‘Big Dawgs’ help Portola jump off to 3-1 start in second year of varsity program

Max Gatti of Portola makes a tackle in Friday’s game. (Photos courtesy Portola football, For OC Sports Zone)

Portola High’s football team rolled up the points Friday night defeating Cerritos 46-24 Friday night at Portola to improve its record to 3-1 overall.

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“Improvement across the board,” Coach Peter Abe said of his team’s effort. “Much respect for Cerritos and their staff. They are getting things going over there.  Their guys played hard, with some exciting young talent coming up in the program. The Bulldogs are still a work in progress, but excited to see some of our young guys step up.”

Portola’s offense was led by “sophomore  and game MVP Nova Kebeli (RB/LB) and junior Trevor Yue (RB/LB) behind the seasoned leadership of our quarterback senior Brandon Yue, who puts us in position for success each week,” Abe said.

“Partner that with the hard-nosed defensive play by linebackers Adrian Valerin and Max Gatti and the consistent tackling of senior strong safety Kai Horn, the Bulldogs are taking positive steps in 2019.”

Portola has a bye this week.

“Looking forward to getting back to work this week to clean up some fundamentals, but happy with how our guys are making adjustments and improvements in their practice and energy/enthusiasm on the field,” Abe said.

Abe said he is pleased with the progress of his squad, which is in its second varsity season.

“It’s an honor to be a part of this journey, having witnessed such awesome growth from 2018 to 2019,” Abe said. “Our program is proud to watch our first graduating group of seniors reintroduce themselves to varsity football, and look forward to building on the standards of excellence they are leaving for future generations of Bulldogs.”

Abe said the offensive line was instrumental in the team’s success Friday.

“We recognized our entire offensive line this week, who led the way for our running backs to see a second straight game of 150 plus yards on the ground and over four yards an average per carry,” he said.

“They are really gelling together, and taking pride in owning their performance at the line of scrimmage each week to put our team in position for success. They put in the work in the weightroom, in the classroom, the community, and on the field.  Not sure where we would be without our Big Dawgs, and confident they are up for the challenge of their biggest tests yet to come in the PCL.”

The top defensive player last week was senior defensive end Jared Van Haeren, who Abe said “has been a consistent force for us on the D-Line, pressuring the QB, forcing turnovers, and securing the edge. 

“Jared can be tough for opponents to deal with which makes for a much smoother ride for his defensive teammates. Excited to continue to watch his development, as our coaches are working hard to ensure our entire line continues to build strength to endure the physicality of league play.”

The top special teams player was senior  Joey Omar, who had “a blocked punt to start the game and two other hurries to force advantageous field position on the following two punts.  The guy rarely comes off the field, and continues to prove his worth on special teams with big time tackles, conversions, kicks, and key blocks. Need a big play on special teams: Joey’s been our guy.”

Portola resumes play on Friday, Sept. 27 with a road game against Riverside Prep. The Bulldogs open PCL play on Friday, Oct. 4, hosting Beckman.

“Going in to our bye this week, the Bulldogs are looking to get back to basics and have some fun as guys rest up and get ready for our final week five preseason game before a challenging Pacific Coast League,” Abe said.

Portola also defeated Valley Christian 34-17 on Sept. 6 and Santa Rosa Academy 35-8 on Aug. 30.