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Kellams throws five TD passes in 40-20 win over East Prairie
PORTAGEVILLE -- After a last-minute hook-and-lateral left Portageville in shock following last year's meeting against East Prairie, the Bulldogs made sure there'd be no upset this time around.
Led by senior Jon Garrett Kellams, Portageville pulled away in the second half to avenge last season's loss, 40-20, in their final home game of the season.
"We just did a great job of coming out in the second half," Portageville head coach Jeff Bullock said. "That (loss last year) is something we used. Not taking anything away from East Prairie from a year ago. They won and it was just a bad night all around for us. We harped on that all week long and we've not put together four quarter the entire year. There's still some things to work on, but overall it was a great job by our kids."
Kellams had the passing game humming all night, throwing five touchdowns to four different receivers.
He went 18 of 30 through the air for 245 yards and no picks, finding five receivers in total with Ian Torrey, Ryan Priggel, Will Crysler and Hunter Gates catching four passes each.
"I've had the pleasure of having that kid since he was a freshman," Bullock said of Kellams. "As good as a job as he does quarterbacking he's done a great job growing up and adjusting this system. Five touchdowns and no picks. He's big time."
While the Eagles managed to stay in the game until midway through the fourth quarter, nearly half of the 353 yards on the night came on just three plays, all involving junior Deverence Jones.
Though Jones' big plays kept the Eagles in the game, missed opportunities eventually caught up with them.
The proverbial nail in the coffin came early in the fourth quarter.
Having stalled Portageville's offense, the Eagles took over at their own 45 yard line and worked their way to the Bulldogs' 13 yard line. Facing a 4th-and-8, however, Ellis was sacked to turn the ball over with 10:29 to play.
Portageville fed the Eagles a steady dose of running back Daniel McCray the rest of the way, with the senior burning through as much clock as possible. McCray found the end zone from 18 yards out with 5:41 to play to make up the 40-20 final.
Portageville out-gained East Prairie 378-353 in total yards with Kellams' 245 passing yards leading the way. Torrey and Priggel each caught four passes for 66 yards with Torrey coming away with two touchdowns to Priggel's one.
Crysler and Gates both had touchdown receptions.
"We came out and started the game well," Kellams said. "The first few weeks we were real slow to start. That was huge tonight coming out and getting a couple touchdowns in the first quarter."
McCray carried 27 times for 153 yards and a score while also catching two passes for 22 yards.
"It's going to happen with him you're not going to stop him," Bullock said of Jones. "That's why you have to be prepared to score 35. He's going to break something. He's too good. It's like trying to catch a greased pig out there. He's just as slick as can be. Luckily tonight we were able to contain him for the most part."
Besides avenging last year's 34-32 loss to East Prairie, the win flips Portageville's and the Eagles' standings in the district.
Portageville (4-3) takes fourth place from East Prairie (4-3) and the Eagles move down to fifth place in the Class 2, District 1 standings.
If the Bulldogs can win their final two regular season games, on the road against Kelly and New Madrid County Central, they'll be guaranteed a home game for the opening round of the playoffs.
East Prairie 6 8 6 0 - 20
Portageville 14 6 12 8 - 40
First quarter
E -- Deverence Jones 44 run (Brett Ellis pass failed), 6:44
P -- Ian Torrey 21 pass from Jon Garrett Kellams (Jon Garrett Kellams pass failed), 3:23
P -- Will Crysler 22 pass from Jon Garrett Kellams (Ian Torrey pass from Jon Garrett Kellams good), 0:46
Second quarter
P -- Ryan Priggel 13 pass from Jon Garrett Kellams (Daniel McCray run failed), 9:28
E -- Deverence Jones 57 pass from Brett Ellis (Brett Ellis run good), 7:48
Third quarter
P -- Hunter Gates 11 pass from Jon Garrett Kellams (Jon Garrett Kellams pass failed), 8:03
P -- Ian Torrey 24 pass from Jon Garrett Kellams (Jon Garrett Kellams pass failed), 4:44
E -- Deverence Jones 52 pass from Brett Ellis (Brett Ellis pass failed), 3:43
Fourth quarter
P -- Daniel McCRay 18 run (Will Crysler pass from Jon Garrett Kellams good), 5:41
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing -- East Prairie, Deverence Jones17-123, Brian Shoffner 7-40, Marcus Lewis 9-45, Blayn Goodding 3-7, Brett Ellis 4-(-7). Portageville, Daniel McCray 27-153, Jon Garrett Kellams 5-(-13), Will Crysler 2-(-7), Ian Torrey 2-0.
Passing -- East Prairie, Brett Ellis 8-21-1 147. Portageville, Jon Garrett Kellams 18-30-0 245.
Receiving -- East Prairie, Derez Tipler 1-8, Deverence Jones 3-110, Jon Ross Slayden 4-29. Portageville, Ian Torrey 4-66, Ryan Priggel 4-66, Daniel McCray 2-22, Will Crysler 4-56, Hunter Gates 4-35.