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I have seen both teams play this year. IMO Blairsville wins this one going away. Portage has a very talented back in Kephart...however, I would argue that Dividock is who makes their offense go. It was obvious in the Homer game that he is nowhere near 100%. Without the fullback trap, that offense becomes somewhat one dimensional. Brija is an excellent QB, but he doesn't have many weapons to throw to. Homer seemed to shut down their passing game for the most part. To be honest, Homer's defense...which was less than stellar for most of the year...did a decent job of containing Portage's offense. Blairsville is a much different team than they were last year...why??? DEFENSE!!! They are a mature group that is playing with a ton of confidence. They just look comfrotable on the defensive side of the ball. They seem to understand the concepts that coach Faust has put into place, and they play fast and physical. Offensively, Blairsville can hurt you in a number of ways. Portage's weakness is their secondary. Blairsville may need to open it up a bit...Portage is big and strong up front, but they don't get much pressure on the QB...if this is the case saturday night, Thompson will have a field day!

If Blairsville doesn't turn the ball over, and continues to play defense the same way they have all season, I just don't see Portage having enough to beat them.

Just a few observations from an unbiased observer!

Portage doesn't stand a chance this game. they are weak right now, 1 dimensional and are going to be the away team. I see blairsville winning this game 35-14 around.

And as to portage pride..... When the majority of people watching the game and film are pointing this stuff out it isn't made up and there is no excuse. That portage player should be suspended by the school for the game. 3 years and 3 dirty plays! If i were d6 i'd boot portage out of the district in a heartbeat.

I think they should just kick Portage out because they play the WestPAC! The fact that their uniforms are green and white should be enough! Come on Konjo, we know you hate the WestPAC and worship PM, Ferrens, and theHeritage. If these Portage players were a real problem, don't ya think the WestPAC people would be complaining about it?

Portage isn't a dirty team or program, people need to cool it. I know too many good people involved with their program, that's just not how they operate.

Crimson's Ghost wrote:Portage isn't a dirty team or program, people need to cool it. I know too many good people involved with their program, that's just not how they operate.

Crimson you and 12HankQB are typing on blind eyes in here when It comes to sticking up for Portage and our program. Just let them cry about us, If that's what they find solace in, then peace be with them.


Thank You raybabbitt for your opinion on the game though !!! Really sucks Luke(Dividock) is banged up the way he is. He's a helluva ball player on both sides of the ball when healthy even though he's trying to stick it out. I agree the pass game has been very hit and miss this season. We lost our starting TE #9 for nine weeks during the last scrimmage with a broken leg, which really could have opened up passing offense IMO. He just returned this past week against Homer so we'll see if they use him more against Blairsville. Portage graduated all of their starting wide receivers and 90% of the Defense Back Corp from last year. It's not a shocker to me they've struggled on both ends this season, although they do have the 17 INT's which is pretty impressive for this unit.

I was really surprised Portage only scored 21 on Homer with the numbers portage put up this year and how poor homers defense had been this season. Hopefully they come in healthy Saturday night.

PLDragons24 wrote:I was really surprised Portage only scored 21 on Homer with the numbers portage put up this year and how poor homers defense had been this season. Hopefully they come in healthy Saturday night.

Procedure penalties absolutely killed Portage on two drives into Wildcat territory. Especially one where they had 1st and Goal from the 9 near Halftime, and after three straight False Starts on 3rd down they were looking at a 3rd and Goal from the 24 and ultimately getting no points out of the drive. Give credit to Homer Center though 100%, they did a very nice job in staying at home on their reads and tackling well and only allowing Kephart break free for the one big 52 yard TD run.

As Deion Robinson goes, so does Blairsville. That kid is the real deal. If you don't wrap him up, he'll make you pay. The Bobcats special teams coverage (most notably Thompson!) is stellar, but I wasn't overly impressed with Blairsville's defense -- aside from the safeties, which includes Thompson. Mo Valley had success through the air and on the ground, but couldn't cash in on their opportunities. Turnovers and penalties also killed MV on Friday in the first half (2 INTs, 60ish yards in penalties).

When I was watching the game, I thought Portage would beat Blairsville. After seeing the score against Homer, I'm not so sure.

Portage 35
Blairsville 26

Portage 21
Blairsville 31