CHESAPEAKE — Indian River quarterback Lord Malik Heru had a conversation with the Braves’ coaching staff at halftime with his team tied with Nansemond River.
“He told us, ‘Put it on me,’” said Indian River coach Brandon Carr. “He told us, ‘I’m going to get us through it.’”
That’s a bold statement for any player to make, but Heru is just a freshman.
But Heru was true to his word as he not only helped the Braves come from behind to tie the game and send it into overtime, but he also delivered on third-and-10 when he threw a bullet to Elijah Boggs for the game-winning touchdown to help the seventh-ranked Braves upset No. 5 Nansemond River 31-25.
“I just wanted to give my team a chance to win,” said Heru, who is just 15. “And I was going to do everything in my power to put us in a great position.”
Indian River wins in overtime. Indian River 31, Nansemond River 25 pic.twitter.com/quOGTW9VMo
— Larry Rubama (@LHRubama) October 11, 2025
Heru battled with Nansemond River star quarterback and Syracuse commit Tyrell Grant Jr. for four quarters as each showed why they’re two of the best quarterbacks in Hampton Roads.
With 10:33 left in the game, Grant scored on a 6-yard touchdown run that gave Nansemond River a 26-19 lead. For the game, Grant completed 16 of 25 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 39 yards and two more scores.
But with less than four minutes left in the game, Heru led the Braves downfield, including a 2-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal to tie the game. The extra-point try was blocked to send the game into overtime.
Heru TD pass with 29 seconds left pic.twitter.com/1zyxgh1xEB
— Larry Rubama (@LHRubama) October 11, 2025
Nansemond River got the ball first. And on third down, Jason Preston intercepted Grant to set up Heru’s heroics.
“I just looked for my guy in the back of the end zone, and he was there,” said Heru, who completed 25 of 39 passes for 241 yards and five touchdowns. “So I gave him a chance at the ball.”
Carr was asked after the game if it’s hard to believe that Heru is just a freshman.
“It is, but the hard work that he puts in,” he said, “he deserves it.”
Lord Malik Heru of Indian River runs away from Sincere White of Nansemond River during the first half at Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Va., on Oct. 10, 2025. (Peter Casey / For The Virginian-Pilot)
