Heritage freshmen football opened its season on the road at Deer Valley with a convincing 13-0 victory over the Wolverines.

The Patriots defended relentlessly, allowing Deer Valley only 79 yards of total offense and forcing a spectacular seven turnovers.

"The defense played real well today," said Patriots head coach Greg Milam. "We come in and play as a team and we leave as a team. This is a very special group."

The Patriots defensive penetration had the Wolverines playing on their heels from start to finish, disrupting any offensive rhythm they might have built upon, as the Patriots' relentless pursuit of the ball carrier led to nine tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

"Josh Macias is the quarterback of the defense - bottom line," said Patriots defensive coach John Calegari. "He plays the type of game that makes the whole team come together as a unit."

Jordan Heald-Mullins intercepted two passes for Heritage. The second, a diving, late fourth-quarter catch at the Deer Valley 40-yard line, set up the Patriots' second score of the game. Heald-Mullins also rushed for 17 yards and scored the Patriots' first touchdown of the game on a shifty seven-yard dash.

The Patriots ground game featured 10 ball carriers who combined for 136 yards. Matthias Montez made the most of his two touches, gaining 32 yards to lead the team. DeShaun McCoy, Bernard Greene and Anthony Jackson also factored heavily into the ground game, gaining 29, 16 and 13 yards, respectively.

Quarterbacks Colton Robinson and Bryce Walters completed four passes for 38 yards for Heritage. Robinson completed three of five attempts, hooking up with receiver Chazz Griffiths for a 17-yard touchdown pass with 2:13 left to play, extending the Patriots' lead to 13-0, and ending any hope of a Deer Valley comeback.

The Wolverine quarterbacks struggled to elude the Patriots pass rush, lead by Matt Tonne and Michael Humphrey, forcing tough, off-balance throws, and only three completions in nine attempts. Both Tonne and Humphrey recorded 10-yard sacks, Humphrey's coming on a big fourth-and-four attempt in the third quarter to turn the Wolverines back at the Patriots' 35-yard line.

The Heritage freshman host Napa next Friday, Sept. 22 at 4:15. The JV game against San Leandro will follow at 7 p.m.