There’s a fine line between confidence and stubbornness.
Leake Academy quarterback Will Lawson Harkins crossed that line not once, but four times against Heritage Academy junior defensive back Lex Rogers, who intercepted four passes and spearheaded a defense that forced six turnovers in a 37-6 win Friday.
Rogers, who also kicked a 37-yard field goal, intercepted two passes in each half, including two on back-to-back possessions late in the second half.
Rogers’ last interception came in the end zone on a play where he peeled off his man after Harkins rolled right and tried to throw back across the field.
“I wasn’t expecting the last one, but I just kept playing,” Rogers said. “Good pressure causes them to throw it up like that and let me do what I’m supposed to do.”
Rogers also had three pass breakups. Heritage Academy (6-1) had three sacks and held Leake Academy to 2.8 yards per carry. John Henry Fields and Moak Griffin forced fumbles.
Heritage Academy coach Sean Harrison said he was surprised Harkins kept testing Rogers.
“I think they saw on film that Lex struggled a little bit at Pillow (Academy), and by struggle, I mean he had a pick go right through his hands, like a fluke play,” Harrison said, “so they went after him, and I understand that, but they continued to go after him in the game. Lex is an opportunistic player. Sometimes you get one or two and maybe take a play off, but that kid doesn’t. I couldn’t be happier for him.”
Heritage Academy held Leake Academy to consecutive three-and-outs to start the game and took a 10-0 lead after a Dontae Gray scored on a 21-yard run. Rogers’ first interception came on Leake Academy’s third drive. Heritage Academy forced a three-and-out on Leake Academy’s fourth drive
Harrison said the Patriots played man-coverage for 95 percent of their defensive snaps. He credited defensive coordinator Russ Whiteside for crafting a game plan to take away Leake Academy’s rushing attack, particularly Sam Wilder, who had 64 yards on 11 carries, but 47 came on Leake Academy’s lone scoring play.
“We didn’t know what we could take away,” Harrison said. “We knew they’d run it and they’re a well-coached team with good players. But our defense, when they play, they’re good. Russ Whiteside had a great plan, and the kids believed in it.”
Rogers was part of a shutdown duo with Jared Long, who recorded a pass breakup, and held Larkins to 77 yards on 6-for-17 passing.
“I would have loved to get a pick — you got Lex over here getting four — but we all made plays,” Long said. “And when your number gets called, you have to step up, like Lex did.”
Long said it was “disrespectful” to continue testing the Patriots’ secondary.
“We took away all their short routes — hitch, bubbles, all that was gone,” Long said. “We shut that down from the jump. They learned the hard way.
“I’m surprised. It was very disrespectful for them to keep testing us after showing them we weren’t having it. They learned the hard way.”
Gray had two touchdown runs and finished with 94 yards on 12 carries. He added two scores.
Heritage Academy quarterback Carter Putt was 15-for-22 for 233 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Moak Griffin.
“Carter gets better every week because he sees new things,” Harrison said. “He took some big hits tonight, but he was looking downfield and delivering throws.”
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