Football domimates Plainview to open playoffs

After a bye in Week 1 of the 2020 OSSAA Class 3A Playoffs, Heritage Hall faced the Plainview Indians. The Chargers came into the game knowing they needed to remain laser-focused on the task at hand and take care of business; it was "win or go home" time. The Hall knew that the Indians would be athletic and scrappy.

As the first play was snapped, the Charger defense was fired up to hold the Indian offense. However, a few plays later the Indians executed a quarterback option for a 49 yard run up the middle to score a touchdown.

The early score by Plainview grabbed the Chargers' attention and it didn't take long for The Hall to strike back. With great field position to start a new drive, K.J. Evans rattled off a 7 yard run to score the first touchdown of the night for the Chargers and evened the score 7-7.

The Charger offense built more and more momentum for the rest of the first quarter. Evans rushed for another touchdown, this time from 10 yards out, to seize the first lead of the game for The Hall.

The second quarter started just as fast and furious as the first. Junior standout Gavin Freeman caught a screen pass from Will Paque and dashed 50 yards into to the end zone to make the score 21-7.

Shortly after, The Hall's dominant force on both sides of the ball became apparent. Jayden Williams imposed his will on a 9 yard power run to the end zone for a 28-7 lead.

The Chargers switched their plays up, showing their ability to change course and adapt fast. Paque tossed a 17 yard pass to senior tight end Robert Mbroh for a touchdown. Luke Butler secured a clean kick and pushed the score to 35-7.

After another defensive stop, Paque completed a screen pass behind the line of scrimmage to Freeman, who weaved behind blockers en route to a 28 yard touchdown run to settle the score at 42-7 Chargers going into halftime.

Coming out of the halftime break, The Hall remained locked in and pushed for more points. Freeman received a pass across the middle from Paque and kicked on the after-burners to outrun the Indians defense 58 yards en route to the third scoring connection of the night for the dynamic duo.

After taking a punch in the mouth to start the game, the Chargers had scored 49 unanswered points and Plainview reeling.

The fourth was a fast one for the Hall. The Chargers closed the night giving lots for younger players game time to show their talent and skill. Fans got a great glimpse of the bright future ahead of the program.

The Heritage Hall defensive reserves continued playing a high level, fighting hard against the Plainview starters. The Indians played with renewed fire, and eventually scored on a 5 yard run untouched up the middle.

The Indians tacked on another late touchdown, but the Chargers finished strong and closed the night with a huge 49-21 playoff win.

Paque had an amazing night throwing the ball for The Hall. The junior quarterback completed 12 of 14 passes for 211 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Paque targeted multiple receivers on the night. Freeman finished with 5 receptions for 150 yards and 3 touchdowns. Sophomore Orie Walker caught 2 passes for 24 yards. Mbroh tallied 23 yards on 2 catches. Payton Earnest, Ford Stephenson, and Miles Perry also caught short passes from Paque.

Senior Jayden Williams led the rushing attack with 9 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown. Freeman carried twice for 48 yards. K.J. Evans cashed in two rushing touchdowns to go with 20 yards.

Defensively, the Chargers were led by senior linebacker A.J. Sirls, Jr., who tallied 6 tackles including a sack and 2 tackles for loss. Freeman and K.J. Evans also recorded 6 tackles in the contest. The defense held Plainview's offense to just 2 of 9 on third down conversions.

In all, Heritage outplayed the Indians for the overwhelming majority of the game. The Chargers racked up a total of 440 offensive yards for the night, while Plainview had a total of 238 with only 10 yards through the air.

The Chargers secured a huge win over a tough physical opponent to advance to the Quarterfinal round. To get to the Semifinals, The Hall will have to knock out the #6 Verdigris Cardinals. The quest for another Gold Ball continues on Pop Murray Memorial Field, in what could be the final home game of the season. Bundle up and support your Chargers as they battle onward!

Written by Quincy LeNorman '21
Edited by Luke Steelman '93
Photos by Dawn Freeman

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