Talented Portola running back Nova Kebeli looks to be a force on defense too this season

Nova Kebeli will lead Portola into Friday night’s opener against Woodbridge. (Photo courtesy Portola football)

Portola High School senior Nova Kebeli has already shown what he can do as a running back as a three-year starter for the Bulldogs.

Now, Kebeli, regarded as one of the top backs in the county, is ready to take on some added responsibilities, playing linebacker for the Bulldogs, who open the season Friday night hosting Woodbridge in a non-league game.

“I’m just going to try my best, obviously I need my body more conditioned but I’m ready for the physical toll that offense and defense brings so I should be ready. I love it, any way I can help my team,” the Portola captain said this week.

The 5-10, 190-pound Kebeli has been the league offensive MVP the last two seasons and was an All-CIF player in 2019. He helped Portola win the outright Pacific Coast League title in 2019, the first for the school and then was a key player for the Bulldogs in the spring when they won a share of the Pacific Hills League crown. He rushed for 816 yards and averaged 136 yards a game, scoring eight touchdowns.

“He’s carried the load for the Bulldogs on offense for the past few years and 2021 won’t be much different, but we’ll see him make a return to the defensive side of the ball as well at linebacker,” said Portola Coach Peter Abe.

To see the additional photos, please click on the first picture

Kebeli said he and his teammates are looking forward to a full season after playing a limited spring schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re looking good, we’re just excited to play a normal season, 10 games,” Kebeli said. “Last year was hectic but we’re ready to come out this season and show what we’ve got.”

Kebeli was happy for the seniors who got a chance to play and bring home a share of the league crown in the abbreviated season.

“It was a great feeling, knowing our seniors got a chance at a league championship because they went through a really hectic year,” he said. “I always had faith that we would have a season but it was rough not knowing when I could put my pads on and play but we just bought into the program and practiced and practiced and we got a chance to play.

“It’s way better now, 10 games instead of five so we get to show our talents more.”

The 2019 title run in which the Bulldogs won the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy, still stands out for Kebeli.

“It was amazing going 5-0 in league and winning the outright league title, it was just an amazing feeling,” Kebeli said. “It was our first league title too so we were just hyped about it.”

The Bulldogs have been working hard to continue their success this fall.

“We’ve been grinding just trying to get better as a team and trying to build that chemistry on the field and off the field so on game day we can come out on game day and show what we got,” Kebeli said.

Abe, the Portola coach, has no doubt that Kebeli will lead the way.

“The passion and energy he brings to the table is tough to match,” Abe said. “He puts his head down and goes to work every day, every play.  It’s fun to watch. He doesn’t make excuses, just an old fashioned work horse and strong as an ox. Partner that admirable work ethic with discipline in the classroom academically, and high football IQ, and you have yourself a gem of an overall player. 

“Physical, tough, respectful, driven, and just an overall good kid.  Get him on the field, however … Look out. Can’t wait to see what 2021 has in store for Nova, and we all look forward to hearing his name long after Friday night lights and onto Saturday mornings at the next level. Whatever college lands number 22 will surely be getting a dude who’s ready for whatever challenge put in front of him.”

Kebeli said he’s talked to coaches from some college programs and hopes to be playing next season.

But his focus now is on the fall 2021 campaign. He wants to help the Bulldogs win a third straight league title and another Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy.

“Hopefully I’ll come out and lead my team to another league championship.,” he said. “Knowing it’s my senior year, I’ve got to leave everything I got on the field. Every year our goal is to win a league championship but right now we’re just taking it game by game.”

–Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com