The Portal Panthers went on the road to take on the Emanuel County Institute Bulldogs in a region matchup on Friday night. The Panthers fell 41-14 to the Bulldogs.
First Quarter
ECI struck first on its opening possession, marching down the field behind a strong rushing attack. Tyler Foreman capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run to make it 7–0. Portal responded quickly, as Brian McQueen’s strong kick return set up the Panthers with great field position. A few plays later, Jason Crawford broke free on a sweep for a 55-yard touchdown to even the score at 7–7.
The Bulldogs answered right back with another scoring drive, highlighted by a long run from #10 that set up another Foreman touchdown, giving ECI a 14–7 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Second Quarter
In the second quarter, Ab Marsh extended the Bulldogs’ lead with a 7-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt failed, but ECI took a 20–7 advantage into halftime after holding Portal scoreless in the period.
The Panthers had a few chances to get on the board in the second quarter, but couldn’t capitalize. The defense forced a turnover on downs that gave them good field position late in the half, but turned it back over with an interception.
Third Quarter
ECI continued to roll in the third quarter. Quarterback Jackson Kennedy connected with Foreman for a 26-yard touchdown strike to make it 26–7. Portal showed some life when Gideon Fulcher broke loose for a 69-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 26–14. But Foreman answered again, punching in a 4-yard score and converting the two-point try to stretch the lead to 34–14 heading into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter
The Bulldogs sealed the win in the final quarter as Kennedy found his receiver for a 45-yard touchdown pass, closing out the 41–14 victory.
The Panthers’ record fall to 2-5 on the season and are 1-4 in region play.
Up Next:
The Portal Panthers are back in action on Friday, October 17 when they host the Claxton Tigers. The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m.
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