The Portage High School varsity football team played its opener on Friday night at the Warpath. The Indians took on one of the toughest teams in the state of Illinois, the St. Rita Mustangs. Portage played a strong fourth quarter to make it interesting, but still came up on the losing end of a 32-21 score.
After lopsided losses against St. Rita the last two years, the Indians played well in order to make it a close game in the third meeting between the team squads. The defense played well throughout the night, forcing many turnovers on fumbles, interceptions or punts. Early in the first quarter, Rita had first and goal from the six yard line, but ended up settling for a John Kelly field goal.
The offense sputtered for most of the first half, leading to a 25-0 deficit when Antonio Rodriquez intercepted a pass and returned it to the end zone for Portage’s first touchdown of the game.
After the third quarter passed without either team cracking the scoreboard, the Indians’ offense came to life in the fourth. The versatile Rashaan Coleman connected with Othie Freeney for a 60 yard touchdown reception. Coleman hauled in a touchdown pass from QB Kris Knies on a miracle fourth and long play to cut the lead to 32-21. The Indians drove the ball into St. Rita territory with one final chance, but they ended up turning the ball over on downs.
Both the home and visiting bleachers were filled to the brim for the home opener at the Warpath. The Portage Booster Club was selling apparel, water and brats. Tailgaters in the parking lot enjoyed food, drinks and beanbags prior to the kickoff. There were vendors around the stadium, including Skyline Snowie. The Junior Varsity game was held prior to the start of the Varsity contest. The Mustangs took the JV game 21-0.
The Indians will begin Duneland Athletic Conference play next week when they travel to Lake Central High School, to take on the Blue Indians, who enter the matchup with a 2-0 record.
There are three home football games remaining at PHS. The next one will be Homecoming against Crown Point on Sept. 16. On Saturday, Sept. 24, Portage will meet Chesterton in a game that will be broadcast on television as a part of The Lakeshore’s new Saturday Night Lights feature. The regular season home slate wraps up against Valparaiso on Oct. 7 with Senior Night.