OLIVET – Here is reaction from Portland’s 35-0 CAAC White victory over Olivet on Friday, Sept. 12, giving the Raiders back-to-back road victories in the league.
Player of the game
Portland running back Kayden Dickerson: Portland’s senior star in the backfield had three rushing touchdowns, including a 69-yarder on the second play from scrimmage to lift the Raiders to victory. Dickerson also had six tackles on defense, helping contribute to a shutout.
Key moment
After Portland fumbled on its second drive, Olivet was driving and entered Portland territory, facing a fourth-and-short. Olivet quarterback Reece Critchlow dropped back to pass, but Portland linebacker Carter White batted the ball in the air at the line of scrimmage. White tracked the ball, intercepted it, and rumbled his way for a 55-yard interception return touchdown to put Portland up two scores.
What it means
Portland and Olivet were picked in the preseason to finish as the top two in the CAAC White, and with the Raiders’ dominant effort Friday, Portland looks to be on track to capture yet another league title. Both sides of the ball were impressive for the Raiders, and Dickerson continues to prove to be one of the area’s most efficient running backs.
Quotable
“Our kids played pretty well, and we did make some mistakes, a few mental errors, but (White)’s pick-six was a big turning point. Our defense is playing great, pitched a shutout tonight. Our kids battled through it and played hard.” – Portland coach John Novara.
Contact Nathaniel Bott at nbott@lsj.com and follow him on X @Nathaniel_Bott
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Four downs from Portland football’s shutout win over Olivet
Reporting by Nathaniel Bott, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
