Sammy Khalaf is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Heritage Academy Laveen High School for AZPreps365.com

Kaleb “Bubba” Burras is a household name at Heritage Academy Laveen. The senior with over 6,000 total yards has been the starting quarterback for his entire high school career. Ever since he was a freshman, Burras’ goal was to make an impact at the Laveen-based school. 

Burras’ love for football is why he keeps playing and showing up to practice every day. It creates a feeling of happiness for the starting quarterback because he calls the football field his home. Burras stays motivated through his hopes and dreams. 

“I really like this game,” Burras said. “It makes me happy. It keeps me going.”

Heritage outside linebacker Sharyar Malik called Burras “dedicated” and backed up Burras’ work ethic on the field.

“I’ve known him since my incoming freshman year summer,” Malik said. “You can really tell that he’s really dedicated to this stuff.”

Heritage coach Nick Offenberger said that the two-time all-region player was someone he immediately took notice of when he arrived at Heritage this year. 

“Part of me taking this job was knowing that we had him coming back this year,” Offenberger said. “The minute I stepped in, I knew that he was the heartbeat of this team.”

Being at Heritage has been a main factor in Burras’ growth as a person and player for the past four years. Heritage running back and cornerback Freddy Rios Manzo said that the environment at Heritage is very “positive and uplifting.” 

“He’s always asking for help,” Manzo said. “Having a smaller team makes it more competitive. Everyone is doing their best.”

The 5-foot-10, 165-pounder said that his dad was the one who got him into football. His dad instilled competitiveness that Burras possesses on the field every single game. Burras’ dad is a mainstay at all the games, cheering his son on no matter how the team is doing.

“My dad taught me everything I know about a quarterback,” Burras said. “It’s like having this competitive spirit in me, trying to be the best.”

LaTroy Burras, the father of the decorated quarterback, used to coach him at a young age. The two went on to win four straight championships when Burras played tackle.

“I’d say that my support lets him know that I care about him,” the elder Burras said. “I want the best for him and his dreams.”

Burras has 90 total touchdowns (47 passing, 43 rushing) with 3,770 yards passing and 2,604 yards rushing yards through five games this year.

But his legacy is built more on how he approaches the game and carries himself. 

Being a role model can oftentimes be overlooked, but Burras said that it means a lot to him as a captain to be able to mentor everyone else on the team, especially the younger players.

“I might not realize it right now, but I think in the future, I’ll look back on these days and realize how much I had an influence on these kids,” Burras said. 

Heritage wide receiver and defensive back Paul “PJ” Soltero said that Burras is a role model for every person on the team. Being the starting quarterback all four years and leading the team helps a ton, according to Soltero.

“I look up to Bubba,” Soltero said. “He’s been here for four years being a leader, leading us, taking us to the playoffs - he’s one of the best.”

Offenberger feels incredibly blessed to have a leader such as Burras on his team knowing that someone else is looking out for the team.

“I couldn’t be more thankful, especially to be the first-year head coach at this program to have somebody that’s got the trust of the team,” Offenberger said. “He’s really laying the foundation for not only our success this season - but how we build this program going forward.”

As Burras’ high school career comes to an end, Burras continues to work on himself as a player as he awaits the next chapter in his life and career. Wherever that may be, the senior with a 4.0 GPA has his never-give-up attitude on display for the chance to continue his career on the field.