The Portal flag football team is currently 10-2 and on top of the region standings with a perfect 4-0 record. Helping to lead the way for the Panthers on offense and defense is senior Nickcola Hughes, who has actually been a part of the program for five years.

“Nickcola has been a part of Portal flag football since her eighth-grade year,” said coach Huey Williams. “It has been exciting to watch her grow as a player over the years. This season, she has stepped up in a big way, taking on a new position and embracing the challenge.

“Nickola is one of those go-getters you can put anywhere on the field and she is going to give you everything she has. Her willingness to step up, adapt and do whatever is needed for her team makes her such a valuable part of this program. We are proud of the player and teammate she has become and grateful for the years she has given us.”

“My role on the team is safety on defense and receiver on offense,” Hughes said. “I think our season is going very well. We have only lost two games, and we have grown a lot as a team.

I’m excited for playoffs because I truly believe that we can make it farther than we have in the past. I think this team has what it takes to do that. As a senior, I want to finish my season strong and make this season one to remember.”