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BLAIRSVILLE -- A year ago, River Valley put up 56 points on Portage to kick off what became a seven-game losing streak to end the season.
Friday night, the Mustangs were much more competitive in a 35-7 setback.
"We wanted to win this game," Portage coach Marty Slanoc said. "We went there to win the game. But, we did have the effort and attitude that's involved with getting better, and that's what we're looking for. Our kids fought like crazy tonight. I am proud of them for that, but we're disappointed with the loss."
Portage had a chance to get off to a quick start but was hurt by a penalty.
"We kicked off to them to start the game and forced a three-and-out," Slanoc said. "We got the ball and drove the ball to the (River Valley) 1-yard line. We had first down inside the 2, and we couldn't get in. They called aiding-the-runner on a quarterback sneak. That backed us up, and we had a bad snap on our field-goal attempt."
River Valley star Max Persichetti led the Panthers' charge with 116 yards on eight carries and had two touchdowns. But Portage continued to move the ball between the 20s.
"They scored, so they were up 7-0, but we drove it back down there again," Slanoc said. "But we couldn't punch it in. We were down 14-0 at the half, but we were getting the ball. We got it and drove it down, but we had another breakdown."
River Valley finished the game with 26 carries for 327 yards -- an average of 12.6 yards per carry.
"We played well enough to win and had a couple great goal-line stands," River Valley coach Ed Dalton said. "Again, we were pretty explosive on offense with five touchdowns, and we live to fight another day. Portage has a nice young team. They're gonna be heard from going forward. (We) must do a better job of unforced errors, penalties, selling the edge and getting off the field on third down."
River Valley improved to 3-1, and Portage fell to 2-2.
The Mustangs got on the board in the third quarter when Owen Slanoc caught a 7-yard screen pass from Tyson Burkett. Dylan Bednarski added the extra point.
"We controlled the clock," Slanoc said. "We were good offensively moving the ball, but we didn't finish drives and did give up some big plays on defense. They have a lot of good kids."
The Mustangs travel to Conemaugh Township next week, and River Valley is at Homer-Center.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Portage 0 0 7 0 -- 7
River Valley 14 0 14 7 -- 35