Anyone looking for signs the 2018 high school football season is about to start needs to look no further. The annual Friends of Football 2018 Steak Fry is set for this Saturday.

 

While much will remain the same, there’s one big change for this year’s version of the event. The steak fry will be held at a new location and Friends of Football President Travis Jones hopes it will work out well for everyone.

 

The definitive answer, and it's expected to be an easy positive one, will come at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

 

“The new location this year is the Quality Machine Pavilion, which is located just off of Route 50 (east of Bridgeport),” said Jones, who is also the “Voice of the Indians” for football broadcasts. “A lot of people already know where Quality Machine is located, but for those that don’t we’ll have the area heavily signed directing everyone to the new location.”

 

Much of the event will remain the same, which has been a winner for the program and the Friends of Football. For $30, individuals will get all you can eat steak, chicken, side dishes, desserts and drinks. There will also be door prizes and a silent auction as well as a 50/50 drawing.

 

This year's auction has plenty of unique items. Among the items are a hand crafted and painted Indians wood sign, an assortment of Foot Joy BHS apparel, an Indians custom tailgating table, autographed footballs signed by the 2018 Indians and coaches, a gold matte West Virginia University football game helmet signed by WVU/BHS alumni and Hall of Fame Coach Don Nehlen.

 

While the food is always something people look forward to, it’s also a chance to get to talk to the coaching staff a week before the season begins. And this year, with new coaches on board there should be plenty to talk about.

 

“Everyone likes to pick Coach Cole’s mind, but with new coaches it’s a good opportunity to meet them and welcome them aboard,” said Jones.

 

For those interested in purchasing tickets, there’s also been a change there. This year, tickets will be sold on-line by going to the Web site bridgeportindiansfootball.com. Once there, scroll down for directions.

 

Online sales end Friday. Additional tickets, if available, can be purchased at the event.

 

“Those wanting to buy tickets can print tickets at home, bring it on their cell phones or request to have the tickets mailed,” said Jones. “Everything can be done from that site.”

 

Jones is asking everyone to pre-purchase tickets as early as possible. Early purchases allows organizers to get a better idea of how much food to prepare. There will be only 125 tickets available and, generally, only a few are left by the day of the event.

 

The event has been going on for at least 10 years. Jones said before the Friends of Bridgeport Football took it over it was handled by the youth football program. Although a fundraiser, Jones said it’s mainly to allow fans to get to talk about the season and get them excited about it as it’s always held a week prior to opening day.

 

“Whatever money we raise will be earmarked for a new floor inside the field house,” said Jones.

 

Jones thanked Chuck and Christian Marsh, big supporters of the program, for allowing the event to take place at their company’s pavilion.

 

“It’s covered, there are tables already there, bathrooms, available electric and even a horseshoe pit. Previously, we had to bring tables, generators, port-o-potties and it is all there,” said Jones. “That removes a headache of getting that all mobilized.”

Parking is available for a couple of hundred of vehicles. In the event there are a multitude of cars where the lower lot needs to be utilized, Jones said transportation will be provided to bring people to the pavilion.

 

For anyone with questions or without the ability to utilize a computer, they can call Jones at 304-625-1420.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows John Cole talking about the latest version of his team at last year's steak fry, while the grill is manned in the middle photo. Recently retired BHS Principal Mark DeFazio, left, and current Principal Matt DeMotto, right, and their spouses are regulars at the event. Photos by Joey Signorelli of www.benqueenphotography.com.