Mental mistakes and turnovers hurt the Panthers’ chances of winning its first game of the season against Josey High School last week.
    Portal put forth a solid effort, but eventually lost to Josey 18-7.
    This week, interim head coach Matt Smith said his team is looking on the bright side after a disappointing loss. The team travels to Treutlen today to face the Vikings at Bobby Driggers Stadium. If the Panthers can limit mistakes and penalties, Smith said his team has a great shot at turning their fortune around. 
    “We played very hard (against Josey). The effort was great, the defense played lights out and put us in a position to win,” Smith said Thursday afternoon “On offense, we made a lot of mental mistakes. We just had too many errors.”
    As the Vikings and Panthers get ready to square off, here’s a few notes about today’s matchup.
   
Keys to the game
    Limiting penalties and turnovers for the Panthers will be one of the biggest keys to victory in this matchup. Twelve penalties and three turnovers in the second half derailed the Panthers’ chances of winning last week. In order for the team to pick up a win today, Smith said Portal will have to play sound, mistake-free football.
    “It’s a game we can win if we do what we’re supposed to do. It’s a very winnable game,” Smith said.
    Smith said his team has worked diligently on limiting turnovers and making sound, fundamental plays on offense during practice.
    The Panthers’ run game may also become a factor in today’s matchup. Darius Huff could have a big game on the ground against the Vikings’ defense.
    “I think we can run the ball on them. I feel like we can move the football on the ground,” Smith said. “We just have to settle in on offense. Huff played a good game. I hate to lose, but the effort was there.”
   
What to watch
    In this matchup, keep an eye on the Vikings’ run game versus the Panthers’ defensive unit. Treutlen likes to run the ball on the edge and let their athletes do the work.
    The Vikings will try to get their speedy backs into one-on-one coverage.
    Smith said his team has to play a disciplined, assignment football in order to win.
    “They have some very good running backs and receivers. We have to be disciplined and set the edge. They like to get the ball outside, and they’ll run some play action,” Smith said.
   
Who to watch
    Usually Malik Williams is making his mark on the offensive side of the ball as the team’s running back, but this week he will have his hands full on both sides of the ball.
    Williams, who plays on offense and defense, will have a tough matchup against the Treutlen receivers.
    A solid outing from Williams on defense could lead to a win for the Panthers.
    “If he (Williams) can do a good job and be the shut-down corner we know he’s capable of, that could go a long way towards us winning the football game,” Smith said.