Raiders Claim CAAC White title

Friday night was a party at Portland High School as the Raiders played for the CAAC White title while celebrating Homecoming. The Portland community showed up and showed out to support its Raiders football team.

Before the game, there was what I would call a small parade recognizing Raiders athletes and their accomplishments. It was a great way to kick off the Homecoming football game.

From the very beginning, Portland looked like the stronger squad. The Raiders were able to do whatever they wanted offensively while being stellar on the defensive side of the ball.

Carson Spenski got the Raiders started by scoring the first touchdown of the night early in the first quarter. Spenski then tallied his second touchdown of the night with 1:19 remaining in the first quarter, giving the Raiders a 14-0 lead with still a quarter to play before halftime.

Early in the second quarter, Spenski once again kicked on the burners, finding the end zone for the third time of the half and increasing Portland’s lead to 21-0. Midway through the second quarter, Alex Atwell scored for the Raiders, piling it on and making it 28-0. Not long after, Carson Simon sent the ball through the air, connecting with Kehyan Page and finding the end zone once again. The Raiders headed into halftime with a commanding 35-0 lead.

Brady Crowley got the second-half campaign started for the Raiders, scoring his first and only touchdown of the night and extending the lead to 42-0. That was the only scoring possession for Portland in the third quarter.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Landon Espinosa scored for the Raiders, making it 49-0. Very late in the fourth quarter, Eaton Rapids prevented the shutout when Owen Smith reached the end zone with just seven seconds remaining.

The final score was 49-7 in favor of the Portland Raiders, who sent a convincing message to everyone that they will be ready for tougher competition when the playoffs arrive.

Standout Players of the Game

First up is quarterback Carson Simon, who went 6-for-7 through the air for 143 yards and a touchdown. Carson is everything you could ask for in a quarterback. He can throw the deep ball, has an outstanding ability to read the field, and completes his skill set with remarkable accuracy.

Next up is running back Brady Crowley, who finished with 11 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown. Brady is only a sophomore, but he has already received some very valuable carries for the Raiders and has proven to be an outstanding power back.

Last, but certainly not least, is running back Carson Spenski. Carson finished with nine carries for 88 yards and three touchdowns. I’m telling you, everyone: do not let Carson’s size fool you. This kid is as explosive as they come. Opposing teams cannot let him find open grass because, when he does, he is as good as gone.

Deacon Townsend Crowned 2026 Homecoming King

Portland football’s very own, Deacon Townsend, was crowned the 2026 Homecoming King. As most of you know, Deacon was expected to have a huge season for the Raiders, but his season was cut short due to a devastating injury. There is no better person to be crowned king this year than Deacon.

I asked Deacon how it felt to be crowned king in front of his classmates and the Portland community.

“It means a lot to me. Not being able to play this year has been really hard on me, so being able to win something and have them all cheer for me was really special.”

I followed up by asking Deacon how his recovery was going.

“You know, it’s going great. The doctors have been very impressed with how I’ve been healing, and I’m a little ahead of schedule. I just have to keep doing what I’m doing, and good things will happen.”

I jokingly asked Deacon if we would see No. 23 throw the pads back on come playoff time.

“I unfortunately probably will not be able to suit back up this season.”

I then asked Deacon where he stands with his college recruitment.

“It’s been good. I’ve been going to a couple of schools for visits, and they have been very fun. I’ve also been in touch with coaches for a couple of months now.”

Finally, I asked if playing college football was the plan.

“I do have dreams of playing college football in the future. I’m planning on seeing how I recover, then I will make up my mind.”

Looking Ahead to Week 8

Heading into Week 8, the Raiders are 7-0 and will take on Charlotte. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Charlotte High School.