Mentioning Brighton's Matthew Heininger as the area's best defensive player may be modest.

The Division I commit is a star two-way player for the reigning Section V Class A champion Bruins who may utilize the senior in all three phases this fall.

Brighton's defense is the most proven side of the ball, though. Heininger returns to middle linebacker alongside Zack Rossignol and Amari Snowden , who had knee surgery after an injury in the section final but is practicing and expects to return. Defensive tackles Zahmar Tookes and Titus Nebbia are back creating gaps for the linebacking corps.

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