Portageville Brotherhood: Bulldogs' shared spirit lifts team to new heights

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Portageville's football team has rewritten the playbook, proving that success is not just about individual talent but about the collective power of brotherhood. Their winning formula is not found in complex strategies or intricate plays; it's etched in the unwavering support, shared sacrifices, and unbreakable bond that binds them together. This brotherhood is their shield, their compass, and their driving force, propelling them atop of Class 1 football.

"When I took over this program, I recognized the immense potential that lay dormant within these young men,” said Portageville coach Ian Penrod. “I spoke to them about their deep connection to Portageville, their families, and their heritage. I asked them if they were truly content with the team's current state. Their response was a resounding 'No!', and that became our rallying cry for change. We began to build a culture of accountability, recognizing that no one thrives under fear of humiliation. Instead, we focused on collective responsibility, addressing challenges with a constructive and supportive approach.

“The unique strength of this team lies in the unbreakable bond that exists among the players,” he continued. “They are not just teammates; they are brothers, bound by a shared history and mutual respect. This brotherhood is the foundation of our success, creating an environment where accountability reinforces camaraderie, elevating our performance with every play. I am incredibly proud of these young men, who have consistently shown a commitment to leaving the program in a better state than they found it. Their dedication and spirit are truly inspiring."

Portageville runs onto the field before a 43-0 win at NMCC on Thursday, October 19, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

The No. 1-ranked Bulldogs (9-1) kicked off their postseason journey with a resounding 63-6 victory over Pierce City in the quarterfinals of the MSHSAA Class 1, District 1 tournament last week.

Quarterback Mason Adams had an outstanding game, completing 12-of-16 pass attempts for 182 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Adams also rushed for 102 yards and four touchdowns and had an interception and forced a fumble on defense. Standout running back Jamarion Smith complimented Adams, rushing for 134 yards and a touchdown.

Aaron Dunlap led the team with 38 receiving yards and a touchdown and also returned a punt for a touchdown. Carson Bradley had an interception and blocked a punt.

Portageville's Carson Bradley (4) runs after making a catch�during a 43-0 win over Charleston at Vic Reaves Athletics Field in Portageville, Missouri on Friday, September 22, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“We executed well,” Penrod said. “We had a bunch of special teams and defensive plays. It was an overall team effort with a lot of guys playing well.”

Portageville will now host Thayer (6-4) in a semifinal on Friday, November 10.

The Bulldogs’ wealth of experience is a key ingredient in their winning formula. Many of the team’s key players have been starters since their freshman year, giving them a deep understanding of the game and the ability to handle pressure situations.

Portageville's Jamarion Smith (24) runs during a 43-0 win at New Madrid County Central on Thursday, October 19, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

With over 40 varsity games under their belts, Portageville's seniors have witnessed the full spectrum of football, from dominating victories to heartbreaking losses. This diverse range of experiences has equipped them with the resilience and adaptability needed to succeed in the playoffs.

Penrod recognizes the value of his team's experience and believes it will be a crucial asset in their pursuit of a championship.

"We take things one week at a time,” he said. “Having an older group of players who have been with me for four years and played over 40 varsity games together gives us a distinct advantage. Most of these seniors were starters as freshmen, and they've now accumulated over 40 varsity games of experience. They've seen it all – dominating wins, heartbreaking losses, nail-biting close games, comebacks, turnovers, and takeaways.

“This experience allows them to approach any situation with confidence and composure,” Penrod continued. “We set specific goals each week, but at this stage of the season, there's only one goal: survive and advance. Our players understand that no matter how the game unfolds, we'll find a way to win, no matter how it looks."

Portageville's football team's tight-knit brotherhood, a testament to their shared values and support, has been another key ingredient in their recipe for success.

“Portageville isn’t much different from many other small towns, Penrod said. “Our school is small enough that everyone knows each other from a young age, and these guys have been playing football together since they were kids. They're not just teammates; they're brothers, and no brother wants to see his brother fail. We understand that our success is tied to the success of the guys standing next to us. There's always room for everyone to contribute, and that's the only way this team works. Our players have embraced this mentality, and it's a big reason for our success."