For the first time in Portville Football history, the Panthers won the Section 6 Class
C title at Ralph Wilson Stadium, defeating Cleveland Hill 7-6 in a gladiator duel to the death.
The Golden Eagles struck first with a 99-yard drive for a touchdown by Chris Clay
at 9:26 of the second quarter, yet missed the 2-point conversion. PCS answered with a five yard score as Joe Holcomb
powered his way into the end zone before intermission, capped off with a game-winning XP kick by the Panther's record-holder Chris
Payne.
Portville's TD was set up by a 35-yard pass completion from Josh "Hands" Haynes to
Scott Forrest, a tricky reverse play that resulted in a monumental Scotty leap over the defenders.
The huge crowd of Portvillians were on edge for the rest of the contest, as both teams
failed to score again, giving Coach Swetland his 12 year dream. Portville
had two drives stopped by fumbles, but their defense came up big once again, thwarting the Hill's fast quarterback Michael
Moore.
"It's not just for these kids," commented Swetland to the Buffalo TV stations after
the game. "There are so many kids that gave everything for the cause...for Bob Connell, for Kevin Curran, for myself
through the years. There's so many of these people in the stands here tonight. I can't say enough about what these
kids have done."
Portville QB Brian Nitsche commented, "Coach said it would be the best athletic experience
of our lives. And it is. It's such a great feeling."
