Friday night's game featuring the number one ranked Heritage Hall Chargers and the one-loss Sulphur Bulldogs was perhaps one of the most anticipated games of the High School football season. Sulphur boasted a dangerous running attack, lead by stud tailback Trey Kiser. Slowing down Kiser would be one of The Hall's steepest tasks this season.

Though Sulphur's physicality on both sides of the ball was extremely dangerous, the Chargers showcased the best offense and defense in 3A all season long. Led by running backs Conner Carey and Billy Ross Jr., the offensive side for Heritage Hall was as hard to slow down as anyone in the state. The Charger defense was equally as stout too, as it's strength up front corresponded well with its strong secondary. With the caliber of players on the field for both sides, this state championship looked like it could be a game for the ages.

If the storyline headed into this heavyweight battle wasn't good enough, it got even better when the game delayed an hour due to stormy weather. Both sides had to wait even longer before they could hit each other in the mouth, which added to the excitement for the game.

As the game finally begun, it was evident that the Chargers were the more physical team from the get go. Heritage started the game off with a very promising drive, moving the ball just past midfield. From there, it was all Conner Carey, as outran the coverage and received a 43-yard touchdown from Jackson Jobe to make the score 7-0. Immediately after the touchdown, all players and fans worst nightmare came true, as the game was delayed again due to approaching lightning and a torrential downpour.

When play resumed, the Chargers continued to play at a high level. The defense shut down the run-heavy Sulphur offense and forced a punt. Then, Carey finished yet another drive for the Chargers, finding the end zone from 6 yards out to increase the lead to two scores.

The second quarter would prove to be perhaps the Chargers' best of the entire season, as the team rattled off 22 straight points. The scoring began with who else but Mr. Carey, as he powered in from two yards away. Carey quickly got his fourth and fifth touchdowns of the game, scoring again from 4 and 5 yards. Mixed in between the last two rushing touchdowns was a botched punt snap by Sulphur, which flew out of the back of the end zone and was ruled a safety. At the half, the Chargers were putting everyone in the state on notice, leading 36-0.

The second half was much of the same, though Sulphur did score two touchdowns. The Chargers touchdowns came off a scoop-and-score touchdown by Phillip Smitherman to start the third quarter and an 11 yard run for Billy Ross, Jr.

As the time ticked down on the season, Coach Brett Bogert '05 received a chilly spill of Gatorade, and the Chargers rushed the field knowing they had just won the program's 7th State Championship with a 50-14 victory over a stout Sulphur squad.

Though quarterback Jobe was not a very experienced starter, he played like a seasoned vet in the biggest game of his young career, completing 10 of 19 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. Carey did his usual work on the ground yet again, finishing with 22 rushes for 168 yards and 4 touchdowns, and also added a score receiving. Ross led the team with 5 receptions for 63 yards, while also scoring a touchdown on the ground.

The Charger defense was more opportunistic than ever before this season. With 10 tackles each, Preston Nelson and Will Dunn led the team in takedowns. Smitherman made 9 stops, including the fumble return for a touchdown. Hardy Bowers posted 5 tackles and recovered a fumble. Ross made the game's only interception, while Dunn and Davis Duncan recovered fumbles. Connor Keith blocked a punt to go with 8 tackles. Jayden Williams was credited with the safety.

The win is bitter sweet for the Charger Nation. It is sad to say goodbye to this this team and it's five remarkable senior leaders (Billy Ross Jr., Conner Carey, Jack Griffin, Jaden McDaniel, Preston Nelson). This team truly live up to every expectation of a football team. These men fought on every down on the playing field, but also set a positive example around the school and football program. The five seniors leave a lasting legacy at Heritage Hall that will never be forgotten (53-2 career record with 3 State Championships) as they carried on a great tradition of Charger football and set the program up for continued success.

Though many people doubted this team following the opening season loss, it's work ethic never wavered. Myself and the Charger community would like to thank this team for all it worked for. We could not have asked for a better team to cheer on.

One last congratulations to our 2018 Class 3A State Champion, the Heritage Hall Chargers! As always...onward!

Written by Rives Mitchell '19
Photos by Kirsten Griffin, Cindy Ritchie