Portageville’s bold gamble falls short in 35-34 loss to Savannah

OZARK, MO. — With determination to leave it all on the field, Portageville adopted the ‘Go big or go home’ mindset in its clash with Savannah at Ozark High School on Friday, August 25.

However, the Bulldogs (0-1) bold decision to go for a game-winning two-point conversion with about 30 seconds remaining in the game proved unsuccessful, leading to a heartbreaking 35-34 defeat at the hands of the Savages (1-0).

“We thought we got it in,” said Portageville coach Ian Penrod. “But the official said he didn’t feel like the ballcarrier had possession of the ball before he got it across the pile-on. I would agree to disagree. But that was one of those deals, we were right there with 30 seconds left.

“Looking back, it’s one of those moments where you reflect on the game and realize there were probably 20 or 30 plays where we had mistakes, didn’t perform as well as we could have or had players out of positions,” he continued. “If we address and correct a few of those aspects, we will be in a much stronger position to secure the win.”

Portageville didn’t waste any time storming out of the gate with a blistering start. Within moments of kickoff, dynamic playmaker Jamarion Smith took center stage with his explosive speed and elusive moves, leaving defenders grasping for air by scoring two short touchdown runs in the opening quarter.

However, foreshadowing the disappointment that lay ahead, the Bulldogs led just 12-0 after missing conversion attempts.

Savannah narrowed the lead to 12-7 with a 2-yard touchdown run and gained a 13-12 advantage after Kegan Bechtold returned a fumble for a score late in the opening quarter.

“That was able to put them back into it because we were marching back down the field,” Penrod said.

Portageville regained control and led 20-13 at halftime after Smith sprinted 44 yards for his third touchdown of the game.

“Our running game was exactly where we wanted it to be,” Penrod said. “I’m always going to be a perfectionist, so I’m always going to think there is stuff we need to clean up, but it was encouraging to see our running game be so explosive against a team of that size and ability.”

The third quarter was a fierce back-and-forth battle, with the Savages reclaiming the lead at 21-20 early on after a 3-yard touchdown run.

Portageville responded with a 3-yard touchdown run by Smith, regaining the lead at 28-21. However, Savannah surged back and ended the quarter with another short touchdown run, taking a narrow 29-28 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Savages widened their lead to 35-28 with a 21-yard touchdown run.

The Bulldogs countered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Smith, narrowing the score to 35-34 with about 30 seconds left on the clock.

“Our kids played their hearts out and gave it everything they had,” Penrod said. “Now, we didn’t execute well enough or at a consistent enough rate, and when you do that against a team that is three or four times larger, it makes it hard to win the game.

“But our kids showed they will always do whatever they have to do to find a way to win,” he continued. “No matter the opponent. Savannah was an excellent team and if we want to play and win against excellent teams then we have to make sure our execution is cleaned up.”

Despite the loss, Portageville outgained Savannah in total yardage 429 to 222.

Smith finished the game with 245 yards and five touchdowns on 34 carries. Mason Adams added 84 rushing yards on 15 attempts and completed 6-of-15 passes for 82 yards.

The Bulldogs’ top receiver was Aaron Dunlap with two receptions for 47 yards.

Other notable contributors were Jayquan Bogan (two carries for 18 yards), Carson Bradley (two receptions for 15 yards), Tim Hamilton (one reception for 15 yards) and Hutson Partin (one reception for five yards).

“We may not have come out with the win tonight,” Penrod concluded. “But one thing that our team showed throughout the game was fire and drive. Every player poured their heart and soul into the game.”

Portageville is back on the road again next week, traveling to Hayti (0-1) on Friday, September 1.