When the annual North-South Football Classic takes place this coming June, Bridgeport High School will once again be represented. The Indians will have two members of their team as part of the North Bears roster.

 

Seniors Jimmy Allison and John Merica were the two members of the Tribe football team that will take part in the contest. The game will be held June 9 at South Charleston High School.

 

“That’s always a compliment to the program and to the players, especially the players, when selected to compete in the contest,” said BHS Coach John Cole.

 

The seniors are among 35 players on the North squad. They will play for a coach they should be familiar with as the recently retired Brad Jett of South Harrison will head up the squad.

 

“The North-South game is a good experience for all the kids, particularly the ones playing in college, because it gives them a head start as to what they’re going to encounter in college a little bit prior to getting to college,” said Cole. “Both of those two will be in dorms at West Virginia State College and most of the people they’ll be hanging around with will be people they probably won’t know so that experience is going to be exactly like staying at college.”

 

Allison, a standout offensive and defensive tackle for Bridgeport this year, has signed to play at Fairmont State University. Merica, who played quarterback and defensive back for the Indians, will play next year at West Virginia Wesleyan.

 

“I think both can make an impact and being in shape shouldn’t be a problem because they both should be working out for their freshman year in college. From what I’ve heard, John will get a shot to get a decent amount of playing times in the secondary,” said Cole. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jimmy play a lot too, but he’s going to get his first taste of doing a lot of pass blocking. Honestly, I don’t think he’ll have a problem with that and I think you’ll see him make a big contribution in the game.”

 

Several other Harrison County athletes are on the roster. South Harrison’s Freddy Canary, Lincoln’s Kobie Carpenter, Robert C. Byrd’s Malcom Johnson, Robert C. Byrd’s Tre Junkins, Liberty’s Jeremiah Reed, South Harrison’s Nick Rush and Liberty’s Dalton Westfall are all part of the squad. Several from the Big 10 are also members.

 

James Monroe football Coach John Mustain will guide the head the South Cardinals. Mustain has been coaching the Mavericks since 2013.

 

Click HERE for a link showing the rosters for both teams.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Jimmy Allison against Fairmont Senior, while bottom picture shows John Merica defending against Lincoln. Photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.