Portola wins ugly, penalty filled CIF Division 14 playoff opener over CVC 33-19

Nova Kebeli scored three touchdowns to lead the Bulldogs Friday night. (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

Portola’s football team captured a victory in the first CIF playoff game in school history Friday night defeating Capo Valley Christian 33-19 in the opening round of Division 14 post season play.

But there wasn’t a lot of celebrating on the Portola side after the nearly three-hour marathon at Portola which was slowed frequently by penalties.

Capo Valley Christian (7-4) was flagged for 185 yards in penalties and numerous personal fouls. Portola (10-1) was flagged for 115 yards, including a few personal fouls.

“Let’s just say, we are either the worst coached two programs in the county or that was just the ugliest display of football I’ve seen in a long time,” said Portola Coach Peter Abe. “I’m taking the blame on that as a coach and rest assured that won’t happen again. It’s unacceptable.”

Portola had a solid running game led by Trevor Yue (74 yards, 15 carries, one TD run) and Nova Kebeli (65 yards on 12 carries, three TDs) to get past a Capo Valley Christian team that suited up just 21 players. Quarterback Brandon Yue also had a 30-yard TD pass to Juwan Jung in the second quarter to put Northwood ahead 14-7. Yue passed for 143 yards.

Portola eventually extended its lead to 33-7 early in the fourth quarter before CVC added two touchdowns in the fourth quarter against the Bulldogs defensive back-ups.

The Bulldogs (10-1) move on to the second round next week against the winner of the Trinity Classical Academy-South Torrance winner. That game will be played Saturday.

“That’s probably the most penalties I’ve seen in one game in probably an entire season,” said Abe. “Undisciplined, we’ll take that as a coaching staff. Our guys did not maintain their composure very well on either side, but we can’t control what they do, we can only control what we do.

“We didn’t have a great week of practice. Usually you play how you practice. We’re very excited to have the win obviously in the playoffs and we will get back to work literally right now.”

Capo Valley Christian started off fast when Rome Demongin hauled in an 8-yard TD pass from quarterback Tyler Henry on their first drive. But then the Eagles were plagued with numerous penalties.

Kebeli scored on a 3-yard TD run midway through the first quarter to tie the game 7-7.

Capo Valley Christian Coach Rick Curtis said the high penalty totals are out of character for his squad.

“We haven’t had that many yards in penalties the whole season,” Curtis said. “We lost our poise in the fourth quarter, we sure did. That was disappointing, but the kids were really frustrated. There was a flag on every play in the first half that I can think of.

“We started out good, we were playing hard. But they’re a good football team. It’s just too bad that was the kind of game we had. We haven’t had more than 50 yards in penalties in any game the whole season.

Tempers flared in the fourth quarter between the two teams, who appeared to be exchanging heated words and some shoves after plays.

“It was totally out of character in the fourth quarter, I was really disappointed that happened,” Curtis said. “I’m sure Peter was as frustrated as I was.”

Portola’s running game was able to wear down Capo Valley Christian with Kebeli leading the way.

“I’m really happy, my team did what they needed to do,” Kebeli said. “We just came out and executed our game plan. Our linemen just blocked and I had to run the ball.”

Kaveh Wojtowich also hauled in four catches for 68 yards and Portola’s defense notched two interceptions.

“At the end of the day, just get the win,” Abe said.

Henry, the Capo Valley Christian quarterback, led his team with 184 yards passing and two touchdown passes, including a 25-yard strike to Simeon Marton with five seconds left. Marton had 11 catches for 139 yards on the night.

Demongin rushed for 107 yards on 16 carries and scored two touchdowns.

“It was a great year and the kids did everything we asked,” Curtis said. “We played really hard.”

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