SUBMITTED BY BHS JOURNALISM DEPARTMENT SPORTS STAFF

 

Bridgeport’s season-opening 38-7 win over Buckhannon-Upshur could not be duplicated by the Indians’ junior varsity squad Monday as they fell short to their Big 10 opponent Buccaneers 26-22.

 

The Indians came out flat and were forced to punt on their first series. Then Buckhannon scored on a quick three-play drive to make the score 6-0 within the opening two minutes of the ball game.

 

“We really didn’t come out with the right kind of attitude, and it definitely showed,” said quarterback Gordon Swiger.

 

The next drive lit a quick spark for the Indians. After the tribe started slowly marching down field, tailback Haden Miller ran for a 48-yard touchdown, and Joseph Cain punched in the two point conversion so that the Indians could grab the lead 8-6.

 

However, that spark did not last long.  Buckhannon then scored on two other occasions. The Buccaneers attacked Bridgeport’s defense from all angles. By the end of the first half, Bridgeport was down 20-6.

 

Buckhannon would not only have the momentum going into the second half, but also the ball. The Indians defense woke up and forced a punt from the Bucs that would roll deep into Indian territory on the 11-yard line. Once again, the Indians lit a spark. Cain busted into open space for a 91-yard touchdown run. The Indians began edging back and were only down 20-14.

 

“When we got in the locker room the coaches really let us have it, and it was just what we needed,” said Cain.

 

In the midst of the next drive, both Miller and Cain were injured and were out for the remainder of the game.

 

“When Joe and Haden went down, coach said I was going to be getting a few carries.  I was shocked, but ready to step up,” said Jared Massie.          

 

The Indians’ D was stout for the second half of play, and the second string backfield stepped in and moved the ball well. After a long fourth quarter drive, Jackson Smart scored for another Indian rushing touchdown, and the score became 26-22.         

 

After last second heaves falling short, the Indians were handed their first loss of the season and fell to a record of 1-1.

 

Editor's Note: This junior varsity football game was covered by students in the Bridgeport High School Journalism Department under the direction of Mrs. Alice Rowe. Coverage of this contest was not assigned by Connect-Bridgeport.com. Cover photo is file shot of Coach John Cole by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.