COLUMBUS — The Heritage Academy Patriots rolled to a convincing 32-6 win over Biggersville on Friday night, showcasing their formidable defense and well-executed offense. The Patriots controlled the game from start to finish, seizing opportunities and stifling Biggersville’s efforts throughout the contest.

Heritage wasted no time making their presence known, starting with a 34-yard kickoff return that set up a quick touchdown. Quarterback Thompson Regimbal connected with wide receiver Cole Shelton  on a double pass for a score on the Patriots’ opening drive, giving them an early lead. The defense quickly followed up by forcing a three-and-out.

Heritage stayed aggressive, and on their next possession, another double pass play led to running back Adyn Westmore powering through for a 4-yard touchdown run, pushing the Patriots to a 14-0 lead with 6:58 left in the first quarter.

Biggersville attempted to respond, advancing deep into Heritage territory with two big plays from their own 26-yard line. But the Patriots’ defense held firm, shutting them down near the 15-yard line. A string of penalties and a mishandled snap during a punt briefly gave Biggersville possession at the 4-yard line, but Heritage’s defense came through once again, recovering a fumble on the next play to regain control.

Throughout the first half, both teams struggled to find consistency, but the Patriots remained resilient. Heritage nearly pulled off a trick play on a fourth down, only to have a holding penalty nullify a potential touchdown. Despite these setbacks, Heritage’s defense continued to shine, as cornerback Nash McCrary came up with a key interception just before halftime, keeping Biggersville off the board and maintaining the Patriots’ lead.

“We played a physical game,” Patriots head coach Tobias Smith said of the penalties that Heritage accrued.

“I understand that when we play hard and big, stuff is going to happen. I’m not going to ask my guys to slow down and correct it when playing this physical. We just need to fix our pre-snap penalties.”

Biggersville’s offensive woes persisted in the second half, starting with an illegal formation penalty on their opening drive. The Patriots’ defense took advantage, breaking up key passes and frustrating Biggersville’s offense. Despite some offensive penalties of their own, Heritage found momentum when Cole Shelton reeled in a 54-yard reception, setting up another

Westmore touchdown. His 1-yard run extended the Patriots’ lead to 20-0 with 8:58 remaining in the third quarter.

Biggersville managed to put together a 31-yard reception that led to their first trip into the red zone. After a series of short runs and penalties, they eventually scored on an 8-yard rush, but a failed PAT left them trailing 20-6 late in the third. Heritage quickly capitalized on Biggersville’s continued mistakes, forcing the Lions into poor field position to maintain control heading into the fourth quarter.

The Patriots officially put the game away when defensive lineman Bryson Wilson made an incredible interception, returning it to Biggersville’s 11-yard line. Westmore took the opportunity to score his third touchdown of the night, pushing the lead to 26-6. Though the Patriots missed the PAT, their defense continued to dominate, forcing Biggersville into another turnover on downs.

Heritage sealed the game with a Thompson 43-yard pass to wide receiver Xzavier Weber, setting up Westmore’s fourth touchdown and making it 32-6. Biggersville’s final efforts were shut down as the Patriots’ defense held strong until the clock ran out.

“We’re going to use this game to springboard us into next week,” Smith said of the team’s momentum. “We’ve got to go on the road, and it’s always a close matchup with us.”

Heritage faces its first district game next week against Pillow Academy in Greenwood.

Heritage Academy 32, Biggersville 6

Heritage Academy (3-1)      12 0 7 13 — 32

Biggersville (0-2)       0  0  6  0 — 6

First quarter

H — Shelton reception  (conversion failed)

H — Westmore 4 run (conversion failed)

Second quarter

No scoring

Third quarter

H — Westmore 1 run (Cole Shelton PAT good)

B — Jayce Taylor 5 run (PAT missed)

Fourth quarter

H — Westmore 11 run (PAT missed)

H — Westmore 4 run (Shelton PAT good)