Nate Schneider
Sports Scene
Portland football has struggled in recent years to recreate the same postseason magic of 2012.
After winning the 2012 MHSAA Division 5 state championship with a 12-9 victory over Grand Rapids West Catholic, the Raiders lost to the same GRWC squad in the pre-district game the following year by a count of 27-14.
Portland did not even qualify for the playoffs in 2014, but following two straight undefeated regular seasons the last two seasons it was the district final game that tripped up the Raiders with losses to Lansing Catholic Central in 2015 (21-14) and once again Grand Rapids West Catholic in ‘16 (10-7).
Yet here Portland stands again this season as one of the favorites in D5, tied atop the rankings with Frankenmuth as of last week. The Raiders are 8-1 on the season, falling 20-14 in week two to Lansing Sexton but since having reeled off seven straight victories including a 35-6 thrashing on Sept. 22 over rival Lansing Catholic Central that could be viewed as a statement game.
The closest call for Portland came in week eight as it escaped with a 29-27 victory over a playoff-bound Pontiac Notre Dame Prep squad that had won via shutout in six of its previous seven games.
In nine games, the Raiders have outscored their opposition by a count of 276-97.
Portland is coached by John Novara, who now boasts an overall record of 130-63. He is a math teacher at the high school.
Quarterback Austin Allison threw for almost 1,500 yards last year and is again achieving big things with his arm and legs this fall. Despite only returning three starters on offense and three on defense in 2017 including Allison, the Raiders haven’t skipped a beat in continuing their trend of excellence.
Is Portland on the path to repeat the hoisting of the state title trophy it achieved in 2012?