When and Where:
4A #4 Heritage Hall (0-0) at 3A #2 John Marshall (0-0)
Friday, September 1 at 7:00 PM
Taft Stadium

Most Recent Matchup:
Last season, the Chargers lined up against the John Marshall Bears in the opening game of the season, and the highly anticipated game did not disappoint. The Chargers controlled the contest for three quarters, taking a demanding 37-17 lead into the final period. However, the Bears stayed determined and stormed back, scoring three straight touchdowns to take a one point lead with only a few minutes remaining. Blake Adams, who was 20/26 passing for 233 yards and two touchdowns in the game, guided his team back down the field after giving up the lead and the Chargers found the endzone for a final time with only a few ticks left on the clock. The defense held on to secure a 45-38 victory for Heritage Hall, and a 1-0 start to the season. It was a crushing blow for the then ranked 3A #2 Bears, who will no doubt be back for vengeance in the 2017 contest.

Player Spotlight:
John Marshall star Devonte Lee is one of the most highly touted and powerful running backs in the entire state, as he was a huge force to be reckoned with last season for the Bears, racking up 37 rushing touchdowns and 3,023 total yards. He will undoubtedly receive the majority of touches for their offense and will look to break loose in the open, creating big plays on the ground. Lee has been offered multiple scholarships to play football by Division-I programs, including Nevada and North Texas. Not only is Lee a dominant player by himself, but he also has standout offensive linemen Gregory Brown and Nigel Brannon (committed to Memphis) blocking for him up front.

Outlook:
Although John Marshall will surely provide a tough opponent, the Chargers have no reason not to feel optimistic about the game. Heritage Hall will have yet another high powered offense guided by three year starter Blake Adams and his favorite target Chandler Shapard. Billy Ross may receive the most carries at running back, but head coach Brett Bogert believes Connor Carey may be the key to a successful rushing game, as his speed and ability to break loose on any play could be a dangerous weapon. Defensively, the Chargers will be relying on multiple young players, including linebackers Connor Keith, Will Dunn, and A.J. Sirls, Jr., to consistently make big plays. In last year's playoffs, an injury riddled Heritage Hall squad fell just short of their ultimate goal for the year and enter this season's opening game with a chip on their shoulder, looking to take the first step towards another State Championship. Coach Bogert can see his team knows how precious a season is as such a talented bunch of players does not come through the system often. Bogert observes, "Injuries were never used as an excuse last year, but the guys do feel like they were robbed of another shot. If we can keep that mentality all year, it's going to be a good one."

[by Jake LeForce '19]