Patriots want to improve one record, maintain another

Running back Angelo Serena takes a handoff from quarterback Enrique Chavez. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Heritage High football coach Andre Smith is well aware of the legacy the Patriots have built over the years by compiling an 11-0 record against rival Paloma Valley in the Menifee Bowl. That’s not the only thing on his mind this week, however.

“[The 11-0 record] is something that’s there,” Smith said heading into Friday’s 12th Menifee Bowl game against the Wildcats at Heritage. “We’re not going to pretend like it doesn’t exist. But we’re just trying to get into the win column.

“It’s obviously great for our legacy. I understand it’s an exciting deal. I tell the guys it’s a rarity to get that kind of community support in high school football. They’re going to embrace that, but the bottom line is, we just need a win.”

Playing with a lot of new starters this season and with a rugged non-league schedule, the Patriots are 0-3 heading into Friday’s game. They started out with a 41-30 loss to Steele Canyon in San Diego County; lost their home opener to San Jacinto, 62-27; and lost last Thursday to Trabuco Hills in Orange County, 47-21.

Smith figures that facing such tough competition early will help the Patriots in the long run, but at the moment it’s a challenge. Players are still learning their roles and vocal leadership among the players is still in the developing stage.

“We’re not super senior heavy, and the players are still learning themselves,” Smith said. “We’re lacking that overall team leadership. Some guys are quiet in how they do it, but we don’t have that vocal leader emerging yet.”

The most notable struggles have been on defense, where the Patriots have fallen behind early and struggled to get back into games. After the loss to San Jacinto, Smith said, “We’re going to make some changes now to personnel on defense. That’s two weeks in a row we struggled to tackle people.”

Smith did not discuss personnel changes this week, although he did say that competition continues for the starting quarterback position between senior Enrique Chavez and freshman Trey Gamble.

“Those two guys are still competing for the job,” Smith said. “Enrique has kind of won the job, but Trey came in and played the fourth quarter last week. We’re still working that one out.”

There’s no doubt about the impact of junior running back Angelo Serena and senior halfback Akillis Sio. Serena has rushed for 366 yards and 4 touchdowns. Sio has rushed for 200 yards and 4 touchdowns and has 8 passes for 181 yards and 2 TDs.

“Serena is a tough kid,” Smith said. “He’s who we thought he was. Sio is out there catching passes and carrying the ball. He’s out jack of all trades. They’re both doing a really good job, but we better get some other playmakers soon.”

Although the defense has struggled as a unit, Smith has praise for senior defensive back Jacob Barrera Jones.

“Jacob has played a little corner and a little safety,” Smith said. “He’s one of the leaders on defense.”

Even though he admits there is much work to be done, Smith said the attitude of the players is good, they are working hard, and they will be ready for a big home game on Friday.

“We’ll be ready for whatever game we play,” he said. “This is a great time for us. You can judge us on our record if you want, and we’re OK with that. It’s nice to get home and be part of a community involved game.”