Portagers Win 2024 National Championship

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Box Lacrosse League (BLL) season, the Chicago Portagers emerged as national champions after a rollercoaster victory against the Rocky Mountain Raptors on Sunday, September 15. The game, held at Salt Creek in Palatine, IL, saw the Portagers battle back to claim a 13-12 win in front of their home crowd.

The Raptors, winners of the BLL West Conference, came out strong, leading 3-0 after the first quarter. Their defensive pressure and swift transition left the Portagers searching for answers early on. However, the second quarter witnessed a resurgent Portagers offense, as they clawed back into the game, tying the score 5-5 by halftime.

After the break, the momentum swung back in the Raptors' favor, as they outscored the Portagers 5-1 in the third quarter to take a commanding 10-6 lead into the final frame. With their championship hopes dwindling, the Portagers exploded in the fourth quarter, unleashing a stunning offensive surge. They outscored the Raptors 7-2 in a frenetic final 15 minutes, leaving the Raptors reeling.

The turning point came when #98 Connor Peterson scored the game-tying goal on a perfectly timed assist from #88 Bailey Smith with 5:51 left on the clock. The Portagers’ relentless pressure finally paid off just over a minute later when #47 Brandon Singleton found the back of the net in transition, scoring the game-winning goal with 4:18 remaining.

The final minutes saw more drama as the Portagers had to defend their slim lead while killing a crucial penalty. Despite the Raptors’ best efforts to mount a final comeback, the Portagers held firm, with stellar defensive efforts and clutch saves securing the victory.

At the conclusion of the match, Portagers Captain Bailey Smith was named the Harvest Classic Most Valuable Player, a testament to his leadership and his key role in turning the game around for his team.

The Portagers' incredible fourth-quarter rally cements the team at the top with their first national championship after third and second place finishes the past two seasons.