Heritage Football Team Hosts San Jacinto in Opener Friday

Granted, Heritage High School enters its season opener Friday night with a sophomore taking over as starting quarterback.

Also true, however, is the fact the Patriots welcome back three talented running backs with experience, an offensive line anchored by standout senior Niko Gomez, and a defense featuring speed and versatility.

Together, that spells optimism in the Heritage camp as Brett Virgil (left) prepares to make his debut at QB in Friday's 7 p.m. season opener against San Jacinto at Marion Ashley Stadium.

"We're still definitely a work in progress, but we're healthy and we're ready to go," said head coach Kraig Broach, who has compiled a 43-17 record as the only coach the Patriots have had since beginning the program in 2007. Last year, Heritage won the Sunbelt League with a 5-0 record and was 11-2 overall, losing in the CIF Central Division semifinals.

Virgil (5-10, 155) has some big shoes to fill in replacing Mat Bradshaw, who passed for 702 yards and 10 touchdowns and directed an efficient ground game last year. Yet Broach sees great potential and enthusiasm in his new QB after watching him in preseason workouts.

"Brett's a great kid and he's looked good," Broach said. "Yes, he is a sophomore, so you keep that in mind. But he's ready to do the job."

When the Patriots run the ball, they could give it to any of three talented backs. Senior Sione Takitaki (6-2, 240, at left) is the biggest of the three and comes off a 2012 season in which he ran for 850 yards and 11 TDs. Another returning running back is senior Limihai Hifo (5-11, 225, below), who rushed for 385 yards and 7 TDs in just six games last year.

Junior Isaiah Morrow (5-8, 175) rounds out a group that provides the Patriots with a strong 1-2-3 punch in the offensive backfield.

"It will pretty much be an equal rotation," Broach said. " Takitaki is the big, strong one, but they're all kind of similar in that they're physical backs more than anything. We don't have a changeup where a certain guy will come in for a certain type play. It really will be a rotation."

When Virgil throws the ball, he will look to senior Matt Palmer (6-3, 205), who has had a strong week of practice and is ready to step into a starting role. But a lot of the offense centers around the line, in which Gomez plays a key role.

"Niko is a great leader," Broach said. "We're breaking in some new people, and he will be a great example to the others."

Broach is also excited about the defense, which includes Takitaki at linebacker along with senior Caleb Marquez (5-9, 185); senior Evan Rodriguez (6-4, 230) at defensive end; and defensive back Stefan Patterson (5-7, 160).

"On defense, we're fast," said Broach, below. "The front seven has a lot of interchangeable parts, which can be good and bad. It makes us flexible, for sure."

Heritage has only four home games in the regular season. Before hitting the road for four straight weeks, the Patriots will focus on beating a San Jacinto team coached by veteran Bill Powell. The Tigers, who lost 32-6 to Heritage in last year's opener, are led by wide receiver Malik Kimbrough, whom Broach says will be one of the fastest players the Patriots will see this year.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for children. Students with an ASB card are admitted free of charge.