Tyler Harris, Staff Writer
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PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth head coach Bruce Kalb had a critical challenge for his team this week: controlling the line of scrimmage.
“The big guys are the position group I’m hardest on and my expectations are high for them,” Kalb said. “The question of our team is, ‘Do we have it in us to dominate the line of scrimmage?’ They all took that personally this week and showed everyone tonight that we do.”
CREDIT: Baylee Harris/SOSA
The Trojans (4-3, 3-1 OVC) indeed dominated the line of scrimmage, rolling their way to a 28-6 win over Chesapeake in Ohio Valley Conference play.
From start to finish, Portsmouth left no doubt as to who the more dominant team was, being led by their units in the trenches and the resurgence of a healthy Chase Heiland in the backfield, who racked up over 200 yards on the ground.
“Chase put in some hard work this offseason,” Kalb said of his workhorse. “He put on 30 pounds in order to play running back for us. He dedicated himself in the weight room and you can see how hard he’s worked. We’re starting to see again what a healthy Chase Heiland can be.”
After the Panthers (3-4, 0-4 OVC) intercepted a pass on Portsmouth’s opening drive by way of Drew Plantz, they gave it right back when Trevin Brooks stepped in front of a pass with 5:58 left in the first quarter.
Enter Heiland.
He carried the ball three times for 82 yards and a score on the ensuing drive to start the scoring at 7-0.
The defense then continued to do its job early, forcing a second three-and-out with 1:56 left in the first. The big boys then went to work again, opening semi-truck-sized holes for Heiland, who tacked on 38 more yards to his total before lineman Leo Poxes lived out the dream of every lineman — scoring from a yard out, extending the lead to 14-0.
PHOTOS: Images from Portsmouth’s win over Chesapeake
Portsmouth’s Dylan Sanderlin then put a capper on the first half with an interception. Chesapeake struggled mightily to move the football at all in the half, mustering just 64 yards of offense on 30 plays, which coach Kalb made clear was a focus for the team this week.
“When you play a Wing-T offense, we have to be disciplined. We told our guys we needed to be aggressive and attack them so we don’t just sit back and let them get going. I saw our guys do that tonight all over the defense.”
As the second half began, the Trojans’ offensive line began to wear down Chesapeake’s front seven, which allowed Heiland to continue to feast. He did his job by breaking off a 26-yard run early, which set up Levaughn Cobb for a one-yard plunge, making it 21-0. Heiland capped off his monster night on the following drive by showing his finesse on a 27-yard scamper, pushing the lead to 28-0.
“It’s great to get moving and have a big night,” Heiland said. “As long as we win as a team, that’s all I care about.”
Chesapeake did finally get on the board when Jacob Harris connected with Phillip Thacker for a 15-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
But while that prevented the shutout, it was way too little and way too late for any type of comeback thought.
Stat book
Heiland had 25 totes for 235 yards and two scores while Cobb chipped in 30 rushing yards of his own and a touchdown. Poxes tallied a rushing touchdown and the Trojans’ defense forced three turnovers while giving up just 180 total yards.
Chesapeake’s Jacob Harris completed 14-of-27 pass attempts for 140 yards alongside a touchdown toss to Phillip Thacker. Mason Giles led the team with three catches for 27 yards.
What’s on tap
Portsmouth will travel to Proctorville to square off with Fairland in Week 8 while Chesapeake tries to bounce back, hosting South Point.
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