Portageville’s season begins with high hopes and determination

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — With a string of successes across various sports, Portageville has become synonymous with athletic excellence in recent years and the Bulldogs’ football team is eager to carry that momentum onto the gridiron.

Armed with a potent combination of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the team is determined to continue its winning ways and strengthen the program’s standing as a Bootheel powerhouse.

“We are going to try to be 1-0 every week and focus on our task at hand,” said Portageville coach Ian Penrod. “We have a large number of players and lots of upperclassmen. They’re a high-effort and physical bunch. These groups of kids are awesome; they win in a lot of sports, but I am so much more excited to watch them win at life.”

Portageville coach Ian Penrod is presented with the first-place trophy following the Bootheel 7-on-7 Tournament at Kennett High School this past summer.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

At the forefront of any conversation about Portageville’s sporting achievements is senior Jamarion Smith, a do-everything offensive weapon.

Smith was named the Cook, Barkett, Ponder, and Wolz Offensive Football Athlete of the Year at the 2023 Semoball Awards this past summer after last season when he rushed for 2,392 yards, 33 touchdowns and led the Bulldogs to their first district championship since 2002.

“[Smith] is a throwback running back,” Penrod said. “He can run the ball 20 or 30 times and get better as the game goes on. He has great vision and balance but his ability to avoid defenders or use a stiff arm is impressive. He is an excellent back and we try to get him the ball as much as we can.”

Portageville's Jamarion Smith goes for a catch during the Bootheel 7-on-7 Tournament at Kennett High School this past summer.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

Portageville is fortified by the return of several key players. Senior quarterback Mason Adams adds versatility to the offense with his passing and running abilities, while the receiving corps boasts the talents of all-conference selection Beau-Hunter Warren (senior), along with seasoned starters Carson Bradley (senior) and Aaron Dunlap (senior).

Last season, Adams completed 69-of-128 attempts for 1,206 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, and also rushed for 594 yards and seven touchdowns; Warren grabbed 19 receptions for 434 yards and six scores; Bradley finished with 14 catches for 228 yards and two touchdowns; and Dunlap caught four passes for 65 yards and a touchdown.

Furthermore, the offensive line gains strength from the experience and consistency of four-year starter Connor Jefferies.

Portageville's Mason Adams throws a pass during the Bootheel 7-on-7 Tournament at Kennett High School this past summer.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

“[Smith and Adams] certainly make a great running duo,” Penrod said. “That group of seniors have played in 32 varsity games and their level of playing experience is such an advantage. We have all been together for the last four years. This group of seniors were freshmen when I first showed up and they were incredibly tight-knit.”

While the spotlight may shine brightest on the Bulldogs’ high-powered offense, the defense features a roster of gifted players ready to make their impact felt.

Adams returns at linebacker after an exceptional season where he made 108 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, four pass deflections, three forced fumbles and scored three defensive touchdowns.

“[Adams] excels at quarterback and linebacker because of his leadership ability and insane motor,” Penrod said. “His versatility can put teams in a bind because at quarterback he can run or throw and on defense, he can play in or out of the box.”

Portageville also benefits from the return of senior AJ Larry, a 6-foot-3-inch, 320-pound defensive lineman whose imposing size and formidable presence make him a dominant force against the run.

The Bulldogs defensive unit is further bolstered by the return of Warren, Dunlap, Bradley, Smith and Jefferies, all of whom bring invaluable experience and leadership as returning starters.

“Warren, Dunlap and Bradley help our defense and offense on the edges,” Penrod said. “Jefferies and Larry help in the middle.”

Junior Tim Hamilton and Xayvion Bogan are a pair of emerging players for the team after both impressed teammates and coaches at 7-on-7 tournaments this past summer.

“They’re both great wide receivers, defensive backs and competitors,” Penrod said. “They are close and love to compete against each other in practice and as well as anyone else. This helps drive the competition at practice.”

Portageville has diligently prepared for this season, putting in countless hours of consistent work to hone their skills and strengthen their bond as a team. With a shared sense of chemistry and a family-like atmosphere, they are poised to conquer the challenges that lie ahead.

“Over time, it has become the foundation of everything we do,” Penrod said. “We play for our brothers beside us, not for coaches or anyone else. Their dedication to each other has created an unbreakable bond that fuels our success, both on and off the field.”

Portageville opens the regular season with a matchup against Savannah in Ozark, Missouri on Friday, August 25.