Heritage Hall happy to win `ugly' with defensive clinic
“We're really excited about our D-line and our linebackers. We have some new guys stepping in in the secondary. We challenged them, but they were really locked into the game plan. Our whole plan was to stop the big play.”
Heritage Hall coach Brett Bogert
Gavin Freeman swiftly planted his foot before charging forward toward the ball.
Heritage Hall's junior defensive back had broke perfectly on the post route before the ball was thrown.
He jumped the pattern and knocked the ball out of Asher Earl's hands, not giving him any chance to corral the catch.
The pass breakup was one of many for Freeman, who was a bright spot for Class No. 1 Heritage Hall during its 20-6 win against Class 2A No. 3 Millwood on Thursday at L. W. Good Stadium. In fact, the Chargers' defense pitched a shutout for 47 minutes before a late touchdown allowed the Falcons to get on the board.
“We're really excited about our D-line and our linebackers ,” Heritage Hall coach Brett Bogert said. “We have some new guys stepping in in the secondary. We challenged them, but they were really locked into the game plan. Our whole plan was to stop the big play.”
The Chargers (1-0) allowed only two plays to go for more than 20 yards, both coming on the final drive.
Millwood sophomore Ric key Hunt Jr ., who started at running back but finished at quarterback, went 4-of-5 passing on the final drive, including a 22-yard completion and a 38-yard touchdown to Desmond Green.
Freeman broke up passes. Linebackers Robert M bro hand A. J. Sirls were great at filling gaps and stopping the run. Defensive linemen Omari Smith and Melvin Swindle penetrated Mill wood's offensive back field throughout the game.
The Falcons (0-1) managed only 26 total yards in the first half and were held to 87 yards before the final drive, which went 77.
Heritage Hall senior Jayden Williams opened the scoring with a 12-yard touch down run, which was his fifth straight carry of the drive.
The teams exchanged a couple punts, then Millwood senior quarterback Leon Mackie threw back-to-back intercept ions. His first was to Landon Lahodny, who returned it to the 5. Two plays later, Robert Mbroh scored from 4 yards out on a quarterback keeper.
Shortly before half, M br oh found Ford Stephenson streaking up these am for a 16- yard touchdown.
Mbroh finished with 36 passing yards and rushing for 42. Williams had 56 rushing yards on 10 carries.
Although Heritage Hall' s offense wasn' t too flashy, its defense shined against one of the most skilled offenses in the state. And it' s the Chargers' defense t hat will propel the team as the season moves forward.
“Anytime you come to Millwood and get a win against that team, you can't beat that,” Bogert said.
“It's awesome. Even if it's ugly, like it was in the second half.”