Portaro leads Sunset past Sunrise, 21-0

Playing in an all-star game is memorable for any high school football player.

Few will remember Saturday night's occasion like Faith Lutheran quarterback Joe Portaro.

Still coping with the tragic death of his older brother, Michael, Joe Portaro passed for 66 yards and a touchdown to lead the Sunset Region seniors to a 21-0 rout of the Sunrise in the 40th West Charleston Lions Club Charity All-Star Game at Bishop Gorman High School.

"Every time I wake up in the morning, I pray to (Michael Portaro)," Joe Portaro said. "Tonight, I went out and prayed to him. I dedicate this to him."

Joe Portaro, who has accepted a walk-on invitation from UNLV, completed his first four passes and finished 5-for-9 on his way to overall Most Valuable Player honors. He fired a 7-yard TD strike to Faith Lutheran teammate Don Pearson in the first quarter.

Michael Portaro, a 2006 Faith Lutheran graduate, was shot and killed in a still-unsolved case March 30 while selling tickets to a local concert.

Joe Portaro wore bracelets Saturday around his wrists in memory of his brother.

"Every play I look down and remember him," Joe Portaro said. "I just say, 'Let's get through the next play and get to the next one."

Offensive MVP went to Durango running back Julio Mora, who carried 15 times for 45 yards and a TD for the Sunset.

Liberty linebacker Teddy Efthemeou was named defensive MVP for the Sunrise after blocking a field goal and intercepting a tipped pass in the second half.

The Sunset dominated defensively, holding the Sunrise to 48 yards from scrimmage. The Sunrise hurt itself by committing three turnovers in the game and losing 31 yards on botched snaps in the first quarter alone.

"Our defense, our line, I can't believe it. They just stuck in there every play," Portaro said.

Bonanza running back Dasean Martin carried six times for 50 yards, including a 3-yard TD run in the fourth quarter, for the Sunset.

Pearson, who has committed to Navy, caught three passes for 38 yards and a score for the Sunset.

Liberty's Teu Tai led the Sunrise offense with 37 yards rushing, and Foothill's Connor Afoa and Rancho's Shamel David ran for 26 yards each.