Facing its highest ranked opponent ever, the Heritage Patriots were overwhelmed by the Monte Vista Mustangs 54-21 last Friday in Danville. It was the first loss for the Patriots this season, and they were the recipients of a hard lesson in top caliber high school football.

The Mustangs Bryce McGovern was one of the stars in this contest. The junior receiver had a huge night with 10 catches for 300 yards and five touchdowns for the team ranked No. 2 in the San Francisco Chronicle Metro Area rankings. Monte Vista senior QB Brett Nottingham was 14-18, with those five scores and 371 passing yards. The Mustangs Greg Johnson rushed for 134 and a score.

Despite the final margin, Heritage piled up 437 total yards, but was never really in the game. Senior RB DeShaun McCoy totaled 138 yards rushing, and seniors Josh Macias and Cody Cox, and junior Shai Kobayashi each crossed the goal line. Junior QB Brent Eikanas showed further improvement, passing for 170 and running for 28. However, penalties and turnovers – several of which were deep in Mustang territory – foiled any chance the Patriots had to keep pace with Monte Vista’s offensive production.

The loss leaves the Patriots with a 3-1 overall record before this week’s bye. That is still good enough for the second place in the Bay Valley Athletic League, behind Deer Valley. The next Patriots game will be a trip to Skyline High School of the Oakland Athletic League on October 9.