PORTAL — With sub-region play in full swing, now is the time for Portal to make its move.
    The Panthers (1-3, 0-1 Region 3-A) were flying high after winning their season opener, but followed up the victory with two discouraging defeats in which they led in the second half, then dropped a 14-0 decision to Johnson County last week.
    Tonight, Portal looks to get back into the region race as it hosts Montgomery County (0-3, 0-0) in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
    “I think that everyone — our coaches and our players — believe that we can be a good football team,” said Portal coach David NeSmith. “These last few weeks have been tough losses, but they’ve encouraged us. We see how we’re a few plays away from being able to change things.
    “This week has been one of our most spirited weeks of practice. I think that we’re starting to realize what it takes to turn things around.”
    Montgomery County might be just what the doctor ordered for a Panther team that has struggled to finish off opponents.
    In addition to being winless on the season, the Eagle are nearly scoreless. Montgomery County has been shut out in two of its three games this season and scored six points in its other contest. Portal’s defense is now healthier with the addition of Isaiah Rich to his normal spot at defensive end, further improving the Panthers’ chances of continuing the Eagles’ offensive struggles.
    “I know that Montgomery hasn’t scored much, but they still have some good players,” said NeSmith. “They’ve moved the ball, but — just like us — they’ve had some problems with finishing off drives. We’re still going to have to play well defensively to stop them.”
    Helping with improving the defense’s play will be the fact that NeSmith is already very familiar with the Eagles’ game plan. Montgomery County runs a wishbone offense nearly identical to the attack that the Panthers have installed this season.
    With many Portal starters playing both ways, the Panthers should know the strengths and weaknesses of the Eagle offense inside and out.
    Of course, the game is played on the field and not on paper — a point NeSmith is quick to drive home.
    “We might know what’s going on, but we still have to execute,” he said. “The team that blocks and tackles the best and that carries out their assignments the best is the team that will win this game.”
    Portal needs a win tonight to improve its chances of making it to the Region 3-A play-in round to be held in the final week of the regular season.
    After the first nine weeks, the top four teams in each sub-region will be paired up against a team from the opposite sub-region with a state playoff spot on the line.
    Last season, Portal finished the year strong, but finished just one win shy of reaching the play-in stage.

    Mike Anthony can be reached at (912) 489-9404.