Sammy Khalaf is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Heritage Academy Laveen High School for AZPreps365.com

It was Senior Night for Heritage Academy Laveen Heroes football Friday night, but the celebration was spoiled by the Chandler Prep Titans, 34-27.

The Titans took advantage early, as quarterback Kody Dodson rushed it into the end zone to put the Titans up 7-0. The beatdown continued into the second quarter when the Titans continued to run the ball. Titans’ wide receiver James Heisler made it 14-0 to kick off the second quarter.

The Heroes, however, had a response four minutes later when star quarterback Kaleb “Bubba” Burras proved that he had a running game of his own when he scored the Heroes’ first touchdown of the night to make it 14-7. The celebration wouldn’t last long, though, as the Titans responded with another rushing touchdown for Dodson. 

The Titans would later shock everyone with a near 50-yard Hail Mary pass from Dodson to make it 28-7 at halftime. It didn't look good for the Heroes as they were down 21 points. 

During the first half, Heroes’ wide receiver PJ Soltero went down with a foot injury. The injury was described as a bruising. Soltero would continue to play, but he re-aggravated the injury according to head coach Nick Offenberger. 

The Heroes struck first in the third quarter after another rushing touchdown from Burras to cut the lead down to 28-14; however, the Titans would respond two minutes later with a touchdown from wide receiver Avery Hamler to make it 34-14.

Time was of the essence for the Heroes as wide receiver Kaelan Williams returned a kickoff to the end zone for a Heroes touchdown to make it 34-21.

The Heroes’ injury struggles would continue as Williams scored another touchdown to make it 34-27.

Williams went down immediately after the play and had to be carried off the field with injuries to his leg and jaw. There is currently no update on his condition.

The Heroes kept fighting with everything they had, but in the end, the Titans were too much to handle as they picked up the victory Friday night. 

Despite the close game, the Heroes celebrated their senior players with a ceremony at the end of the game. It was still a great night as the Heroes had something to be proud of. 

Offenberger said that he was proud of the way the team conducted themselves during the game, especially the seniors.

“This was a huge game for us,” Offenberger said. “It took us the whole first half to figure it out offensively. I’m dang proud of these kids, especially these seniors, on the way that they finished.”

Senior outside linebacker Sharyar Malik said that this game meant a lot to him, especially since it was in front of his family.

“It was one of my last regular season games,” Malik said. “Taking it as a loss was not part of the plan, but if we make the playoffs, we’re going to come back stronger and wipe everybody out.”

Burras finished with two touchdowns, 125 rushing yards, and 123 passing yards. Burras said that the last few minutes were “tiring” since he was responsible for the majority of the final plays.

“I just kept pushing,” Burras said. “I’m going to keep pushing no matter what.”

The Heroes finish their season 6-4 while the Titans improve to 5-5. The Heroes await their playoff fate as they look for a chance to compete for the state title once again.