New Group of Leaders Ready to Take Charge at Heritage

The Heritage High School football team appears to have all the pieces in place for another standout season. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon

Some of the familiar faces are gone, but when you're Heritage High School football coach Kraig Broach, the turnover rate is simply an opportunity for a new group of young men to have the ultimate experience.

As the Patriots prepare for their Aug. 26 season opener against Great Oak, they have a new starting quarterback. Brett Virgil, who passed for more than 2,500 yards and 36 touchdowns the last two seasons, is now attending West Point Military Academy. But coaches are high on junior Devan Freedland, a transfer from Norco High School who has looked good in practice.

Gone also are running back Jalen Glover, who rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns, and all-purpose back Aleva Hifo, who rushed for 488 yards and 9 TDs and caught 9 touchdown passes. But that just means it's an opportunity as the No. 1 running back for senior Javier Luna, who rushed for more than 600 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2015.

Broach isn't saying he doesn't miss the graduates from a 2015 team that went 13-1 and advanced to the CIF Southern Section championship game. He's just as excited about those who have assumed the new leadership roles on the 2016 squad, however.

"It's refreshing; it's like there's a whole new face to the program," Broach said after practice on Thursday. "These kids out there today, it's their turn. It's fun to see their energy.

"You're going to have a transition from year to year. The wins and losses will take care of themselves. It's about the leadership, and I couldn't ask for more in that regard. It really makes it fun for me as a coach."

Freedland, the starting JV quarterback at Norco last year, has stepped in quickly to lead the offense in preseason drills.

"He's a great kid and a smart kid who's played quarterback since youth league," Broach said. "I could tell right away about his confidence. He's well respected by his teammates."

In addition to Luna, junior Sherod White will see a lot of playing time at running back. He saw very limited action in 11 games last season as a sophomore but has continued to impress in preseason workouts. At wide receiver, Broach will look to juniors James Phillips and Rashoud Shelton and senior Tyree Morrow.

Luna will also play linebacker, helping to lead a defense that also includes seniors Jayden Dawson (safety) and Anfernee Aubert (defensive line). Senior Scott Walther will help anchor the offensive line.

The Patriots will be recognized in a legacy ceremony today at 6 p.m. They will be at home for their season opener Aug. 26 against Great Oak. Last year, the team had only four home games because of delays in completing the new artificial turf field.

"This time last year, we were practicing on a grass side field," Broach said. "This time the field is beautiful, the track is built, and we're ready to go."