The Portage Indians took the field on Friday night, running out of their new blowup helmet, with such loud cheers if vibrated the ground. Heading the team out onto the field was the Pop Warner football players, who were just as excited as the Varsity players. The Indians were as excited as ever to play their home season opener against the Mishawaka Cavemen. The game started out rough, but that did not matter to the players as their spirits were high as ever. The cheerleading team's spirits were just as high as usual and with new uniforms it brought an extra spark to the sidelines. Standing along with the cheerleaders were the Pop Warner cheerleaders who were ever so excited to be cheering with the Varsity team.
Over the roar of the football players came the rumble of the student super fan section, who took to their ritual of throwing baby powder into the air and chanting their own cheers along with the cheerleaders.
"Even though the game started out rough, we came together and still had a great time," junior Kaylee Schwertfeger said. "All of the students in the super fan section were showing their school spirit and we all had lots of fun throwing the baby powder into the air."
The football team was not the only team or group that had their season opener. The dance team was able to perform their new routine during half time. The Pride of Portage Marching Band also had a chance to showcase their new show, "Legends of the East", during half time as well and it lived up to its name, having music from the Eastern world included in its set.
The marching band and dance team were not the only ones who took the field during half time though. Portage High School recognized the 1994 state runner up football team.
"This was the team's 20th anniversary of them becoming state runner ups so we wanted to bring them back and recognize them," PHS Athletic Director Kelly Bermes said. "Wally McCormack is close with some of them and Pop Warner was here so though it would be the perfect night to have them here."
In the end, the Indians fell to the Cavemen, 54-35.