The Bangor Rams football team traveled across the state to face off against the reigning Class A champions and the returning Gatorade Player of the Year. The 6-4 Rams entered southern Maine as underdogs, matched up against the 8-2 Portland Bulldogs and their talented quarterback, Cordell Jones.
Despite the odds, the visitors from Bangor showed no concern for expectations. Bringing a wave of intensity to Portland’s Fitzpatrick Stadium, the hard-hitting Rams nearly pulled off a stunning upset against the defending champions. However, Portland managed to withstand Bangor’s relentless second-half scoring surge, with Jones proving repeatedly why he earned last year’s player of the year honors.
The senior quarterback sealed the game by scoring the final touchdown—his third rushing touchdown of the night—and Portland ultimately triumphed 30-22 in a thrilling contest that neither team deserved to lose.
Bangor head coach David Morris had predicted a showdown between two of the state’s best players: Portland’s Jones and Bangor quarterback Kyle Johnson — and he was right. Bangor’s defense set the tone early, executing a gutsy goal-line stand on Portland’s opening drive and containing the powerful Bulldogs offense throughout much of the first half. Portland held a 10-0 lead at halftime.
The Rams’ offense came alive in the third quarter. Johnson, known for his hard running, powered through defenders for crucial yardage that put Bangor in scoring position. In the red zone, he faked a quarterback keeper and threw a jump pass to junior tight end Will Houghton for Bangor’s first touchdown, narrowing the score to 10-7.
Shortly after, Johnson connected with Houghton again on a 25-yard catch-and-run, setting up an even deeper strike to senior wide receiver Gavin Glanville-True for another Rams touchdown. This put Bangor ahead 14-10 and swung momentum fully in their favor.
But Jones was ready with a swift response. The senior quarterback dashed for a 40-yard touchdown run to retake the lead at 16-14, following a missed extra point.
Not to be outdone, Bangor’s senior co-captain Johnson showcased his versatility with a powerful 14-yard run from his former running back days. He then found Houghton on a deep crossing route, moving the ball down to Portland’s 16-yard line. Johnson followed with a 15-yard run capped off by a one-yard touchdown plunge.
The dynamic connection between Johnson and Houghton continued with a spectacular catch in the back of the end zone for a successful two-point conversion, extending Bangor’s lead to 22-16.
The upstart Rams, who had previously lost to Portland by 16 points earlier in the season and fell to the Bulldogs last year in the North regional final, appeared increasingly poised for a shocking upset.
However, Jones would not be denied on either side of the ball. He responded with another touchdown to put Portland ahead 23-22. Then, on defense, he made a critical interception on a tipped ball during a third-and-long play that forced Johnson to take a risky shot downfield.
That defensive stop handed Portland the ball at Bangor’s 37-yard line with roughly five minutes remaining. Portland capitalized, driving downfield to score one final touchdown and secure an eight-point lead with less than three minutes left.
Bangor’s last-ditch drive was swamped by Portland’s defensive pressure, culminating in a series of sacks that closed out this playoff classic between two relentless football teams.
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/11/14/sports/high-school-football/portland-outlasts-bangor-high-school-state-football-championship/
