Portsmouth starts out hot and dominates start to finish against Coal Grove
By: Evan Johnson
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COAL GROVE, Ohio (WOUB) – The Portsmouth Trojans ended Coal Grove’s three game win streak in dominating fashion.
It was the tenth time these two teams have met; Coal Grove holds the series lead 5-4. Portsmouth has won their last three matchups against the Hornets and looked to make it four.
Both teams came into the game looking to improve upon their 3-1 records. The one loss for each team came against Greenup County.
In the beginning, both teams looked to establish the run game. The Trojan defense was able to contain Coal Grove’s Kaden Murphy early, forcing a punt on the Hornet’s first two drives.
It was Portsmouth who found their groove on the ground first. Portsmouth’s second drive was headlined by JT Williams and Chase Heiland, who each made several significant plays. The drive resulted in the first score of the game, as Williams kept the snap and went 25 yards to the house.
The Trojans were also able to find success in the air. Williams found Lathan Bradley downfield for a 30-yard gain, which would be the longest passing play of the night. That play set up another Williams rushing touchdown, expanding the lead to 14.
Coal Grove started their next drive in Portsmouth territory, but they still were struggling to get the run game going and were forced to punt. This set up JT Williams to score his third rushing touchdown of the half, this time taking it 63 yards to the endzone.
The Hornets were able to move the ball downfield but were unable to capitalize before the half, keeping the score 21-0.
Coming out of the half, Coal Grove was able to gain possession quickly as a bad snap and penalties set Portsmouth back deep in their own territory. But it did not last long as they fumbled on the first play of the drive.
Portsmouth scored in their next drive; this time it was Chase Heiland. He exploded for a 48-yard touchdown, the extra point was blocked, giving the Trojans a 27-0 lead.
Coal Grove, still looking for their first score of the game, found their way into the red zone late into the game. However, the Trojan defense made a crucial fourth down stop on the 10-yard line to sustain the shutout.
In the fourth quarter, Chase Heiland found the endzone yet again. Portsmouth would go on to defeat Coal Grove with a final score of 34-0.
Portsmouth will start 2-0 in the OVC for the first time since 2016. Their next game will be at Chesapeake.
Coal Grove will look to bounce back next week against Gallia Academy.