The Portal Panthers went on the road to take on the Claxton Tigers on Friday night. It was all Portal all night as they routed Claxton 35-0.
1st Quarter: Panthers jump out in Front
After forcing a 3 and out on Claxton’s first drive. Portal marched their way down the field before Samari Mcbride scampered to the endzone from the 11-yard line. The defense got another stop and that allowed Mcbride to find the endzone for the second time in the first quarter. Before you knew it, the Panthers found themselves up 14-0.
2nd Quarter: Portal extends lead with air attack
Despite fumbling early in the second quarter, the Panthers’ defense stood tall and kept the Tigers off the scoreboard. Portal’s offense struck up the band when Chase Smith connected with Brian McQueen for a 48-yard passing touchdown. The deep ball from Smith to McQueen was a common thing early in the season for Portal, but they haven’t hit on it in a few games. The Panthers went into the half up 21-0
3rd Quarter: Panthers’ D stifles the Tigers
The Tigers came out of the half on fire as they marched down the field on the opening drive. Portal got a stop on the Tigers, but a roughing the passer penalty extended the drive for Claxton. The Panthers defense made up for it when Cooper Motes recovered a fumble and gave the ball back to Portal. The Panthers would cash in on the turnover when Mcbride scored again to complete the hat trick.
4th Quarter: The Freshman gets in on the party
The Panthers put the finishing touches on the win in the 4th quarter. Freshman quarterback Waylon Martin was able to find the speedy Harold Washington for a 47-yard touchdown to make the game 35-0.
This win for the Panthers snaps a 3-game losing streak for Portal. They now sit at a 3-4 record with a 2-3 record in region play. After last week’s lost, coach Jason McEachin called for his team to step up and they answered the call in this game.
Up Next:
The Panthers will be back at home for senior night as they host Screven County at Portal Athletic Complex on Friday, October 25th