Portsmouth Overcomes Quarterback Injury To Defeat Central 24-14

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Facing the adversity of losing starting Quarterback Kyle Bicho to injury, the Patriots "next man up" mentality kept the team fighting. A dominant defensive effort along with sophomore Quarterback Chris Bulk making enough plays led to a 24-14 victory over Central High School in Portsmouth's Saturday homecoming game.

Before exiting the game with a dislocated elbow, Bicho had the team up 14-7 with a pair of touchdown passes to Wide Receiver Brian Hamilton. Central's score came on Bicho's lone blemish, a tipped pass intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

In a one score game, Bulk did not let the pressure get to him. With just nine seconds left in the half, Bulk let it fly, connecting on a 41-yard touchdown pass to Wide Receiver Danny McKinnon. Portsmouth led 21-7 at halftime.

Bulk threw a couple of interceptions and the offense managed just three points in the second half, which came from a Bulk field goal while replacing injured Kicker David Silvia. However, Head Coach Matt Kestler said he was happy with the team's second half performance.

"We moved the ball and kept Central in poor field position and our defense did the rest," Kestler said. I believe we held them to 115 yards of total offense."

Now, Portsmouth must prepare to face Cranston West without Bicho. Kestler said Bicho was visiting an orthopedic doctor and is hopeful that Bicho may only miss a couple weeks. Kestler said although the game will be challenging, he's confident.

This will be our first road game this season against a good team and obviously we have our fair share of injuries, Kestler said. "The team has embraced the role of “next man up” and are focused on putting a couple wins together. We are completely confident in Chris’s ability to lead this team to a win."

Photo Credit: Deb Kestler