Heritage breaks away from El Toro in second half, 42-14

Heritage running back Sherod White fights for yardage against El Toro Friday night. The Patriots won their playoff opener, 42-14. Photo by Kristi Jo Aguirre

By Amber Garcia

Heritage High school broke open a close game in the third quarter and went on to defeat visiting El Toro High 42-14 in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 2 playoffs Friday night.

Sherod White ran for 129 yards and three touchdowns for the Patriots, who improved their season record to 11-0. Javier Luna added 75 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Quarterback Devan Freedland passed for 91 yards in the victory, hitting four different receivers with passes.

The Patriots led 14-7 entering the third quarter when Luna broke free for a 7-yard touchdown run and a 21-7 lead. Heritage recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff at the El Toro 22-yard line, and Luna quickly made it 28-7 with another touchdown run.

Heritage continued to dominate in the fourth quarter and finished off the scoring with a touchdown pass from Freedland to Rashoud Shelton.

The Patriots, who are seeded No. 1 in the division, advanced to the second round against San Clemente, a 36-13 winner over Chino Hills. The game will be played at Heritage.

Running back Javier Luna finds running room early in Heritage's playoff victory over El Tooro Friday night. Photo by Kristi Jo Aguirre

Heritage's Sherod White tries to keep a leaping El Toro defender off quarterback Devan Freedland. Photo by Amber Garcia