The Tribune-Democrat
CAIRNBROOK —
Portage coach Gary Gouse appreciated his players’ efforts in the first stage of a rebuilding project on a Mustangs team that returned only one starter on offense, one on defense and five lettermen from a 10-1 team.
The Mustangs blanked host Shade 38-0 in the WestPAC opener for both teams.
“We took a step forward. We know it’s a work in progress,” said Gouse, whose teams have gone 49-7 in the past five seasons.
The Mustangs spoiled the debut of Shade head coach Mike Pribish.
Portage held a slight 129-105 advantage in rushing yards, but their aerial game proved to be too much for the Panther defense.
Jake Bryja, a 6-foot-5 junior, shredded the Panthers secondary for nine completions and 178 yards, compared to the Panther’s 19 passing yards.
Portage scored at 9:09 of the first quarter on a 9-yard completion from Bryja to Tyler Nesbella. The PAT run failed. Shade managed two first downs on their initial possession but a 9-yard completion from Brett Edwards to Dylan Glessner was two yards short of moving the chains.
Portage quickly moved 75 yards in eight plays with another big pass play resulting in points. Bryja found Jesse Kreutzberger for a 44-yard pass and run down the middle of the field.
The Mustangs used a nine-play, 85-yard drive that ended with a 29-yard touchdown reception by Kreutzberger and a Josh Bracken extra point. Jalen Noel added a touchdown run to make it 25-0 at intermission.
Portage will host Meyersdale on Friday. Shade travels to Ferndale next Saturday.
