Despite bumpy start, Portland football tops Ionia 42-21

The Portland High School football team traveled to Ionia on Friday night for a CAAC White league match-up. The Raiders jumped out to a seven-point lead in the first quarter of play, but Ionia was able to score three times in the second quarter to take a 21-7 lead into the halftime break.

Portland’s first score came on a three-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Dominic Novara to senior receiver Christopher Battley. Junior kicker Leo Wagner connected on the extra point.

Ionia’s first score in the second quarter came on a 39-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Nolan Hart to senior receiver Spenser Tooker. Senior kicker Parker Seidelman connected on the extra point tying the game at 7-7.

Ionia took the lead soon after when Hart ran it in himself from one yard out. Seidelman’s extra point was good and Ionia had a 14-7 lead.

Before halftime, Ionia would score one more time. This score came on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Hart to Tooker. Seidelman’s extra point was good and Ionia had a 21-7 lead. As the team went to the halftime break.

After what I am sure was a motivational pep talk from the Portland staff during halftime, the Raiders would score twice in the third quarter of play to tie the game again. The first came when Novara ran it in himself from one yard out. Wagner’s point after was good, cutting Ionia’s lead to 21-14.

Still in the third, Portland senior running back Barrett Brennan would find the endzone on a 34-yard touchdown run. Wagner connected once again and the score sat tied 21-21.

In the fourth quarter of play, Portland would secure three touchdowns while holding the Bulldogs scoreless.

The first Portland score in the fourth quarter came when Novara connected with Battley on an impressive 63-yard touchdown pass, giving the Raiders a 27-21 lead.

The next Raider score came on a 19-yard touchdown run by junior running back Kayden Dickerson. Novara connected with junior Ethan Cassell for a two-yard conversion extending Portland’s lead to 35-21.

The final score of the game came when Portland’s Brennen scored on a seven-yard touchdown run. Wagner’s point after was good, extending Portland’s lead to 42-21.

Scoring summary by quarter:

1st – 2nd – 3rd – 4th – Final

Portland 7 – 0 – 14 – 21 – 42

Ionia 0 – 21 – 0 – 0 – 21

Brennan led all rushers with 78 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns. Dickerson finished the game with 58 yards on 14 carries with one touchdown.

Battley finished the game with seven catches, 151 yards, and two touchdowns.

Defensive leaders for the Raiders were:

Thomas Perron five tackles

Kayden Dickerson five tackles

Barrett Spitzley four tackles

Brad Meyers three tackles and one interception

Keaton McGregor three tackles

AJ Weber three tackles

With the win, the Raiders improve to 3-0 overall, 2-0 in the CAAC White. Next week they travel to Lakewood. The Vikings are currently 2-1 overall, 1-1 in the CAAC White.

Other week three action in the CAAC White included:

Lakewood 33, Eaton Rapids 0

Lansing Catholic 28, Charlotte 21

Olivet 7, Sexton 0

Current CAAC White standings from mhsaa.com.

Team W-L (Conference) W-L (Overall)

Portland 2-0 3-0

Ionia 1-1 2-1

Lake Odessa Lakewood 1-1 2-1

Lansing Catholic 1-1 2-1

Olivet 1-1 2-1

Charlotte 1-1 1-2