**ARTICLE BY NICK NORDGREN**
Portage Northern kicked off the season at home against the Vicksburg Bulldogs on Thursday night. The first score of their year came off the toe of Avery Kucharski, as his 29 yard field goal put Portage Northern up 3. This score was followed up by a quarterback sneak from Cane Mack to put the Huskies up by 10.
The Bulldogs responded with a 77-yard strike from Caden Bowling to RJ Vallier. The Huskies put the finishing touches on a high scoring first quarter with a 25-yard touchdown catch by Jadyn Walker.
Northern opened the second quarter with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Braylen Amos which was hauled in by Keegan McIntyre. McIntyre would get his second touchdown reception on a 62-yard bomb from Cane Mack. A late Bowling touchdown pass to Bryce Smith made the score 31-14 Portage Northern at halftime.
In the third quarter, XaVior Tyus decided to join in on the fun with a 13-yard touchdown run. Vicksburg would get within two scores, and recover an onside kick, but a Jadyn Walker interception sealed a convincing opening day win by the final score of 41-27.
Portage Northern will try an add to this hot start next week at West Ottawa, while Vicksburg will take on Sturgis at home.
