Portola football pushed around by Long Beach Wilson in season opener

Published: Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 7:56 am

Long Beach Wilson Dominates Portola in Season Opener

In a rematch of a game featuring teams that reached their respective Southern Section finals last season, Long Beach Wilson decisively defeated Portola, 35-0, in their season opener. The Bruins, led by first-year coach Raudric Curtis, showcased a strong performance, particularly on defense and in the running game.

Kori Scott led the Bruins' offense, rushing for 109 yards and two touchdowns. A pivotal moment came in the second quarter when Jemel Grigsby intercepted a pass and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown, extending Wilson's lead to 14-0. The Bruins capitalized on Portola's mistakes, including a first-quarter fumble, and built a commanding lead by halftime. Quarterback Mack Cooper connected with tight end Jagger Kohagura for a 20-yard touchdown pass, contributing to the Bruins' dominant performance.

Portola, who went on to win a championship last season after losing their first game, struggled to find their rhythm. Coach Peter Abe acknowledged the team's mistakes, emphasizing the need for improved execution and cleanliness in their play. Running back Timothy Grettenberg expressed disappointment but remained optimistic, highlighting the importance of learning from the loss and responding positively in the upcoming weeks.

BNN's Perspective: While the outcome was a clear victory for Long Beach Wilson, it's important to remember that this is just the beginning of the season. Portola's history of overcoming early-season challenges demonstrates their resilience and ability to improve. Both teams have the potential to make significant strides as the season progresses.

Keywords: Long Beach Wilson, Portola, football, season opener, Kori Scott, Jemel Grigsby, Raudric Curtis, Peter Abe, Timothy Grettenberg, championship, Southern Section, Bruins, Bulldogs, interception, touchdown, running back, quarterback, coach, game.

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