By DAVID COOK
*Led by a strong offensive line and a stingy defense, the Portland Raiders have enjoyed a strong start to the 2015 football season, as they look to return to the playoffs after seeing their string of 11 straight years of playoff appearances snapped last fall.
Portland opened the season with four big wins, including a huge 28-6 victory against rival Lansing Catholic in week four. “It was a great win against an excellent football team that is very well-coached,” said Portland coach John Novara. “We played an inspired game as a team of 41 players. It was a great team effort.”
Defense has been a constant strong point this season, as the Raiders all allowing just 10 points per game. “Our defense has been playing well,” Novara said, “along with our offensive line.”
On offense, Logan Lefke is one of the area’s top rushers, while Western Michigan University recruit Mark Brooks has anchored the offensive line.
“Jalon Simpson, Kyler Simon, and Corey Gensterblum have been playing well on defense.”
The Raiders are developing a strong team chemistry. “The players are getting along great and playing together as a team,” Novara said. “The season is still early, and we have many tough opponents on our schedule. We need to focus on one game at a time, one play at a time, and not get ahead of ourselves. We were 4-5 last year, we need to remember that.”
*The Pewamo-Westphalia football team is also off to a 4-0 start this season. The Pirates were averaging 52 points per game through the first four weeks of the season, while the defense was surrendering just nine points per game.
Junior running back Jared Smith has been leading the attack on offense. Through the first four games, he has carried the ball 69 times for 798 yards (11.6 avg.) and scored 16 touchdowns.
*Pewamo-Westphalia’s CMAC rival Fowler is also off to a strong start to the season. Fowler opened the season with four straight wins.
Fowler has a standout running back of its own in sophomore Scott Pemberton. Through the first four games of the season, Pemberton has carried the ball 82 times for 794 yards (9.7 avg.) and has scored nine touchdowns. In week four against Fulton, Pemberton gained 301 yards on 24 carries (12.5 avg.) and scored four touchdowns, including a 90-yard touchdown run.
Fowler is also getting solid play from senior quarterback Garrett Scott, who has 300 total yards in the first four games of the season. Senior fullback/linebacker Glenn Becker has added 203 yards rushing and four touchdowns and is averaging eight tackles per game on defense.