Sammy Khalaf is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Heritage Academy Laveen High School for AZPreps365.com

The Heritage Academy Laveen Heroes’ undefeated season ended Thursday night at the hands of top-ranled St. Mary’s Catholic High School Knights, 20-7.

This battle was between two undefeated teams as the Knights entered the game 6-0. The Knights forced the Heroes to turn over the ball seven times, which was a key factor in their win.

The first quarter only saw one score as the Knights kicked a field goal to make it 3-0 to end the quarter. The second quarter increased the intensity of the game.

The Knights found the end zone halfway through the quarter which saw them take a 10-0 lead. One minute later, Heritage quarterback Savana Soltero threw an interception which was returned for a 38-yard touchdown for the Knights to make it 17-0. 

The Heroes wouldn’t go down, however, as Soltero threw a 66-yard pass down the field to put them back in it. Soltero then threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to her sister Sieana to make it 17-7.

The Knights had an answer as they kicked another field goal to end the half with the score being 20-7. It would stay way for the rest of the time. 

The second half contained one of the three turnovers by the Knights as Gloriann Blanco of the Heroes picked it off in the end zone to minimize the score from increasing further. The Knights turned the ball over on downs twice tonight. 

 Savana Soltero finished the game with 117 passing yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. It was a courageous performance from Soltero as she led the team during tonight’s loss.

 Sieana Soltero ran for 26 yards with one touchdown. Soltero said that the touchdown felt good for her and the team.

“I just wanted to score a touchdown and make my team proud,” Soltero said.

Soltero pulled double duty tonight as she played on offense and defense simultaneously. Soltero doesn’t mind playing for both sides because she wants to help out the team in any way she can.

“I just love playing the sport and helping my team out,” Soltero said.

Heritage wide receiver Alesi Grijalva caught one of two big throws from Savana Soltero for 27 yards. Grijalva called it a “normal play.”

“Just get the ball and keep going,” Grijalva said. “I didn’t hear a whistle, so I kept going.”

Grijalva said the undefeated season was “fun while it lasted” and the team is now focused on getting ready for the playoffs.

The Heroes (7-1) earned the fourth-seed in the 4A state tournament, which means  they meet up with St. Mary's again in the semifinals if the seeds hold strong,

Until then Heritage Academy will prepare for Wednesday's first round game against No. 13 Flagstaff.  

 “Next goal is to just make it to playoffs which is already secured,” Grijalva said.

    Heritage head coach Steve Ladrigue called the loss a learning experience and talked about it as a key point in the team’s huddle after the game.

    “Learning is just part of sports,” Ladrigue said. “Losing is part of sports. I think it was an opportunity for us to learn, for them to learn, to know what that feels like cause we were undefeated to this point.”