Heritage hangs tough for three quarters but loses, 34-14

Quarterback Trey Gamble is all alone at the goal line for Heritage's first TD. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

Heritage High’s football team kept it close for three quarters against visiting Rancho Verde, but the Patriots couldn’t keep up with the Mustangs in the final period and lost a 34-14 decision Friday night.

Rancho Verde quarterback Landon Debruyn passed for three touchdowns and ran for two more for the Mustangs, who improved their record to 3-6 and 3-1 in the Ivy League. Heritage remained winless on the season at 0-9 with one game remaining.

Rancho Verde got on the board first when Debruyn ran 20 yards for a score in the first quarter, but the extra point failed for a 6-0 lead. Heritage took its only lead of the game moments later when quarterback Trey Gamble ran 4 yards for a score, with the PAT giving Heritage a 7-6 advantage.

Rancho Verde scored the next two touchdowns on passes of 30 and 37 yards by Debruyn. Heritage’s only other touchdown came on a 37-yard run by Akillis Sio, cutting the deficit to 20-14. The Mustangs finished out the half with two more scores.

Heritage will close out the season next Friday with a home game against North High.

Akillis Sio scores Heritage's second touchdown in the third quarter. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

 Javan Mills (25) intercepts a Rancho Verde pass during Friday's game. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

 Trey Gamble passes over a Rancho Verde opponent in Friday's game. (Photo by Rick Rowell)