In this full-season feature, we catch up with Head Coach Jason McEachin for a Q&A on how the team is shaping up after a strong 2024 run. You’ll also find this year’s full schedule, including a look back at how the Panthers fared in last season’s matchups, and a complete 2025 roster. Whether you're cheering from The Jungle or following from home, this preview has everything you need to stay plugged in with Portal football this fall.

How do you feel about your team so far heading into the season?

Our team has had a solid Spring and Summer and we have made some good strides. We still have work to do and look to continue our improvement week-by-week. I like how this team practices and I do expect us to steadily improve. I look forward to watching them compete. If we stay healthy and continue improving, I expect this to be a playoff team. 

What’s the energy been like during practices this summer?

The energy around this team has been good all Summer. This team has good chemistry and they all get along well. 

Who are some key players you lost from last year, and how are you filling those spots?

Key losses from last year include QB/LB Chase Smith and LB/FB Cooper Motes. These two were key contributors from both a culture and a production standpoint. They will be missed. We have had to shuffle some players around from different positions to replace them on defense and I really like the moves we have made. Braylon Davis and Josh Coleman have moved to Inside Linebacker and are looking to have really good seasons. 

Which players have stepped up the most in the offseason?

Braylon Davis has been a leader all offseason with his commitment and work ethic in the weightroom. He has been our hardest worker this offseason. We are also expecting alot from our senior linemen who have done a great job this Summer, Quan Coleman, Colby Chester, Ethan Lewis and Reid Johnson. Senior Brian McQueen has also shown progress this Summer as a leader. Junior offensive linemen Tre Ellison and Devin Rhodes have also worked really hard all offseason as they return as starters. Junior FB/LB KJ Hunter is back healthy after missing his Sophomore year due to injury and looks to have a big year. 

Are there any younger players or newcomers we should keep an eye on this year?

Junior Safety Lee Drawdy, Junior LB/FB Josh Coleman and Junior Slot/DB Jason Crawford will all be starting at new positions and have transitioned well. We have several 10th graders who expect to start for the 1st time or have significant playing time this Fall. They include DL Trayvon Hatcher, LB Charles Weaver, Slot Back Zeke Percell, OL/DL Terrance Forehand and QB Gideon Fulcher.  

What are some things you focused on improving in the offseason?

This offseason we focused on speed and strength as always. We made really good strides there. We also emphasized adjusting our schemes to match the strengths of the players we have. 

Do you feel like the team is more confident going into this season?

I do think this team is confident going into this year. I wouldn't say this team is more confident, because last year's group may have been too confident early in the year, which hindered our progress. 

What game are you or the team most looking forward to and why?

Our team is most looking forward to our first game against Bulloch Academy in the Erk Russell Classic. The only reason we are most looking forward to that game is because it is the first one. We will never look past any opponent to a game down the road. We just want to win the next one. 

Do you think you’re stronger on offense or defense right now, or are things pretty balanced?

I would say our defense is a little ahead of the offense. We have installed some new schemes on offense and it just takes a little more time to get them just right. 

Are there any changes to your coaching staff, or are things mostly the same?

We have added Brandon Whitener to our coaching staff and he has been a good addition. We have shuffled coaching assignments a little but most of the men are back from last year. This is a really solid group of men who have been doing a great job serving our football players. I am very thankful for the staff I have here at Portal. 

What’s something you’re trying to do differently this year compared to last season?

We are trying to be better at running the football more efficiently and be better at stopping the run. That will always be a key in this region. 

What’s one thing the community might not know about your team that they should?

The community should know that this is just a great group of young men who will show up, work hard, and be great teammates. They will represent Portal well and compete their tails off on Friday nights. 

How do you keep the team motivated during the grind of the season?

We try to find motivation by always just focusing on the next opponent and what it will take to win that week. We also recognize our players for successes of the field which helps them find value in other ways as the grind of the season carries on.

What would you say is the identity of your team this year?

I don't think this team has really found its identity yet. I know who I want us to be, but we need to go prove it first. The first couple games should help solidify our identity. 

Portal Panthers 2025 Schedule and Last Year Recap

8/16 – Bulloch Academy (Georgia Southern University – Paulson Stadium)

Portal fell just short in a hard-fought 19-18 loss to Bulloch Academy at the 2024 Erk Russell Classic, coming up one point shy in a game defined by turnovers, cramps, and missed opportunities. After falling behind 13-0 at halftime, the Panthers clawed back with second-half touchdowns from Jaylon Strickland, Chase Smith, and Brian McQueen, who returned a fumble for a score. But a final defensive stand came up just short as Bulloch Academy ran out the clock to seal the win.

