Patriots Hope to Continue Winning Tradition in a New Season

In the last two seasons, the Heritage High School football team has compiled a 23-4 record, advancing to the CIF finals and semifinals. So what does that mean to coach Kraig Broach as the Patriots open practice for a new season?

Back to square one, that's all.

"A winning tradition, that's neat ... that's cool," Broach said. "But ultimately the fact is, it has no bearing on what carries over to this season and this team."

Even so, Broach expressed excitement about his team's chances Wednesday as he watched the Patriots go through workouts in helmets and shorts on the second day of practice. Players will be in pads for the first time on Friday as they continue to prepare for an Aug. 30 opener against San Jacinto at home.

A solid group of returning starters includes seniors Sione Takitaki and Limihai Hilo, who will join junior Isiah Morrow in a two-back set rotation. Morrow's older brother, Jamal, is at Washington State this fall after rushing for 2,092 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. But despite that loss, Broach is confident about the team's ability to move the ball on the ground.

"Jamal was one of the best players and best kids I've ever been around," Broach said. "It will be exciting to watch him on Saturdays this fall. But that's also the neat thing about high school football. You get to work with kids and see them progress.

"Besides, this school is now getting old enough that we're starting to get the younger siblings of the players."

Besides Isiah Morrow, another example of the sibling connection is quarterback Brett Virgil (left, with Broach), who will start as a sophomore this season. Two years ago, his older brother Chad was the Patriots' QB. Today, Chad plays at Mt. San Jacinto College.

"Yes, he's a sophomore, but he has all the qualities at some point to be a very good quarterback, and that some point is now," Broach said.

Other key returning players are tight end and defensive end Evan Rodriguez; offensive lineman Nick Gomez; linebacker Caleb Marquez; linebacker McKinley Grant; and defensive back and wide receiver Stefan Patterson.

"I like our running backs and offensive line," Broach said. "We are young at quarterback and we're not very big on the defensive line. Our skill players are pretty good size, but our linemen aren't real big. We're replacing three starters on the defensive line."

Although it's too early to know exactly how things will shape up for the Patriots, Broach knows hopes are high for his team because of what it has accomplished in recent seasons.