Nofotau Sili, shown on a big run earlier this season, rushed for 240 yards Friday night. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Nofotau Sili ran for 240 yards and 5 touchdowns to lead the Heritage High football team to a 49-36 win over Citrus Hill Friday night.
Sili carried the ball 20 times for an average of 12 yards per carry. His 240-yard rushing total is the most by a Heritage player since Hayden Hill’s school-record 312 yards last season. A converted receiver, he became a star of his own after Hill’s football career ended following ACL surgery.
In the last five games, Sili has rushed for 803 yards and 10 touchdowns. For the season, he has 969 yards and 13 TDs rushing. He could go over 1,000 yards next Friday night when Heritage is at home against Hemet.
“Strength and pride,” said coach Rich McClure when asked what makes Sili so special. “We struggled to find a replacement for Hill, and I asked him if wanted to get more touches. He was all in. He has made the transition from receiver to running back.”
Quarterback Noah Miltthon contributed to the victory by passing for 114 yards, including a touchdown pass to Drevion Burnett. On the night, Burnett had 4 catches for 101 yards.
Heritage is 6-3 overall. The Patriots are 3-1 in the Inland Valley League, good for a first-place tie with Canyon Springs, Hemet and Arlington. The league championship will be decided next Friday when Heritage plays Hemet and Canyon Springs plays Arlington.
If Heritage beats Hemet, the Patriots would be co-champions. If Canyon Springs beats Arlington, Heritage would be the outright champs and No. 1 playoff team from the league because of an earlier victory over Canyon Springs. Arlington beat Heritage 27-20 on Oct. 9.
