Published: October 08, 2008 11:21 pm            

MIKE MASTOVICH | Portage dominating conference

Undefeated Portage has scored 302 points, a gaudy average of 50.3 a game. But another less talked about statistic provides even more evidence of just how dominating the Mustangs have been in the WestPAC.

Coach Gary Gouse’s team has allowed only 36 points, or six a game.

Opponents have yet to reach double-digit scoring in a game.

The numbers might have been lower had it not been for the substitutions that are imminent in one-sided routs.

“It’s only been two touchdowns on our first group,” said Gouse, whose 6-0 squad hosts Conemaugh Valley on Friday. “Our coaches do an unbelievable job getting them ready. Coach Bill Corrente is the defensive coordinator. Coach Marty Slanoc and coach Jason Grassi do a lot of time game planning. Coach Jeremy Burkett is the secondary coach.”

The coaches provide guidance, but the players put the game plan into motion.

“This defensive team has been together for two years,” Gouse said. “They’ve really adapted well. They run to the football like there is no tomorrow. That’s been the key. There are always 11 guys at the point of attack. We do a great job of not giving up big plays.”

Senior outside linebacker Steven Lutz and senior cornerback Jared Pisarchik are captains. Defensive back Matt Walsh has played three years, and inside linebacker Mike Sinosky and outside backer Scott Nolan each are two-year starters.

“It’s a pretty veteran defense that knows the system,” Gouse said. “They’re pretty seasoned. They’re pretty good at it.”

Up front, junior Sebastian Kissell, sophomore David Kephart, junior Floyd Plummer and junior Doug Burkett man the line.

“Our four front people do a great job,” Gouse said. “We do so many different things on defense. We give a lot of looks. They really believe in and love playing defense.”

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Zak attack: Penn Cambria’s Zak Newton moved atop the area rushing charts and into a tie for the scoring lead after last week’s 250-yard rushing night in a 42-7 win over Cambria Heights.

Newton didn’t have a carry in the second half as coach Ernie Fetzer kept most of his first team on the sidelines.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound junior fullback had three first-half scores to increase his season total to 10 touchdowns and 78 points. He is tied with Conemaugh Valley’s Steve Ling for the scoring lead.

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Passing fancy: Richland’s Gino Ramires continues to lead the state with 1,714 passing yards after completing 109 of 189 attempts.

The Rams are well-represented in the area’s receiving yardage category.

Tim Ripple has an area-high 674 receiving yards and 33 receptions. Jordan Rozich (22 catches, 244 yards) ranks 10th, Nate Adam (14-229) is 11th and Ryan Sylvia (16-205) is 13th. The Rams’ Chad Miller (7-182) was only 18 yards shy of meeting this week’s minimum of 200 receiving yards or Richland would have had another player in the rankings.

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Just for kicks: Portage’s Trenton Layo has an area-high 33 successful extra-point kicks on 41 attempts.

Bishop McCort’s Dane Domonkos has made 23 of 25 extra-points and five of six field goal attempts. A receiver, Domonkos also has two touchdowns and 50 points overall.

Richland kicker John George made 22 of 25 extra-points, and North Star’s Jonathan Putman converted on 18 of 22 point-after tries.

        

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