Portal

Portal, Metter ready for rematch

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PORTAL – The final week of the season has arrived for the Portal Panthers, and though the weather continues to cool, PHS finds itself hotter than any time this year.

The Panthers controlled the Bryan County Redskins from start to finish at home, winning 20-9 on October 23, before traveling to Savannah a week ago. Facing the only undefeated team in Region 3A-A, Portal provided Savannah Christian with one of its closest contests to date – Falling 21-7 to a Raider team that has not lost a region game since 2007.

Tonight, the Panthers (1-8, 1-4 Region 3A-A) retake the field at the friendly confines of the Portal Athletic Complex looking to avenge a week-one loss against Metter.

“I can honestly say both Metter, from the film we’ve watched, and Portal have made strides throughout the year. Both teams have had to shuffle personnel and do some things different to stay in ball games,” said Panther coach Justin Chester. “Like us, they have lost games that could have gone their way with some breaks.”

Failing to reach the Region 3-A playoffs for a third-consecutive season, PHS will look to end its year on a positive note and overcome a Tiger team that held off a late game surge to beat the Panthers 23-13 in August.

Portal’s attempt to win multiple games for the first time since 2006 will depend heavily on its ground attack returning to the form it displayed two weeks ago.

The Panthers tallied three scores and 245 yards via the ground game against Bryan. Sophomore quarterbacks Corey Walker and Hunter Oglesby proved a dynamic tandem in the effort, accounting for 183 of the total.

Last week, the Raiders were able to limit the Portal rushers to just 77 yards, and the offense struggled to move.

“On the offensive side we need to establish the offensive line, control the clock and keep them off the field. We have to make sure not to turn the ball over,” said Chester. “One thing that’s hurt us in earlier ball games is losing the football.”

            On the defensive end, the Panthers will look to continue its recent strong play. After giving up just nine to the Redskins, the fewest amount of points to any team this year, Portal held Savannah Christian to 21 — 13 points fewer than its season average. PHS forced three turnovers in the process.

“Our goal is to not give up the big play,” said the Panther coach. “We want to play smart defensively and stop that passing offense. They have a really good passing game and we need to stick to our assignments.”

            For the Tigers (2-7, 1-5 Region 3B-A), the 2009 season has been less than memorable. Despite winning the opener at Portal, Metter has stumbled to just two victories — the other coming in a 35-0 win against Wheeler County.

            The team has gotten production from quarterback Pete Nagel and its offense at times this season, but consistently allowed too many scores on the other end — the Tigers have given up an average of 27 points-per-game.

            Following three-straight losses to Jenkins, Emanuel County Institute and Treutlen, MHS will ride into Portal looking to right its woes against a Panther team it has defeated in five consecutive football games.

            Tonight will be the last time either team takes the field this season. With nearly the entire year in each squad’s rear view mirror, the focus shifts to the months ahead.       

“I think you’ll see two teams get after it hard, and try to get the offseason off to a good start. We want the guys to go out and play the best they can play; have the seniors go out on a good note, and the other guys go into the offseason looking forward to next year,” said Chester. “All we ask is our guys play as hard as they can and have fun. If we can go into this thing, play smart and not beat ourselves, we can have a good night. It’s going to be catfight.”