The Portal Panthers have won five games in a row and are currently 5-1 after their bye week.

The Panthers have relied on a solid running game to help in their success this year with a pair of backs leading the way. Zeke Purcell has gotten it done with speed and elusiveness and K.J. Hunter has done it with power piling up 512 yards and eight touchdowns.

“He has fought so hard to come back from injuries,” said coach Jason McEachin. “He missed his whole sophomore year and most of his junior year with a knee injury.

“He has stayed committed to the weight room and the rehab. He is never frustrated when things aren't going well, if he's not getting a lot of touches or gaining a lot of yards or the offensive line is struggling. He has been willing to play defense if needed and to do anything it takes to help us win."

“My role on the team is to keep my teammates motivated, be a positive influence, and do whatever the team needs to be successful,” Hunter said. “I feel that the strength of our team is our offense right now. We have been running our flexbone offense very well and I think we are the best flexbone offense in Class A in the state.

“Our offensive line has been getting better every week and making it easier for us skill guys to make plays."