Patriots Poised for Another Standout Football Season

Senior running back and wide receiver Aleva Hifo is one of Heritage's top players heading into the 2015 season. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon

First, a little bit of history and some numbers.

In the last five football seasons, Heritage High School has a record of 60-7. Since joining the Sunbelt League in 2010, the Patriots are 25-0 in league games. They won the CIF title in 2013, appeared in the finals in 2011, and made it to the semifinals in 2012 and 2014.

But who's looking back? Once again, coach Kraig Broach has the Patriots focused at the task at hand -- another successful season, starting with the season opener at Great Oak on Friday, Aug. 28.

"We're a team in progress," said Broach, maintaining his usual modest stance. "We're definitely not a finished product. It takes a while to find your identity as a team, and we're in the middle of that process. But I tell you what, it's a blast to be around them. It's fun to go to practice."

Heritage has all the tools to repeat as Sunbelt League champs. Senior quarterback Brett Virgil (left) returns for this third season as a starter after passing for 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2014. Other key returners on offense are senior running back Jalen Glover (838 yards, 7 TDs) and senior wide receiver, running back and defensive back Aleva Hifo. But league play is five weeks away. First things first, and that's the matchup with Great Oak, which was 10-3 last year and advanced to the CIF semifinals.

"This will give us a good idea of how we'll do this season," Broach said. "They have a special player in (Demetric) Felton and they're a solid team. It will be quite the challenge."

Felton rushed for 1,277 yards and 15 touchdowns in his junior season, meaning the Heritage defenders must rise to the occasion. The Patriots are stocked with talent and experience on that side of the ball, led by senior linebacker Logan Dreese (6-3, 190), senior lineman Quentin Asberry (6-2, 275) and junior nose guard Anfernee Aubert (6-0, 325). Hifo will double at defensive back.

The offensive line also figures to be strong, including returning starters Gilbert Hernandez (5-10, 260) and Hunter Guertin (6-4, 330). Andreas Henry (5-11, 190), who also plays linebacker, will be a key to the offensive line at tight end. Center Joseph Valdivia (5-9, 250), who missed all of last year, should play a key role as well.

Having Virgil back at quarterback is a big plus for the Patriots. His poise and leadership in the past have put him in good position to have a standout senior season.

"Brett is not one to lack confidence," Broach said with a smile. "And I mean that in a good way. He's not cocky. He has a great handle on what we're trying to do and he has an opportunity to do something special this year."

Broach said he will use both Glover (right) and Hifo at running back, although Hifo figures to see a lot of action at wide receiver as well.

"Aleva will play both offense and defense and we'll move him around a bit," the coach said. "Jalen is our most experienced back, based on what he did along with (Isaiah) Morrow last year. We've also got Javier Luna, a junior who was on JV last year, and Sherod White, who's just a sophomore."

Heritage will play another road game next week at Los Osos High of Rancho Cucamonga before opening its home season with a Thursday night game against La Quinta on Sept. 10.

Head coach Kraig Broach (left) watches the play as QB Brett Virgil hands off to Jalen Glover.  Quarterback Brett Virgil Enter steps up to the line during a practice session earlier this week.