Port Arthur Memorial went into Port Neches-Groves during Week 1 a season ago and served the Indians a 50-15 defeat in head coach Jeff Joseph’s debut at PNG. Memorial went on to a strong 11-2 season in 5A-Division I, while PNG managed to bounce back nicely making a run all the way to the 5A-Division II state title game before falling to South Oak Cliff.
PNG loses quite a bit, but its strengths remain the same and that’s dominant play at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. ATH Shea Adams will have a lot of the offense on his shoulders, especially early in the year as he moves to QB where he will lead the Indians offense along with RB Isaiah Nguyen.
Port Arthur Memorial is loaded on defense where it has a stout defensive line that started three sophomores a year ago and also returns all-state selection Daveon Iles. The Titans will be young but are loaded with talent on offense.
This is a tough one to call because there’s no question PNG will be out to make amends for last year’s blowout loss, but Memorial is at home, and the Titants are the bigger school and have the edge in talent top to bottom.
Stepp’s Pick: Port Arthur Memorial by 6
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