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Portage set for huge game with playoff implications

The Portage Area High School football team has an opportunity to forge a three-way tie atop the WestPAC Conference standings by beating undefeated Meyersdale tonight.

But veteran Portage coach Gary Gouse is looking at a much bigger picture.

Kickoff for the conference showdown between Meyersdale (7-0 overall and in the conference) and Portage (6-1 overall and in the conference) is set for 7 p.m. at Portage Stadium.

Aside from its importance in the WestPAC standings, tonight’s game has huge implications in the District 6 Class 1A playoff rankings for Portage. The Mustangs currently lead the sector, and could pick up 190 points with a victory in tonight’s game.

“It’s a lot of points for us in District 6,” Gouse said of tonight’s matchup. “We’re looking at 190 points for us in districts if we win. We’d like to win the league — that’s fine — but we know that this is a huge game for us as far as momentum going into the playoffs. We have one loss, and we’re the top seed in (District 6 Class 1A). It would be great to get a (number) one seed, and be guaranteed two home games for the playoffs. That’s important.”

Portage has shined both offensively and defensively this year, averaging over 48 points in seven games, while allowing less than 11 points per game.

“Our defense has been playing very well,” Gouse said. “I don’t think that we’ve had any (opponent) rush for over 100 yards on us this season. We’ve been really good at tackling and defending the pass.”

Sophomore middle linebacker Corey Sossong — who Gouse said “leads the team in tackles and is having a great year” — believes that the Mustangs’ defensive unit has been playing well collectively.

“We definitely play together, and we work very well together,” Sossong said. “Defense is very important. If you can stop the other team’s offense, you’re putting your team’s offense in a very good position.”

Portage’s offense has clicked on all cylinders for most of the season. The Mustangs rolled up 632 yards of total offense last Friday night and routed Conemaugh Township, 63-0 on the road.

Senior quarterback Connor Price has been a dual threat for Portage, completing 37 of 66 passes for 496 yards and seven touchdowns, while rushing for 503 yards on 48 carries and six scores. Senior back Gabe Forst has rushed for a team-leading 756 yards on 67 carries and 12 touchdowns, while catching 12 passes for 172 yards and three scores.

Another senior back, Seth Georg, has caught 13 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 188 yards on 27 carries and two scores. Senior fullback Scott Berardinelli has rushed for 444 yards on 68 carries and four touchdowns.

“We’re putting up points and moving the ball, and multiple people can do it,” Gouse said.

Gouse also praised the efforts of sophomore placekicker Dylan Tubbs.

“He’s one of the top three placekickers in the area,” Gouse said of Tubbs. “He has been really good at either putting the ball in the endzone for touchbacks, or (hemming in opposing teams deep) at the 10 or 5-yard line.”

Portage dropped its only game of the season, 21-13 at Berlin Brothersvalley Sept. 13. Meyersdale topped previously unbeaten Berlin, 28-14 last Friday in Meyersdale.

Meyersdale, a senior-dominated team, is led by senior quarterback Mahlon Reese, who has completed 33 of 46 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns this season. Senior fullback Devin Kretchman has rushed for a team-leading 667 yards on 124 carries and 18 touchdowns, including 118 yards and three TDs against Berlin.

“We have 14 seniors, a pretty experienced group of guys who have been playing on both sides of the ball since they were sophomores,” said second-year Meyersdale coach Ryan Donaldson. “I honestly think we’ve played to our capability on both sides of the ball. We’re right where we want to be at this point in the season.”

Both coaches are impressed with the teams that will take the field against them tonight.

“Everyone picked them to win our league this year — they’re undefeated for a reason,” Gouse said of the Meyersdale team. “This is a senior team that they have been building for years. They’re very good.”

Donaldson returned the kudos to Portage.

“My hat’s off to Coach Gouse and his coaching staff,” Donaldson said. “They stick to their system, they do what they do, and year in and year out, they’re pretty successful. It seems like they’re constantly reloading every year.”

Sossong expects that tonight’s game will be a barnburner.

“It definitely should be a good game,” Sossong said. “It’s going to be a big one.”

The matchup

Who: Meyersdale at Portage

When: Tonight, 7 p.m.

Where: Portage Stadium.

Records: Meyersdale is 7-0 overall and in the WestPAC Conference; Portage is 6-1 overall and in the conference.

Coaches: Meyersdale — Ryan Donaldson, second season, 12-6. Portage — Gary Gouse, 29th season, 217-82.

Last meeting: Portage won, 35-32 last Oct. 12 at Meyersdale.

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