The Mighty Portland High School

Two disclaimers to this article: (1) This photo is not a featured artifact from the Minnetrista Heritage Collection, and (2) I am not a football fan. However, I do know a good story when I hear one.

The Jay County Historical Society in Portland, Indiana has a great collection of photographs and other memorabilia from the eight high schools that once existed in the county. The schools included the “Big Four”—Dunkirk, Pennville, Portland, and Redkey High Schools—and the “Little Four”—Bryant, Madison, Gray, and Poling High Schools. Currently, there is just one Jay County High School.

Now for the football story. During the 1945 season, the Portland Panthers played seven games. In those seven games, Portland High School was undefeated, untied, and, most amazingly, unscored on. That’s right, none of the team’s seven opponents scored a point, while Portland High School scored no fewer than 20 points in each game. In fact, early in the season Portland defeated Decatur High School 68–0. The score was closer in a later game when Portland only scored 59 points to Decatur’s zero.

Jay County Historical Society has loaned something from each of the eight Jay County High Schools for the upcoming exhibit My Collection | My Story, opening May 30. Come see a great photo of this 1945 wonder team, along with collections from more than 60 individuals and organizations.