Portola gets another shot as at-large entry in CIF playoffs

Coach Peter Abe will lead Portola into Friday’s CIF playoff opener. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Portola’s football team got a lift Sunday when the Bulldogs were awarded a spot as an at-large entry in the CIF Division 9 playoffs after a tough ending to the regular season.

Coach Peter Abe’s team (7-3 overall) opens the playoffs Friday at 7 p.m. vs. Colony of Ontario (4-6 overall) at Portola.

Portola won its first seven games before dropping its next three in Pacific Hills League play. Dana Hills defeated the Bulldogs 35-28 in the league finale Friday night.

Coach Abe said the Titans present a challenge for Portola.

“The Titans are the No. 2 finishers out of the Citrus 4 League,” he said. “Big, tough, physical team with a ton of speed. It will be our biggest challenge for sure. But as we’ve seen in the Pacific Hills League, against some great competition, you come to play four quarters and execute down the stretch, and you got yourself a game.

“Accept the challenge and play Bulldog football and you’ll always be in the conversation. We missed out on being an automatic qualifier and potentially another league championship by a combined 21 points (or five to six plays) across three games. Our fault …. we own it.

“Not taking away from any teams we played. Others took home the W for sure. But that doesn’t mean we think any less of our guys. We love these guys and would walk out with them on Friday night in any year against whomever is on the schedule.”

Portola is led by the star running back Nova Kebeli, who has rushed for 1,774 yards and 20 touchdowns and has been the county’s top rusher all year. Quarterback Sonny Tierney has completed 35 of 99 passes for 599 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Bulldogs top receivers have been Dean Berger (15 catches for 342 yards, three touchdowns) and Samuel Sandoval (12 catches for 214 yards, one touchdown).

Portola earned the home game with a ranking higher than Colony as part of the new CIF playoff system which is based on this season’s performance by teams.

“Some may even be a bit salty with the new playoff system, but honestly, it may be the first time everyone was assessed under the same criteria and the most that any potential human error has been removed,” Abe said. “No matter what the system is used, there will always be those who feel as though they aren’t being treated fairly, or want to change it.

“We all want the best and the most for our players. For us, just tell us what the rule is, and we will work our tail off to achieve goal. Knock us down a few times, the Bulldogs keep on fighting. That’s what I love about our team. They just keep coming back for more.

“Respect your opponent, but shoot your shot. And when it starts to get physical, don’t be afraid to roll around in the dirt a bit. Friday night in the Junkyard is always a good time. Get excited!”

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