The Portal Panthers bounced back in a big way last Friday, defeating the Twiggs County Cobras 42–20 at the Portal Athletic Complex. Behind a balanced attack and a defense that forced turnovers all night, the Panthers secured their first win of the season.
Among the many bright spots, one player rose to the occasion earning recognition as this week’s Grice Connect Difference Maker of the Week: Reid Johnson.
Johnson delivered a standout performance that set the tone in all phases of the game. Whether it was his speed on the edge or his ability to step up when the Panthers needed it most, Johnson provided the spark Portal needed after an early turnover. His efforts helped steady the team and build momentum toward the win.
Humble but Hungry
For Johnson, the honor of being recognized was something he didn’t expect.
“I feel honored,” Johnson said. “Never thought that I’d be that player being a freshman and working my way up. But I just feel honored that coach thought about me like that — that I could be the game changer player of the week. I played to the best of my ability, and I guess it worked out.”
Johnson credits his teammates and the culture inside the locker room for fueling his success.
“It feels great to be part of this team,” he said. “I look up to every single one of these players. They’re like my brothers. We look after each other. It’s just a great team to be a part of.”
That sense of brotherhood has been a central theme for Portal all season. Head Coach Jason McEachin emphasized it at the start of the year, and Johnson says it shows up every Friday night.
“I feel like we’re probably the strongest together when we work as one,” Johnson said. “We have a lot of fast players on each side of the ball that pretty much can’t be stopped. We can really set the line of scrimmage. So I feel like we’re gonna be pretty good the rest of the season.”
Portal (1–1) now turns its attention to region play, with a tough road ahead beginning against the Jenkins County War Eagles. Johnson says the Panthers’ mindset is simple.
“We’re gonna shove it down their throat,” he said with a grin. “They’re not gonna be able to stop us.”
As Portal gears up for its first regional matchup, Johnson’s energy, humility, and drive make him not just a difference maker on the field, but a representation of Panther pride off of it.
Congratulations to Reid Johnson, this week’s Grice Connect Difference Maker of the Week.
