After just one season as the Patriots' head football coach, Mike Parris resigned Tuesday, Dec. 10, as Heritage's football leader.

Parris led the Patriots to a 6-5 overall record, with a 5-3 mark in region play.

Under Parris, the Patriots fell in the first round of the state tournament to Tucker, but defeated rival Salem during the regular season.

The resignation came after a meeting with Heritage athletic officials, where Parris announced that he would no longer be leading the Patriots.

"I just felt like I needed to get out at this time," Parris said. "I don't really know how to explain it. It just felt like it was the best move to make for me and my family at this time."

Heritage named current offensive coordinator Matt Daniel the Patriots' interim head coach.

"It was sudden," Heritage Athletic Director Chuck Landy said. "We sat down and talked and Coach Parris felt like it was in his best interest to leave the program. It was time for him to step away."