Key Drive
While the game was largely in hand by the time Heritage Academy took the ball at its 5-yard line with 11 minutes, 46 seconds to go in the fourth quarter, no drive symbolized its dominance up front like this nine-play, 95-yard march. Every inch of the drive came courtesy of the ground game behind an offensive line that mauled Winston Academy’s defensive front. Senior Cayden Upton carried the ball four times for 66 yards on the drive, including the final play, a 41-yard run.
“Cayden is an amazing fullback,” Heritage Academy’s Michael Ledbetter said. “I love playing with him in the backfield. He makes it really easy, and when he gets the ball, he’s so tough to bring down.”
Unsung Hero
Heritage Academy quarterback Dylan Barker. While the team’s running game stole the headlines and the defense helped seal the deal in the second half, Barker was consistent and kept the offense moving forward. He was 5 of 11 for 76 yards. He also rushed for 27 yards on five carries.
Turning Point
The game was still close when Heritage Academy received the opening kick of the second half. Leading 17-7, the Patriots earned a first down on the initial play of the second half, moving to the Winston Academy 39-yard line. Backup quarterback Tyler Anderson then slipped into the game at tailback and took a toss from Barker. Rather than turning upfield, Anderson stopped and lofted a pass to Walker Brown, who had slipped behind the defense. Brown hauled the pass in near the 10 and jogged into the end zone untouched for a 39-yard touchdown that blew the game open.
“As soon as we snapped the ball, the defense followed Tyler,” Brown said. “I knew with the play we had called I’d be able to get open. I just had to concentrate on catching it.”
Difference-makers
That’s a long list. Heritage Academy received big plays from a number of contributors. Ledbetter, a junior, had 164 yards on eight touches and scored two touchdowns. He added a 23-yard field goal and was 4-for-4 on extra points. Upton rushed for 127 yards on 12 carries. He also had a sack and a team-high three tackles for loss. Senior Mattox Heredia averaged 14 yards per carry in the first half, and Brown scored touchdowns on defense and offense.
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