On October 17, Heritage varsity football broke the team’s two-year long losing streak by defeating Fort Smith’s Northside with a final score of 41-40.

Heritage started the game with an explosive first drive, which resulted in a touchdown within the first two minutes. This touchdown was scored by none other than Evan Gordan, the starting senior running back. This strong start carried Heritage through the first half, with a half-time score of 27-13. However, the atmosphere quickly changed to one filled with both uncertainty and hope during the third quarter, when the teams were tied 27-27. This uneasy feeling continued throughout the rest of the game.

As the game clock ran down to five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Heritage scored a crucial touchdown and scored the proceeding extra point, bringing the score to 34-27. Shortly after, Northside earned a touchdown and field goal, bringing it to a tied-game once again. The unease and concern of everyone present rose, especially since time was running out. With a few seconds remaining, Northside fumbled the snap in an attempt to score a game-ending field goal, allowing Heritage to recover it and send the game into overtime. With high stakes on the line and the audience on the edge of their seats, Heritage proceeded to score both a touchdown and field goal, bringing the score to 41-34. Tragically, Northside scored yet another touchdown, and decided to go for the two-point conversion to hopefully seal the deal. However, Heritage’s defensive pressure caused the Northside to make a poor passing choice, giving the well-earned victory to Heritage.

“It was great to see all the excitement on the players, coaches and fans’ faces after we won. There is a ton of work throughout the year that goes into the game of football and to get a win means a lot to this team,” said Football Coach Eric Munoz. “I am extremely proud of the relentless work ethic that these players have each week. I’m even more proud of the grit they showed during the game and how they kept playing and finished.”

Starting varsity quarterback Braedon Carroll (11) expressed how proud he is of the team and the hard work put into the game. “It felt amazing to win, especially that we got to do it in front of all our friends and family on our home turf.”

The student section was electric like never before. With the theme being ‘frat’, students were dressed to look like an authentic college student section. As soon as the game finished in Heritage’s favor, the student section erupted – students jumped up, yelled, and some even rushed the field to celebrate with their peers.

“As soon as we knew we won, I started leading everyone down to the field and we were all jumping up in excitement. With it being my senior year and winning this game in overtime it felt bittersweet and memorable. I was so happy to be there,” said senior Monica Howard who is a regular attendant at all football games.

Despite the reputation Heritage football has, students like Carsyn Coleman (11) have noticed improvements despite the score. “Something that a lot of people who are really knowledgeable about football and that know a lot about high school football know that although our score doesn’t always reflect our performance, our performance is getting better.

We’re becoming a stronger team [all] around. We just really needed to learn how to execute four solid quarters and how to overcome our mistakes.”

Winning the first game of the season is obviously an amazing feeling, but winning the first game in two years fosters a feeling like no other. Heritage’s school spirit seems to be flying high ever since last Friday night, and there is a noticeable anticipation to see all the hard work and dedication pay off once again in the final home game of the season on October 31 versus Fayetteville.

“I believe [the winning streak] will continue because we know we can win now so we are going to play like it,” Carroll said.