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Friday, November 13, 2026Nov 13

Long passes lift Heritage to win at rival Ringgold

Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Heritage’s Payton Newman scores on a long touchdown catch during Friday night's win against rival Ringgold.
Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Heritage’s Payton Newman scores on a long touchdown catch during Friday night's win against rival Ringgold.

RINGGOLD, Ga. — Kaden Swope knew he had to deliver when given shots downfield Friday night, and the Heritage senior quarterback did just that in an impressive 31-17 road victory over Catoosa County rival Ringgold to begin the season.

After the host Tigers cut their deficit to a touchdown with Ross Norman’s catch for a score midway through the third quarter, Swope made an unbelievable throw for the Generals.

On the run and with pressure closing in, Swope heaved a pass from the right side of the field that perfectly soared over three defensive backs and right into the hands of Tyler Cheatwood on the visitors’ left sideline for a 40-yard gain. The deep connection helped set up Heritage’s Paxton McCrary’s second 1-yard touchdown of the game, completing the game’s scoring late in the third quarter.

Swope’s first touchdown pass covered 53 yards down the right sideline to tight end Max Owens, who went uncovered to build a 17-7 lead.