Ben Heinritz knew that when Jake Johnson was knocked out of the Haslett game with a concussion, defenses would switch their game plan and focus on the run. Luckily for coach Rob Zimmerman and the DeWitt Panthers, Heinritz appears to be equal to the task. Four rushing touchdowns against Haslett and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown showed everyone that the Panthers aren’t a one-dimensional team. “ Jake is the captain of our offense, but when he is out, we have some pretty good players who can carry the load as well” said Heinritz.
Heinritz averages 114.3 rushing yards a game and has scored 14 touchdowns this season. The Panthers are sitting at 8-0 on the season and are focused on a return trip to Ford Field and winning a Division 3 Championship. “You can’t get caught up with who is in or out, you just have to have faith that the guys will make the play when it’s their time, and so far this year, we have done that.”
College coaches are taking notice of Heinritz’s hard work. Saginaw Valley State University has shown interest in him, he has visited Davenport University, and Butler University has shown interest as well, so the future looks bright for the DeWitt tailback. “ I have been viewed in the past as just a downhill runner, but I’ve worked at trying to find holes better, and Shonquise [Trainor] has helped me learn to make more cuts, instead of just putting my head down,” said Heinritz.
Coach Rob Zimmerman is not short on praise for the senior. “ Ben has picked up right where he left off last season. He is a great high school football player and the heart and soul of this team. “