By Sports Information – For the Cal Times
Former California University of Pennsylvania quarterback Josh Portis (Woodland Hills, Calif./William H. Taft) led a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown drives, including the game-winner, on Thursday night in his professional debut to help lead the Seattle Seahawks to a 24-17 preseason win over the San Diego Chargers on ESPN.
Portis, a two-year starter for the Vulcans (2009-10), completed five-of-nine attempts for 69 yards, highlighted by a game-tying six-yard touchdown to tight end Anthony McCoy. He also displayed his mobility in and out of the pocket, rushing for seven yards on four attempts.
The 6-3, 211-pound quarterback entered the game on the final possession of the third quarter with the Seahawks trailing 17-10. Following a three-and-out on his first possession under center, Portis moved Seattle 25 yards and into San Diego territory on his next possession before the drive resulted in a turnover on downs.
Portis then directed a 10-play, 84-yard touchdown drive midway through the fourth quarter. On the first play of the drive, he connected with wide receiver Chris Carter for an eight-yard reception – his first completion of the night. Portis went five-for-six for 69 yards on the drive with a six-yard touchdown to McCoy with 4:10 left in the game.
On the next play from scrimmage, Seattle forced and recovered a fumble deep in San Diego territory. Portis then led a two-play, 22-yard drive to give the Seahawks their first lead of the game, 24-17, with 3:05 remaining.
The Seahawks’ defense made a fourth-down stand inside their own red zone on the Chargers’ ensuing possession before Portis took two kneel downs to seal the victory.
In his two years with the Vulcans, Portis broke the all-time school record with 69 touchdown passes and threw for over 6,000 yards. As a junior in 2009, he set single-season school records for passing yards, touchdowns and total offense.
