Non-league football: Heritage 28, Prairie 14

Michael Taras ran for three scores and threw for another as Heritage defeated Prairie.

Prairie methodically carved the Heritage defense on the first drive of the game but came away empty handed, failing to score from the 7-yard line.

The first Timberwolves’ drive was more eccentric, dealing with sacks and penalties galore. Although they too made it inside their opponents’ 10-yard line, they were also denied at the goal line.

The inconsistencies from Heritage ceased after those first drives. The team forced a punt and an interception the following two plays and Taras notched his first running touchdown for the lead.

Prairie would briefly take the lead in the third quarter, 14-13. The Falcons were unable to extend their lead and Heritage outscored Prairie 15-0 and forced two turnovers and two turnovers on downs from that point on.

Taras finished with over 320 total yards and was also active on the defensive side of the ball picking off opposing quarterback Jayson Maddux.

HERITAGE 28, PRAIRIE 14

Heritage 0 7 14 7–28

Prairie 0 7 7 0–14

Second quarter

H — Michael Taras 5 run (Antonio Mata kick)

P — Jayson Maddux 2 run (Maddux kick)

Third quarter

H — Taras 10 run (kick failed)

P — Izaiah Ward 11 pass from Maddux (Maddux kick)

H — Neithan Stanley 5 pass from Taras (Ammon Garrison pass from Taras)

Fourth quarter

H — Taras 2 run (Leo Contreras kick)

Individual statistics

RUSHING — Heritage, Taras 16-38, Kahai Umiamaka 3-29, Isaac Roa 2-16, Anthony Kee 2-12, Stanley 1-3, Jorge Rubio 1-3; Prairie, Aaron Brumley 10-58, Carson Slagle 9-51, Maddux 12-30, Logan Reed 1-3, Ward 1-2, Zack Wright 1-1, Jake Bobst 1-0.

PASSING — Heritage, Taras 23-42-0-291; Prairie, Maddux 18-33-2-208.

RECEIVING — Heritage, Garrison 9-121, Umiamaka 2-63, Robert Meadors 4-49, Roa 3-28, Jordan Olivarez 2-14, Kee 1-11, Chase Hendy 1-10, Stanley 1-5; Prairie, Ward 4-111, Nolan Mickenham 9-78, Reed 2-14, Slagle 3-5.