2026 Portland Varsity Football Season Preview

Ladies and gentleman, Portland Raiders Football is back!  The Raiders took the field for their first day of two a day practices Monday, August 10th. Last season the Raiders finished the season 11-1 overall, finishing 9-0 in the regular season and 7-0 in the CAAC White winning the conference title.

I had the opportunity to go out to practice and early on the guys were already looking sharp and ready to go. I also had the opportunity to speak with Portland's Head Coach John Novara. Coach Novara is no stranger to the Portland community. He’s been leading the football program for many years and has taken them on many deep playoffs runs including two trips to the state finals. Another thing about Novara is he was a teacher in the Portland community for many years and has retired from teaching in the last year.

I asked Coach Novara what keeps him motivated to keep coming back to lead the Raiders every season. Novara responded, “Portland has a long standing tradition of hard working, dedicated football players.  The connection with these players keeps me coming back to work with these student athletes.”

I then followed up with a question for Novara that was team focused. I asked him what stands out most about this 2026 roster compared to the 2025 roster that was one game shy of the D4 Final 4 last season. Novara said, “We return 0 starters on offense and 2 on defense, so there is plenty of room for players to step up and make a name for themselves on this team.  We feel like we have a lot of good football players ready to fill the shoes of our last year's group.”

I then asked Novara what impressed him most about his team during the pre-season. Novara responded with, “Team camaraderie has been the most impressive thing with this group so far.”  

I asked Novara what players are stepping into bigger roles this year this upcoming season. Novara said, “Senior Deacon Townsend RB/DB as well as senior Isaiah Bowers OL/DL.”

Deacon and Isaiah are the two returning starters from last year's defense and it’ll be their job to take the reins and lead their team in pursuit of a state title.

I then had the chance to interview senior Deacon Townsend. Deacon now a 2-year starter has been getting looks from colleges to play the next level at DB. Deacon currently holds one offer from NCAA D3 MIAA Conference Champs Alma College.

I asked Deacon what it means to him to receive an offer to play the next level. “It really means a lot to me," Deacon responded. “Having the chance to play at the next level is something I’ve always wanted. Knowing that all the hard work I’ve put in isn’t going to waste is a great feeling, I couldn’t have done it without the help of my teammates and my coaches.”

I talked to Deacon about how the Alma Scots hold a lot of emotional value to him and his family as his parents both attended Alma (Jim & Sarah Townsend) as well as his older brother (Reese Townsend) and older sister (Jayden Townsend).

“Alma College has had a huge impact on my life, ever since I was a kid I remember going to those football games. Then in middle school I was watching my older brother play there. The culture and everything else that Alma has is definitely something I want to be a part of in the future”.

Deacon who has grown from playing football at a young age and watching the varsity players to now being a senior on varsity and is in the pursuit of a state title. Deacon said, “Portland Football was the best thing growing up, watching those guys play hard smash mouth football was truly one of my best childhood memories. Now being a senior it’s our job to leave that same impact, the kids look up to us and we know that. We want to leave a good impact and be good role models for them.”

I then asked Deacon who’s made the biggest impact on him as a football player “I believe my parents and coaches have been my biggest influence. My parents push me every day to keep going and getting better. They have never stopped pushing me and my coaches have always believed in me. They have never stopped caring and have never given up on me, I’m forever grateful for them”. Deacon was the only player on the team to be recognized as a Preseason First Team All-State Player in Division 4. High expectations this season for Deacon as well as the rest of the Portland Raiders to keep the Portland winning tradition alive.

2026 Portland Varsity Football Schedule

Day     Date    Time               Location          Opponent       

Thurs   8/27     7:00 PM          A                     Cadillac

Thurs   9/3       7:00 PM *       H                     Lansing Sexton (Jr. Raider Night)

Fri       9/11     7:00 PM *       H                     Olivet (Band Night)

Fri       9/18     7:00 PM *       A                     Ionia

Fri       9/25     7:00 PM *       A                     Lake Odessa Lakewood

Fri       10/2     7:00 PM *       A                     Lansing Catholic

Fri       10/9     7:00 PM *       H                     Eaton Rapids (Homecoming)

Fri       10/16   7:00 PM *       A                     Charlotte (Military Appreciation Game)

Fri       10/23   7:00 PM          H                     Hudsonville Unity Christian (Senior Night)

*League Contest

Photo by John Gilroy