By James Williams

Running back Jamal Morrow led the Heritage Patriots to a victory over the Rancho Verde Mustangs, 35-13 on Aug 31.

The Mustangs have lost two straight games in a row to open the 2012 season after coming off an undefeated season in 2011. The Mustangs lost on Aug 24 against Elsinore High School.

Morrow and the Patriots offense could have increased the score in the final seconds of the game but after a few attempts on the ground inside the red zone, the Patriots took a knee to seal the victory as time expired.

Morrow led the team in rushing with 184 rushing yards. Morrow also found the end zone for four touchdowns.

Morrow has rushed for at least 150 yards in each of the first two games of the 2012 season.

Limihai Hifo helped carry the ball out of the Patriots’ backfield, rushing for 49 yards and one touchdown against the Mustangs.

Mustangs QB Sheriron Jones threw for 158 passing yards and one passing touchdown. Jones also had one incepted pass in the game.

Jones also found himself scrambling from the Patriots defense, as he rushed for 17 yards on 13 carries.

Mustang running back Keshaun Slaughter had 55 rushing yards with one touchdown.

Slaughter’s one yard touchdown came in the opening drive of the game as the Mustang’s offense rushed down the field and into the end zone to cap off the drive that lasted close to six minutes in the first quarter.

Wide receiver Demore’ea Stringfellow was a non-factor for the Mustangs with seven catches for 86 yards.

The Mustangs will look to get their first win of the season against Great Oak high school on Sept. 7, which also starts off a three game road stretch before coming home on Sept. 28 to play Riverside Poly high school.

The Patriots extend their winning streak with victory number two of the season, after defeating San Jacinto last week, 32-6.

The Patriots will play Beaumont high school in their next game on Sept. 7.