It was an auspicious debut for the Portsmouth High football team last Thursday night as the Patriots, under the direction of new head coach Tim Coen, thoroughly outperformed an admittedly undermanned Tiverton group.

The Pats, preparing for their Division One season-opener against LaSalle Friday night, won every aspect of the two- quarter scrimmage including on the scoreboard by a 28-0 count.

Junior quarterback Bobby Sewall looked poised leading the Portsmouth offense and senior co-captain Matt Young among others sparked a spirited defensive effort.

"We just played awesome, and the reason we did is because we played as a team," said Young, who had a tip from his linebacker spot that led to an 87-yard interception return for touch by Adam Martens.

"There's no one superstar on this team," he added. "We played together and with a lot of heart."

Tiverton, without the services of several starters and expected contributors for a variety of reasons, did have some bright spots.

Ross Replogle, who will start the year at QB, like Sewall looked sound in the pocket. Coleman LeHoullier, both at running back and as a kick returner, was the busiest and most effective of the Tigers' skill-position players.

"We need to step up in practice," said Replogle, whose team plays Toll Gate Saturday in Warwick in a non-league game.

"We just need to keep working hard," he continued. "Everyone needs to step up, including myself. We have a lot to learn. We have a long season ahead of us."

The teams traded turnovers the first time each touched the ball to open last week's festivities held at Barrington High.

One of Tiverton's few highlights came on its second possession, a 32-yard pass completion from Replogle to Craig Doster. The series eventually ended on a sack of the QB by Portsmouth's Jake Perry on fourth down.

In turn, the running of Perry, up the middle, and Martens, outside, helped lead the Pats to the first score of the game, which eventually came on a 12-yard carry by sophomore Max Willett.

Tiverton's next series ended when the Portsmouth defense caused another fumble, recovered by Chris Stevens. Sewall converted the turnover for a score, hitting a wide-open Willett for a 24-yard strike.

Mike Palmer, at defensive end, tipped a Replogle pass into the arms of Willett to end Tiverton's ensuing drive. Sewall later connected with Palmer for an 18-yard TD to up the Pats' spread to 21-0.

Young then got a piece of a Replogle pass, which Martens returned all the way back for a touchdown. Dylan McSparren's fourth point-after kick was the 28th and last point of the night.

When asked what his team did well Tiverton coach Bob Murray was glib.

"Nothing," said Murray. "We got beat by a very good football team tonight. Portsmouth is very good. What I did like about my team was that they didn't quit. They tried their best. They gave a good effort."

BY MIKE REGO

mrego@eastbaynewspapers.com