Portal began its season with a lopsided loss that put a damper on an offseason full of hard work.

One month later, that's all in the past and the Panthers are riding high once again.

Following a pair of tight victories in their second and third games, the Panthers let loose last week, running roughshod over Telfair County to the tune of a 49-28 victory.

"I think we're still getting better in all three phases," Portal coach Jason McEachin said. "I attribute that to the culture we've been building within this program. Even in our first loss — even late in our close games — there's no panic. Whether it's the fourth quarter of a game or at practice, there's a focus on what we have to do to keep improving."

Offense was the main improvement last week as Portal nearly doubled its scoring output for the entire season.

The Panthers continue to be paced by a balanced rushing attack as Zeke Percell leads the team with 398 yards with KJ Hunter right behind at 352 yards and both having found the end zone four times.

Portal has managed to create an ebb and flow between offense and defense, with one feeding off the other. While the offense took care of things last week to give its counterpart a break, it came after the defense stood tall and secured victories late in the two previous games.

"We've been very intentional about trying to create turnovers," McEachin said. "That's something we didn't do a lot of last year. We focus on it at practice and we've seen that translate into stops and big plays in games."

This week will feature a new face on the schedule as Portal travels to Pearson to take on Atkinson County. While the Panthers will put miles on the odometer, it's the Rebels that might be weary.

Atkinson (0-3) is still in search of its first win of the season and will be playing on very short rest. The Rebels made up a previously postponed game against Georgia Military on Tuesday night, falling by a count of 36-21.

"It's a little bit of a drive, but we'll be ready," McEachin said. "They're another option team, so we'll be familiar. But even if you know what to expect, we have to stay diciplined in a game where both teams are chewing up the clock."