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PORTSMOUTH — In all aspects of the word, Chase Heiland was simply special last fall.
Portsmouth’s feature back opened his junior season with a 24-carry, 245-yard, four-touchdown performance in a win over Valley and kept his foot on the gas the rest of the way through.
His efforts were undoubtedly the centerpiece of the Trojans’ 6-6 finish — one that included the program’s sixth consecutive postseason berth.
Heiland doesn’t take much credit for it, though. Instead, like he always has, he defers any type of recognition to the men that paved the way for him.
CREDIT: Renee Nemeth/SOSA
“What made last season so special was the bond I had with the big guys up front,” Heiland said. “They had full trust in me and were willing to put their bodies on the line, which led to most of my success. I can follow it up by continuing to get better every day in the offseason.”
The highlight of all highlights came in the Trojans’ 50-38 win over conference rival Fairland in Week 11. Earlier in the year, the Dragons had handed Heiland and company a 43-27 loss.
But on Oct. 27, thanks to a spectacular effort, Portsmouth shifted the narrative.
The junior raced his way into the history books with 359 yards on the ground and four trips to the end zone.
“Last year’s playoff run was very beneficial for this team,” Heiland said. “It showed us our true potential when we trust each other and play as one. After the playoff win at Fairland, everyone in our locker room has full confidence we can beat any team on any given night.”
Heiland’s final numbers in 2023 included 1,778 yards and 18 touchdowns. He earned all-league and all-district nods as well as an honorable mention All-Ohio selection.
But those numbers aren’t where he’s set his standards. Believe it or not, they’re below the bar.
So since the end of last season, he’s been preparing to make his senior year the best of his high school career while fine-tuning the things he needs to get better at.
“My ball-carrying ability and decision making need improvement,” Heiland said. “Those things, as well as getting stronger, have been my main focus all offseason.”
And there’s been a constant presence in that process to keep Heiland accountable.
Portsmouth head coach Bruce Kalb, who will be entering his seventh season, has been there every step of the way. Under Kalb, the Trojans are 38-29 overall and have won three playoff games.
“Playing for Coach Kalb is special,” Heiland said. “He always emphasizes doing things the right way and playing with class, and that’s what makes playing for him so great. He is the centerpiece that brings the whole team together and we all have our full trust in him to put us in the best spot to succeed.”
The Trojans are slated to begin their season on Aug. 22 at Valley. They’ll turn around in Week 2 and host crosstown rival West before wrapping up their non-league schedule at Greenup County.
“An individual goal of mine is to rush for 2000 yards this season,” Heiland said. “As a team, we have a few goals. Those consist of snapping our losing streak with Gallia Academy, winning the conference, and hosting a playoff game. But our most important goal is to beat that team in Week 10.”
Gallia Academy and “that team” in Week 10 — Ironton — handed Portsmouth two of their three Ohio Valley Conference losses in 2023 and combined to win 20 games.
CREDIT: Baylee Harris/SOSA
Needless to say, the Trojans have their work cut out for themselves. But they also have a plan in place.
“You can expect a physically dominant team that has a chip on their shoulder and plays with a ton of heart,” Heiland said. “And with the amount of work that Dylan Sanderlin and Landen Boren have put in during the off-season, look for both of them to be some of the best defensive players in the area.”
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