Heritage Panthers

2015: 9-3, 1st in 6A District 14

Head Coach: Mark Ainsley, 3rd season (17-7)

Key Returners: LB Matt Allaire (125 tackles), WR/S Nick Barber (29 rec, 405 yds, 1 TD, 24 tackles), QB Willie Gaines, RB Avery Oates, OL Joe Lopez, OL Rasheed Simon

The Scoop: The Panthers graduated their two biggest weapons on offense from a year ago in running back Josh Gaines and quarterback Daeshawn Mills. The two accounted for 72% of Heritage’s offense. In total 27 seniors were lost to graduation, so in come a lot of new faces. They return only 7 total starters but head coach Mark Ainsley is very optimistic of the talent they bring up from JV.

Quotable: “We’re going to line up and play and I’m excited to see what Heritage does. I think we’re going to be pretty good, and we’re just going to get better, and better, and better as the season goes.” - Ainsley

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No more Daeshawn Mills. No more Josh Gaines. 72% of Heritage’s offense from a year ago gone due to graduation. Head coach Mark Ainsley not losing any sleep over the loss of production.

"I think we’ll have some new names and by the time we get to September," said Ainsley. "It’ll be like man where did this kid come from, I’m going he’s been here he just batted his time. So we’ve got some great kids."

A Gaines will still take snaps for the Panthers this season, Josh’s brother Willie, a sophomore, assumes the starting quarterback role. The rest of the team surrounding him is just as young. Heritage graduated 27 seniors and returns just 4 starters on offense and three on defense.

"We’re building from what we have and we’re really excited a lot of these JV guys are going to step up and be a part of it and what’s going on," said Ainsley.

"Gotta be a mentor, you have to show them the way," said senior wide receiver Nick Barber. "If they do something wrong you have to show them the right way."

"It makes me want to step us a leader," said junior offensive lineman Rasheed Simon. "Try and lead the team, and try to get back up to speed. I just think it’s a great experience for me to step it up as a player."

Despite the new faces this is still a Heritage program that’s seeking their fourth straight district title. The offense figures to stay run heavy behind a trio of backs, but the defense…

"I have no idea, that’s what the first week in August is for," said a smiling Ainsley.

A roster that’s setup to improve as the weeks and years go by.

                                                                                                  

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2016 Schedule

8/26 Merritt Island

9/2 vs Dakota Ridge @ Disney Wide World of Sports

9/16 Eau Gallie

9/23 Osceola

9/30 @ Okeechobee

10/7 @ Melbourne

10/14 @ Sebastian River

10/21 Jensen Beach

10/28 @ Bayside

11/4 Palm Bay