Portola’s season ends with loss to Newbury Park in second round CIF playoff game

Portola players and coaches following Saturday’s playoff loss. (PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Portola’s fourth quarter comeback came up short Saturday evening in the second round of the CIF Division 2 girls flag football playoffs.

Newbury Park built a 26-8 lead in the fourth quarter before Portola answered with two touchdowns. One came following an interception But Newbury Park held on for a 26-18 victory at Portola to advance into the quarterfinal round against Bishop Amat.

Portola, the Pacific Coast League champion, was making its first appearance in the CIF playoffs. The Bulldogs, who won their playoff opener over Shadow Hills 7-6 on Tuesday, finished with a 24-3 record.

“The girls fought really hard, we didn’t give up,” Portola Coach Julie Primero said. “We play with our hearts every game, no matter what the score is, we’re just really proud of them. I couldn’t have asked for a better season. These girls love each other, the turn-around from last season was crazy and we’re just grateful to have all my coaches come together and all the girls came together and really fight hard and get better every game.”

Newbury Park quarterback Greta Heath led her team passing for 173 yards and four touchdown passes.

Portola quarterback Alliyah Wimbley threw three touchdown passes and passed for 123 yards. She was also a threat running the ball, rushing for 59 yards.

All three touchdown passes went to Blayze Borroto, who hauled in a 9-yard pass in the first quarter to give the Bulldogs an early lead. She also had TD catches of 4 and 2 yards in the final quarter.

However, Heath hooked up with Josephine Falt on a 19-yard TD pass to put Newbury Park (17-7) ahead 7-6. The Panthers added three more touchdowns to take what appeared to be a commanding lead before Portola rallied.

Newbury Park’s defense was tough, recording two interceptions.

“The girls don’t give up, so that’s just a testament to their hard work and their work ethic and competitiveness and grit they’ve shown all season,” Primero said.

Primero is looking forward to next season, despite the loss of nine seniors.

“A lot of players are coming back,” she said.

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