8/29 – Twiggs County

Portal earned its first win of the 2024 season with a 34-20 road victory over Twiggs County, scoring 34 unanswered points after falling behind early. Brian McQueen had a standout night, scoring on a rushing touchdown and sealing the win with a 62-yard pick six—his second defensive score of the season. Chase Smith tossed touchdown passes to Harold Washington and led several second-half drives that turned the game into a dominant third-quarter swing for the Panthers.

9/05 – At Jenkins County

Portal fell 48-19 to Jenkins County in its region opener, undone by the War Eagles’ relentless rushing attack and a third-quarter pick-six that swung momentum for good. After explosive first-half strikes from quarterback Chase Smith to Brian McQueen pulled the Panthers within 20-19 at the break, Jenkins County rattled off 28 unanswered points—highlighted by long touchdown runs from Justin Wright and Kendrick Thomas—to seal the rout while Portal’s offense stalled and a late injury further dampened the night.

9/12 – Bryan County

Portal defeated Bryan County 20-8 on the road, bouncing back from a tough loss with a strong defensive effort and explosive plays from its backfield. Harold Washington broke the scoring open with a long touchdown run, and Brian McQueen followed with an 80-yard direct snap score to give the Panthers a 13-0 halftime lead. Quarterback Chase Smith added a 20-yard touchdown pass to Zion Lanier, while Kobi Burroughs grabbed a key interception and the Portal defense held Bryan County to a single fourth-quarter score.

9/19 – At Metter

Portal fell 28-7 at home to a physical Metter squad that capitalized on short fields and Panther turnovers. Despite a highlight-reel kickoff return touchdown from Harold Washington before halftime, the Panthers couldn’t sustain offensive momentum, with multiple drives stalling deep in Tiger territory. Injuries to key playmakers Brian McQueen and Jaylon Strickland added to the frustration, as Head Coach Jason McEachin cited ball security and missed opportunities as turning points in the loss.

9/26 – Savannah

Portal closed out the 2024 season with a 20-6 win over Savannah in a rescheduled game, powered by a dominant run game and timely defense. Harold Washington led the way with a rushing touchdown and a big return, while Chase Smith and Samari McBride added scores on the ground. A late interception by Kobi Burroughs sealed the game, and Head Coach Jason McEachin told his team, “We got to end the season the way we wanted to, with a win… Not everyone can close out the season with a W.”

10/10 – At Emanuel County Institute

Portal was overpowered by ECI in a 38-3 home loss, struggling to contain the Bulldogs' offense while being held without a touchdown. The Panthers moved the ball well at times—rushing for over 200 yards behind Harold Washington’s 87-yard night—but two interceptions and stalled drives derailed their momentum. Senior quarterback Chase Smith finished with 49 passing yards and 213 on the ground as Portal’s lone points came from a field goal by A. Hernandez.

10/17 – Claxton

Portal dominated Claxton 35-0 on the road, snapping a three-game losing streak with a complete performance on both sides of the ball. Samari McBride scored three rushing touchdowns, while Chase Smith and freshman Waylon Martin each threw deep scoring passes to Brian McQueen and Harold Washington, respectively. The defense forced multiple turnovers and posted a shutout, delivering one of the Panthers’ most complete efforts of the season.

10/24 – At Screven County

Portal fell just short on Senior Night, losing 26-21 to Screven County in a spirited comeback effort. After falling behind early, the Panthers responded with big plays—including a 55-yard touchdown run from Jaylon Strickland and a late deep strike from Chase Smith to Brian McQueen. Defensively, seniors Cedric Williams, Chase Smith, and Joshua Coleman all made impact plays, but the Gamecocks’ early lead and a few costly turnovers proved too much to overcome.

10/31 – McIntosh County Academy

Portal was shut out 40-0 on the road by McIntosh County Academy in one of their most lopsided losses of the 2024 season. The Buccaneers capitalized on Portal turnovers—including a scoop-and-score fumble return before halftime—and pulled away with explosive plays through the air and on the ground. Despite some early drives showing promise, the Panthers couldn’t overcome penalties and mistakes, falling to 3-6 on the year with one game remaining.