Chargers grind out win against Red Tornadoes

Coming off a Week 1 victory over Millwood, Heritage Hall went into another tough road matchup – this time with the 4A #11 Clinton Red Tornadoes.

The Chargers knew they needed to contain Clinton's fast and explosive running back, Atrel Woods, to have success. As it always is when The Hall squares off with Clinton, the game was very physical.

The Chargers received the opening kickoff, but fumbled inside their own ten and Clinton recovered the loose ball. The Tornadoes quickly took advantage of the miscue, punching the ball into the end zone for a 7-0 lead.

Heritage Hall knew that they needed to amp up the energy and regain focus on the mission. Coach Bogert's squad delivered a fast response. Robert Mbroh connected on passes to fellow seniors Joe Washington and Ford Stephenson. Then Mboh found junior Gavin Freeman, who scored from 7 yards away to even the numbers on the scoreboard.

The Chargers continued waging battle on the defensive side of the ball, as did the Tornadoes. With frequent penalties and defensive stops, neither offense was able to put any more points up. Going into halftime the Chargers were tied 7-7.

To start the second half, Heritage Hall came out roaring and hungry to regain control of the game. Despite not scoring in the third quarter, the Chargers were able to build some momentum and keep the Tornados from doing any damage.

With about 8 minutes left in the game, the Chargers went out their final touchdown on the night on the board. Mbroh juked a defender and raced 45 yards up the sideline to put his team up 14-7. The Hall closed the night knowing that their effort and optimism in a close game paid off and earned them a hard-fought victory.

The Chargers rushed the ball well, posting 199 rushing yards as a team. Jayden Williams was a workhouse, carrying 22 times for 104 yards. Mbroh had 53 yards on 5 rushes and Freeman carried once for 29 yards.

In the passing game, Mbroh was an efficient 8 of 10 throwing for 84 yards and a touchdown strike to Freeman, who led the team with 3 catches for 23 yards. Sophomore Orie Walker hauled in 2 passes for 35 yards. Senior receivers Ford Stephenson, Joe Washington, and Payton Earnest grabbed one pass apiece.

The Charger defense played aggressive all night. Leading tacklers for The Hall were Freeman (13) and linebacker A.J. Sirls (10). Three Chargers posted 8 tackles – Mbroh, K.J. Evans, and Brigham Evans. Linemen Omari Smith and Mason Georgia each got to Clinton's quarterback once to register a sack.

Coach Bogert will prepare his squad this week to face the 4A #6 John Marshall Bears at Taft Stadium in a marquee matchup that will conclude the non-district season. The Hall is looking to extend their streak to three in a row as they continue on their quest for another Gold Ball. The Chargers know that the Bears will be fast and physical. The good guys will once again be looking to contain the run game, force the Bears to pass the ball, and come out on top.

Onward, Chargers!

Written by Quincy LeNorman '21
Photos by Dawn Freeman

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