Port Clinton rose to occasion with victory at Perkins

Coaches often talk about a playmaker rising to the occasion in a big situation.

Port Clinton’s entire team rose to the occasion Friday in a 25-22 victory over Perkins in the Sandusky Bay Conference. The Pirates had won 22 consecutive home games and outscored the Redskins 73-16 two years ago.

“It’s something I’ll never forget,” Port Clinton receiver Nathan Stubblefield said. “Losing by like 60 ... you keep that in the back of your mind. To come out and beat them on their field was awesome.

“Everybody played hard and wanted to win. Everybody stepped up and did their part.”

Port Clinton wasted too many scoring opportunities to beat Rossford in Week 2. The Redskins capitalized on their only red zone trip as Joey Brenner threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Stubblefield into the wind on fourth-and-8 for a 22-15 advantage in the fourth quarter.

“It’s mental focus,” Stubblefield said of maximizing opportunities.

Perkins did intercept a pass at its own 17 while Stubblefield capped the scoring with a 39-yard field goal on two deep Redskin drives. The Pirates rushed for a 20-yard touchdown on fourth-and-3 after a tackle for a loss from Donte McClure early in the third quarter.

Brenner, who frequently was around the ball on defense against Perkins, won one game as a starter this season while filling in, in two other victories.

"Joey's been playing well when he comes in," Stubblefield said. “He doesn’t look like a backup. He looks good when he comes in. I’m confident with him. I’m confident, if something does happen to Brandon."

Brenner and Stubblefield can even already communicate non-verbally.

“I saw the play call and looked over at him and gave him a nod I was ready,” Stubblefield said. “He knew I was there for him.”

Regardless of who the quarterback is, they are glad to have Stubblefield involved with the offense. Stubblefield, who was all-Ohio last season, was relegated to kicking only in a few games this season because of an injury.

"It's awful having to sit and watch your teammates and not being able to do anything,” Stubblefield said. “It just sucks. I’m thrilled to be back with my boys.”

Emerson Lowe has been Port Clinton’s biggest constant this season. Lowe rushed for two touchdowns against the Pirates.

“He is a little tank,” Stubblefield said. “He’ll never give up. He runs hard every play.”

Regardless of the situation.

mhorn@gannett.com

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Twitter: @MatthewHornNH