Heroes Shine in 5-0 Start as Heritage Academy-Mesa Dominates CAA

<p>The Heritage Academy-Mesa Heroes are off to a dream start this season, and it's hard not to be impressed by what they're doing on the field. Sitting at 5-0, this well-coached squad has piled up a staggering 236 points while surrendering only 13. Their quarterback has been lights out, tossing a touchdown every four times he drops back, on average. Pairing that with two receivers averaging over 25 yards a catch, it's no wonder this offense is firing on all cylinders. They aren't just winning; they're dominating and showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Let's take a closer look at the players leading the charge for the Heroes.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Calm, Cool, and Collected Under Center</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1397539' first='Mattson' last='Young'] does a great job of keeping his composure under pressure for Heritage Academy-Mesa. The stellar 6'4" 200 lb quarterback doesn't go to the ground easily, using a mean stiff arm to shrug off would-be sacks. When he breaks free — rather than doing what many small-school quarterbacks often do and taking off — he immediately gets his eyes upfield and resets his feet, looking to hit a receiver down the field. Young possesses good arm strength and, more importantly, knows when to use it. He's shown great touch throwing down the sideline while also having the ability to zip the ball through tight windows over the middle of the field. He's currently averaging a touchdown for every four pass attempts he's had through his first five games while holding a 7:1 TD:INT ratio. With offers rolling in from the offseason and continuing through the season, Young is shaping up to be a steal for whichever program lands him.</p>    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Most underrated QB in AZ. Check him out! Keeps getting better each week and leading on and off the field. <a href="https://t.co/2qHn6of96b">https://t.co/2qHn6of96b</a></p>— Coach Reese (@HeritageReese) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeritageReese/status/1843070337983873051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2024</a></blockquote>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Double Trouble for Defenses at Receiver</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">The Heroes' leading receiver in 2023, [player_tooltip player_id='1353778' first='Kaden' last='Bergman'] picked up right where he left off last year. The sure-handed receiver is excellent at tracking the ball through the air and at 6'3" 215 lbs, he can go up and get the ball against any defensive back. Bergman puts that size to good use in the running game, becoming a good blocker with quick feet and possessing the strength to completely neutralize a defensive end. He's currently averaging an astonishing 31 yards per reception through the team's first five games of the season. Sitting at 335 yards and five touchdowns, he's incredibly productive through the air and is a clear advantage for the Heroes rushing attack. With his athleticism, the tight end has the potential to be a valuable asset to a program at either his current position or making the switch to wide receiver.</p>    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Take a look at this D1 talent! <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMohns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMohns</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachATrain99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachATrain99</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/skyler_ridley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@skyler_ridley</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mvp86hinesward?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mvp86hinesward</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KennyDillingham?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KennyDillingham</a> <a href="https://t.co/4jH9pamKgG">https://t.co/4jH9pamKgG</a></p>— Coach Reese (@HeritageReese) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeritageReese/status/1843040780380000616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2024</a></blockquote>    <p class="text-gray-700">David Mota is always a threat to score once he gets the ball in his hands. Standing at a stocky 6'0" 190 lbs, he's incredibly physical for a receiver and defensive backs often struggle to bring him down on their own. Currently leading the Heroes in both receiving yards and touchdowns — 454 yards and 7 TDs — his speed often gives him plenty of separation. Also returning punts for his team, he gets to showcase not only how elusive he can be, but also his impressive vision as a ball carrier as well. Recently receiving an offer to Culver-Stockton College, Mota is a player who coaches should take a long look at as he works through his senior season. </p>    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">David is going to be super special. Be ready! Let's go!! <a href="https://t.co/gdanmAYT9Y">https://t.co/gdanmAYT9Y</a></p>— Coach Reese (@HeritageReese) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeritageReese/status/1839379639548194846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2024</a></blockquote>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Two-Way Gamechanger</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Ryan Nelson's vision is something that stands out no matter which side of the ball he's on. With the ball in his hands, his vision allows him to find holes as they're developing and hit them just as they open. As a linebacker, that vision allows him to keep an eye on the ball carrier no matter where he goes. His ability to follow the flow of the offense and fiercely attack when he sees an opportunity is one of the main reasons he has 10 tackles for loss through five games. He's also shown that he's far from a liability in pass coverage, snagging two interceptions and getting his hands on another six passes. On offense, Nelson's the only player (other than the quarterback) with more than 10 carries on the season, but the workload doesn't seem to be slowing him down at all. Averaging an impressive 12 yards per carry, his combination of strength and agility is quite the handful for any defense. With his versatility and noticeably high football IQ, Nelson would be a huge addition to any college program.</p>    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Complete package! Any team needing a old school LB this is the guy right here! Downhill and fills fast! Let's go <a href="https://t.co/4chotWh8fv">https://t.co/4chotWh8fv</a></p>— Coach Reese (@HeritageReese) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeritageReese/status/1843113858241892626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sack Machine</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Varis Carling has been wreaking havoc on opposing offenses through Heritage Academy's first five games. He currently has a whopping eight sacks, seven hurries, five tackles for loss, and four caused fumbles. To put up that type of production from the interior of the defensive line is rare, and even more rare from only a junior. In a dominant 56-7 over Western SciTech, Carling showed just how much of a game-changer he can be with three sacks, four tackles for loss, and another five hurries in an impressive 48 minutes of football.</p>

The Heritage Academy-Mesa Heroes are off to a dream start this season, and it's hard not to be impressed by what they're doing on the field. Sitting at 5-0, this well-coached squad has piled up a staggering 236 points while surrendering only 13. Their quarterback has been lights out, tossing a touchdown every four times he drops back, on average. Pairing that with two receivers averaging over 25 yards a catch, it's no wonder this offense is firing on all cylinders. They aren't just winning; they're dominating and showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Let's take a closer look at the players leading the charge for the Heroes.