Portageville powers past East Prairie

EAST PRAIRIE - The Portageville Bulldogs had no trouble wrapping up their second straight district title Friday night as they cruised to a lop-sided win over the winless East Prairie Eagles 58-14.

The 8-1 Bulldogs scored in every quarter and were never threatened in the contest. The win made them 3-0 in district play and created a rematch with Charleston who knocked off Scott City 42-7.

Portageville head coach Jim McKay was relieved that after five tough games in a row, his team was able to coast to an easy win.

"We don't have any standout players. We just have a bunch of kids who play together," said McKay.

Aaron Bidewell made a statement to the contrary. For the second straight game, he scored three touchdowns including a 51-yard pass reception for the Bulldogs' third score of the first quarter barrage.

Sophomore Antonio Scott enjoyed a good night for the Bulldogs as well. He put the 'Dogs ahead in the contest on a one-yard run with only 1:10 gone in the first quarter. His second TD came in the third quarter from 18 yards out.

Bulldog Spencer Martin got into the scoring act in the second quarter on an interception for a 34-yard touchdown and caught a pass from Lance Penn for another score.

Tyler Boatwright and Drew Underwood each scored a touchdown in the game. The Eagle scoring was done by Matt Boyer on a one-yard run and Brent Harland on 27-yard ramble.

"If a coach stays in this business long enough, he will have years like East Prairie has had this year," conceded McKay. "Some years are rebuilding years and everybody has them."