Teter's versatility is key factor in Heritage's success on field

Kenny Teter leads the Heritage High football team in rushing with 755 yards and 10 touchdowns. Photos by Kristi Jo Aguirre

It appears Heritage High football coach Kraig Broach knew what he was doing when he designated senior Ika Tuatala and junior Kenny Teter as his primary running backs this season. The two have been very similar in their impact on the Patriots offense, but in somewhat different ways.

Teter displays the speed and quick moves that make him a difficult target when carrying the ball, and a contrast to the bigger, stronger Tuatala. Rushing for 755 yards and 10 touchdowns, he has played a big role in the success of Heritage, which takes a 5-2 record into Friday night's Menifee Bowl league opener against visiting Paloma Valley.

"Kenny is an elusive runner who is hard to bring down," Broach said. "He's good at making people miss in tight quarters, which works nicely with Ika's physical nature."

Like Tuatala, Teter played primarily defense last year but has been asked to start both ways this season. He still makes a big impact at cornerback and strong safety, with two interceptions on the year and good decision making in the defensive backfield. Even last year, with Sherod White and James Phillips playing their senior years at running back, Teter knew his time on offense was coming.

"Sherod and James and all the seniors helped me a lot, getting me ready," Teter said. "At practice they would always tell us about the plays, where the holes are to bounce to."

That led to this season, which the Patriots opened up with a 23-7 win over Oak Hills and a 33-0 shutout of Great Oak. Then came losses to Redlands East Valley (12-6) and Orange Lutheran (35-16) before the team bounced back with three consecutive victories.

"Against REV, we lost a lot of guys to injuries," Teter said. "We definitely want to see them again in the playoffs. OLu, we knew it was a tough team. We put up a good fight. But we had to turn things around after that."

Wins over Cajon, Elsinore and Temescal Canyon showcased the talents of Teter and his teammates. He rushed for 154 yards and two touchdowns in a 41-36 victory over Cajon; rushed for two more touchdowns, including a 65-yard run, in a 35-7 win over Elsinore; and ran for a TD and caught a TD pass in last week's 28-0 win over Temescal Canyon.

All this took place in nonleague action because the Patriots play only three league games in their new Ivy League surroundings, where both Paloma Valley and 2017 CIF champion Rancho Verde await.

"It’s helping us with colleges looking at us," Teter said in reference to the difficult nonleague schedule. "Now it's time for league. We're looking forward to Rancho (Oct. 26), but right now we’re just looking forward to Paloma and this game."