Published: October 10, 2008 11:59 pm      

Portage improves to 7-0 by topping Conemaugh Valley

PORTAGE — Portage defeated Conemaugh Valley 55-6 on Friday night in the WestPAC to remain undefeated.

“Our defense is very good and that is what wins championships,” Mustangs coach Gary Gouse said after another dominating performance.

A first-quarter fumble was the first of the year for the team.

“I was really happy how we kept our composure and our team picked up where we were supposed to,” Gouse said.

Steve Ling’s fourth-quarter touchdown with three minutes left ended the shutout bid by 7-0 Portage.

Five seconds into the game, Conemaugh Valley quarterback Cody Kushner threw an interception that led Portage to the Blue Jays 2-yard line.

But a Tommy Burgan fumble gave the ball right back to Conemaugh Valley.

Portage didn’t flinch. The Mustangs recorded a safety on the next play after an errant snap.

Conemaugh Valley recovered another fumble after the free kick.

But Portage regained possession after a punt and drove down the field, a drive capped by Mike Sinosky’s 1-yard run.

Portage’s Todd Harshberger returned an interception 20 yards to make the score 15-0 after a Trenton Layo extra point.

With less than 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter, Jared Pisarchik ran the ball from 18 yards out on fourth down, making it 21-0. 

Burgan, who had 112 rushing yards, had a 20-yard touchdown to make it 28-0 at the half.

Sinosky, who had 110 rushing yards, scored from a yard out to make it 34-0.

Sinosky’s 21-yard run and a two-point conversion run by Burgan made the score 42-0. In the third quarter, Zach Cronauer tacked on a 1-yard touchdown.

In the fourth quarter, Jalen Noel ran 43 yards for the Mustangs with 3:13 remaining making the score 55-0. 

On the next drive Ling ran 54 yards for the only Conemaugh Valley score.

Conemaugh Valley (3-4) will take on Ferndale (0-6) at home next Saturday, while Portage (7-0) will travel to North Star (7-0) in a battle of the only undefeated teams in the WestPAC.