The 2003 Portville Varsity Football Team has already established itself as one of the best
in Panther history. Another victory and they will tie the 1975 squad with 9 wins, the most ever.
The Panthers are doing well on the field for a number of reasons. The offensive and
defensive units are both playing well, and there is balance on both sides of the ball. They have large lineman who are
getting the job done, and they have a number of great skill-position players. The coaches and parents have laid a good
foundation for success.
In order to be successful at the high school level, a team has to be able to run the ball
and stop the run. Portville is consistently winning the battle in the trenches and has started a line that averages
over 250 lbs. per man. They are deep on the line as well. Portville has never had linemen this huge
and quick!
As a result, PCS is averaging 4.8 yards per rushing attempt, while their opponents are averaging
over a yard less at 3.6 yards per carry. Props must be given to the line, the backs, and the coaching staff, as the
Panthers are outrushing the opposition 173-141 each game.
This fine running attack is matched by a dominating passing game, which has produced 13 TDs
in comparison to the 16 via running. Brian Nitsche has completed 52% of his passes for over 1,200 yards, moving into
2nd place for career yards under the Swetland reign. Scott Forrest's 55 career catches is 2nd all-time to Jake
Haught's 58. PCS is averaging 137 yards receiving per game, while the opponents have a meager 56.
The defense is doing just as well as the offense, recording 3 shut-outs in 9 games.
Only 15 TDs have been scored against them, and Portville is +3 in the take-away category. The D has made a significant
number of red zone stops as well. Opponents have only completed 33% of their passes, and Portville has 12 interceptions
and 22 sacks!
Special teams have been great, as Chris Payne has made 16 of 21 extra point attempts and has
kicked some good field goals. The Panthers are 5 of 9 in 2-point conversions. Portville is winning the punting
game too.
Portville's extensive coaching staff has taken their job to the highest levels in this region,
led by a head coach who is usually more prepared than his peers. Coaching dedication and sophistication at Portville could
be unmatched in Western New York. The inclusion of the Youth program into the bigger town picture has definitely
helped these present players in the past few years.
There are a few weaknesses, evidenced by the team stats. PCS is losing the penalty battle,
having been flagged 54 times, resulting in 46 lost yards per game. They have also lost more fumbles (11-8), have allowed
more yards per pass completion, and are giving up too many kick-off yards. They have also allowed 50 points to be scored
on them during the 4th quarter.
The coaches are in the zone. The kids are in the zone. The parents, school, and
community have been very supportive. A trip to Ralph Wilson stadium has been the result thus far.
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