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New Coach Brings Fresh Start To Heritage

War Eagles Can Bounce Back From 0-10 Season

Head Coach: Tony Travis, 1st season at Heritage
2015 Record: 0-10
Returning Offensive Starters: 3
Returning Defensive Starters: 3
Offense: Pro-I
Defense: 4-Front
Key players: JR Trey Kitterman QB, SR Josue Palacios S, SR DeAndrea Mendez FB/DL

 

ROGERS (KFSM)--The first win for Heritage this season could be the biggest. Already, the Eagles would surpass last fall's win total. After an 0-10 campaign in 2015, former Pea Ridge head coach Tony Travis takes over the program. Travis previously coached in the 7A as an assistant at Fayetteville, and expects his team to play with one common theme.

"We talk about a 4th and 1 mentality. Everyone knows how important an adrenaline rush you get on 4th and 1 whether it's on offense or on defense, we're trying to apply the same attitude towards every play, every snap. So that's something we've talked about a little bit in the spring and summer," Travis said.

Heritage returns just six starters from its 0-10 team. And while the War Eagles did not score a touchdown in the final six games of the season, totaling only 15 points. But junior quarterback Trey Kitterman is using that as motivation.

"It's fuel for us. We came out this year and are really confident," Kitterman said.

"I don't know if you want to totally forget about [last season]. Our guys can use that and play with a chip on their shoulders," said Travis.

One of Travis's more versatile players is hybrid fullback/defensive lineman DeAndrea Mendez. It's rare to see two-way players at the 7A level, and the junior can help Heritage as both a lead blocker and pass rusher.

Heritage opens its season at Little Rock Central on September 2nd. The War Eagles won the only prior meeting in the 2014 playoffs.

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