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Portland defeats Lansing CC, 28-6, Poljan throws four interceptions
So much for predictions. Portland’s triple option, led by quarterback Cole McGregor, proved to be too much for C.C. to handle in its way to a 28-6 victory on Friday at Holt.
After C.C. took a 6-0 lead on Tony Palmer’s 50-yard touchdown on the team’s first possession, it appeared the team was headed to an easy victory.
On the ensuing possession Portland answered with a 65-yard drive capped off on Brendan Foreback’s nine-yard touchdown run to give Portland a 7-6 lead.
Portland coach John Novara said he was taken aback with how well his defense played.
“I’m more surprised with how well our defense played,” Novara said. “I think we had four picks tonight, they have a great offense and they move the ball around and I was happy with our ball control offense, but I am a little surprised. They’re a great football team, they’re very well coached.”
Gabe Schrauben’s eight-yard touchdown run with 6:53 left in the half gave Portland a 14-6 lead.
Catholic quarterback Tony Poljan, a University of Minnesota commit, struggled all game and threw four interceptions, including two on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter.
“You know we made some amazing pick offs and that’s big against him,” Novara said. “He’s a great football players obviously and truthfully I hope we don’t have to see them in the playoffs.”
Trailing 21-6, C.C. started the second half with a drive to Portland’s 5-yard line but the drive ended with a Poljan interception.
Portland added one more score and solidified the victory.
“Our offensive line, we’re a family. They know what to do, we get it done and we practiced extra hard this week playing Lansing Catholic,” Schrauben said. “We always knew we could do this, but the win was kind of just surreal, beating the number one team in the state. “
