Timing was running out, but it was the perfect time for Josh Gonzalez.
The Portage senior kicked a 40-yard field goal with 38.2 seconds left Friday night as the Indians topped Lowell 28-27.
Ethan Igras provided a spark for Lowell as the sophomore linebacker blocked a punt that set up the go-ahead touchdown and had an interception return for a TD.
But after Portage forced a Lowell punt — a short one near midfield — Gonzalez made the go-ahead kick late in the fourth quarter.
Anthony Maceo’s 3-yard keeper gave Portage a 12-6 lead with 3:13 left in the first half, and it appeared the Indians (1-1) would take that advantage into halftime.
But Igras blocked a punt for the Red Devils (0-2) with 46.8 seconds left, giving them possession at the Portage 40. Lowell turned that special teams play into a 28-yard TD pass from Dayton Hornickel to Jordan Jusevitch with 13.7 seconds left. Nathan Gard’s extra point gave the Red Devils a 13-12 edge.
Igras added a 37-yard interception return for a TD with 8:29 left in the third, reading a screen pass and taking it the distance. That pick-six gave the Red Devils a 20-12 lead.
Trevor Espravnik ran for two TDs for Lowell, including a 60-yarder after Portage had drawn to 20-18. Laron Parker’s 65-yard fumble return for a TD reduced the Indians’ deficit to two points with 4:06 left in the third quarter, but they were stopped on the 2-point conversion run.
Portage also returned an interception for a TD, with Jeremy Torres going 25 yards for the game’s first points with 2:44 left in the first quarter.
With its offense struggling, Lowell awoke early in the second quarter to tie the score. Jaeger Gill had an 85-yard TD called back because of a penalty, with the Red Devils getting the ball at the Indians’ 40. Tyler Wildman followed with a 35-yard run, and Espravnik added a 5-yard score with 11:04 left in the half.
Maceo added his second TD with 4:43 left in the game, a 7-yarder to draw the Indians to 27-25. He had 121 yards rushing.
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Portage was without first-year coach Darren Rodriguez. As Culver Community’s coach last season, he was ejected in a sectional-opening loss to North Miami, resulting in a one-game suspension.
Defensive coordinator Terry Chestovich led the Indians against Lowell.
Twitter @MichaelOsipoff