Talented Patriots will put up 9-0 record against Vols

It has been a great season for the Heritage Academy Patriots as their 9-0 record and No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press Mississippi Prep Polls private school class indicate.

As Starkville Academy head coach Chase Nicholson looks at the Patriots, he said there is no denying the talent that exists.

Nicholson likes what he has going on the other sideline with his Volunteers so that should make for a good game Friday night when the two rivals meet at J.E. Logan Field at 7 p.m.

“There is a lot of strength (for Heritage) across the board, but we'd like to think we are the same way whether it be offense or defense,” Nicholson said. “We've got guys who can play. They've got guys who can play. We are going to line up on Friday night and see who wants it more.”

Some of the numbers for the Patriots are staggering.

Quarterback Carter Putt has thrown for 1,568 yards and 19 touchdowns this season, while running back KJ Smith has rushed 100 times for 951 yards and 15 scores.

Heritage has four receivers with at least 200 yards with Jared Long being the most productive with 35 catches for 629 yards and five touchdowns.

Starkville Academy quarterback Randall Futral said the Patriots are just as scary on defense.

“They've got a couple of guys on the defensive line,” Futral said. “They are just big and come after you.”

Among the nine wins for Heritage this season, four have come against opponents that the Volunteers have already played. The Patriots defeated Class 5Adistrict 1 opponents Magnolia Heights 42-13, Bayou Academy 40-7 and Pillow Academy 26-13 and also knocked off Lamar School last week 39-7.