Heritage at Home, Paloma Valley on Road in Openers

Newcomer Devan Freedland leads his team in practice in preparation for tonight's season opener at Heritage High School. Menifee 24/7 photo: Doug Spoon

A new season begins with a new quarterback at Heritage High School, where the Patriots open their football season tonight at 7 against Great Oak.

Transfer student Devan Freedland takes over at QB for the Patriots, who were 13-1 last season, losing only to Citrus Hill in the CIF championship game. Great Oak was just 5-6 last season, but the Wolfpack is the last team to beat Heritage in a regular-season game, in September 2013.

Paloma Valley opens its season on the road tonight at 7 in Vista against Rancho Buena Vista. Coach Bert Esposito's Wildcats have high hopes for building on last year's 7-4 season. Chance Nolan returns at quarterback after passing for more than 2,000 yards as a sophomore.

Santa Rosa Academy's season opener tonight at California School for the Deaf in Riverside was cancelled. CSDR forfeited because of equipment problems. Santa Rosa is scheduled to play its next game Sept. 10 at Firebaugh High in Lynwood.