Bonner-Prendie’s Myles Reynolds takes the opening kick-off for the East as the 44th Hero Bowl got under way Thursday night at Cardinal O’Hara. (Pete Bannan – MediaNews Group)

By Terry Toohey

For three quarters the East’s swarming, relentless defense had the West offense bottled up in the 44th Hero Bowl Thursday night.

All the West had was seven points and not much movement. Yet there was no panic in the team made up of Central League all-stars.

“We just had to figure out what they were doing and make adjustments,” said Ridley All-Delco quarterback John Heller.

With Heller leading the way the West scored nine points in the fourth quarter to rally for a 16-12 victory over the East at Cardinal O’Hara High School. After struggling early, Heller completed five of his last nine pass attempts for 66 yards and a touchdown. He finished with 137 yards passing and two touchdowns to earn offensive MVP honors for the West.

It was his final drive, though, that proved to be the difference for the West. Heller drove the West 68 yards in seven plays and capped the march on a three-yard run by Ridley teammate Tahmir Mills with 2:10 left to play in the game.

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