dominguez, with his helmet.

Members of the Mighty Patriot Regiment marching band perform at the ceremony.

Head varsity football coach Kraig Broach addresses the crowd.