Game Date: October 14, 2022 7:00PM PST | Photography by: Sandrine Scherson
The Portola Bulldogs converted two first quarter turnovers into two defensive touchdowns en route to a 42-7 homecoming victory over the University Trojans in varsity football action Friday night.
The game was played in a light mist which may have put a damper on Uni’s typically effective passing game. The Trojans were held to 109 offensive yards (68 passing and 41 rushing) and 11 first downs. Portola, despite not having the ball on offense the entire first quarter, had 217 yards (126 on the ground and 91 in the air) and 17 first downs. The Bulldogs also scored on three short runs and a 29-yard passing strike. The referees did not hesitate to lay the laundry on the field. Portola was penalized 14 times for 165 yards while Uni was flagged 8 times for 79 yards.
For the Trojans, Sr Pax Lang and Jr Jai Williams each had 41 yards rushing on 12 and 10 carries, respectively.
Jr WR Blaine Anderson had 4 catches for 53 yards. Jr TE Zephyr Reynolds had the other reception for 15 yards. Uni’s offensive highlight of the evening was an 11-play, 60-yard drive culminating in an over-the-middle 22-yard TD strike from Jr QB Koa Saito to Anderson on a 4th and 14 play. Jr kicker Skye Murphy converted the PAT.
Saito completed 3 of 9 passes for 42 yards while Soph Zach Malek was 2 for 3 for 26 yards. Anderson had 59 kickoff return yards giving him 112 all-purpose yards on the evening.
Several UHS players were active on defense each participating in numerous tackles: Soph DB Damari Carter, Jr LB Jai Williams, Sr DL Tomas Arango, Jr DB Brooks Beckmann, Jr LB Koa Saito and Sr LB Pax Lang. Jr punter Andrew Bogard had a 32-yard punt inside the Portola 20-yard line.
Jr LB Jai Williams led the team in tackles with nine including one for loss. Soph DB Damari Carter and Sr DT Tomas Arango each had seven tackles. Jr punter Andrew Bogard had a 32-yard punt inside the Portola 20-yard line.
This was the 2-6 Trojans first conference game. Next week’s game is Senior Night vs. Beckman where eight players will be honored.