RTCA Loses To Portal
The Robert Toombs Christian Academy Crusaders fell to the GHSA Class A Portal Panthers Thursday night in Portal 28-23. The start of the game was delayed for almost two hours due to lighting in the area. The Panthers opened the scoring on a 52-yard touchdown run by Quarterback Elijah Coleman. The PAT was good for a 7-0 Portal lead at the end of the first quarter. After a drive by the Crusaders stalled, Kicker Justin Bowers kicked a 15-yard field goal with 11:50 left in the second period to make the score 7–3 Panthers. Portal answered with another Coleman touchdown run from just 2-yards out. The PAT was successful for a 14-3 lead. The Panthers increased their lead on their next offensive possession to 21-3 on an Amir Jackson touchdown from 34-yards out at the 9:11 mark.
The Crusaders cut the Panthers' lead to 21-10 with 7:08 remaining in the half when Quarterback T.J. Stanley hit Jashaun Powell in the endzone from 7-yards out. Kicker Hayden Meeks made the PAT. RTCA recovered the ensuing kickoff but was unable to score for a 21-qo Portal lead at halftime.
RTCA received the second half kickoff and started the scoring with 9:56 on the clock on a 5-yard rush by Justin Powell. Bowers kicked the PAT. Portal led to 21-17 at the end of the quarter.
The Crusaders took the lead with 8:30 left for the first time in the game 23-21 when Justin Powell scored his second touchdown of the night from two yards out. The PAT was no good.
Portal took the lead back when Coleman ran from 46-yards out. PAT was good for a 28-23 lead.
RTCA tried to come back in the game once more, but Stanley was intercepted with 4:50 left.
The Crusaders forced the Panthers to punt on fourth down with time running down. RTCA got the ball back on offense from their own 3-yard line, but Stanley fumbled the ball and the Panthers recovered with just :30 seconds remaining, securing the 28-23 victory.
The Crusaders fall to 1-2 for the season and play their first home game this Friday night hosting Briarwood Academy. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
