Portola gets ready for first CIF playoff game in school history vs. Capo Valley Christian

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

Portola’s football team is looking forward to its first CIF football playoff game in school history Friday night.

The Bulldogs (9-1), the outright Pacific Coast League champions, host Capistrano Valley Christian Friday at 7 p.m. in the first round of the CIF Division 14 playoffs. Portola, in its second year of varsity competition, is seeded No. 3 in the playoffs.

“CIF-SS Division 14 looks to be another fantastic ‘Friday Night Under The Lights,'” said Portola Coach Peter Abe.

Abe said he is looking forward to the challenge coaching against Rick Curtis.

“Coach Curtis, formerly a longtime assistant and/or head coach at University, Irvine, Northwood, and Santa Margarita High Schools respectfully, has a long history in our area, and it is our honor to welcome him back for what will be nothing less than a battle,” Abe said.

“This is playoff football and the Bulldogs are up for the challenge. All placings and seedings aside, the two teams did what needed to be done to get here, and should be proud to live in this moment, as there’s no better place to be on a Friday night in November.”

Abe said he is aware of the talent on the Capo Valley Christian team. 

“We will need to slow down the Eagles’ power running game behind dual threat QB Tyler Henry, while containing his favorite target, receiver Simeon Marton. The Bulldogs have been working hard in practice to sharpen our fundamentals, maintaining an emphasis on efficiency, as we prepare for a well coached opponent.”