Bridgeport Coach John Cole has been around long enough to know it is not always wise to look back. Because of that, he is not putting a whole lot of stock in last year’s 43-6 win by the Indians against Robert C. Byrd in Clarksburg.

 

Players have graduated from both teams, and new players are on both squad’s rosters this year. At the same time, Cole knows by looking back that what returns this year is what was supposed to give him problems last years – a healthy trio of Jeremiah King, Xavier Lopez, and Bryson Lucas.

 

Those players are all in the fold, as well as healthy, for tonight’s game between the Class AAA No. 4 Indians against the Class AA No. 7 Eagles. Game time between 3-0 RCB and 2-0 Bridgeport is set for 7 p.m. at Wayne Jamison Field.

 

“Last year, they marched right down the field on us without Lopez, who was in his third year starting at quarterback, before the injuries started mounting,” said Cole. “They came out and did really well, were really competitive before there were just too many injuries.”

 

They started the game without Lopez. Lucas, who filled in, was injured as well. Then King, who finished with 135 yards on 15 carries, was injured before the first half ended.

 

“They’re bringing in some firepower on offense and they look like they have a line that knows how to block and some explosive athletes,” said Cole. “Don’t need to say much about Jeremiah King. He looks as good as ever and he’s going to be a problem to contain running and probably catching the football.”

 

King, a junior, has numbers that speak for themselves. He currently has 654 yards on 47 carries for an amazing average of 13.9 yards per carry. For good measure, he has 10 touchdowns.

 

To compound matters, Lopez is in his fourth year at the helm and is posting gaudy numbers as well. He has completed 33 of 57 passes for 658 yards per game with seven touchdown and two interceptions.

 

Lucas is the main target with 11 catches for 268 yards (24.4 yards per reception) with four scores. Nathaniel Junkins, 8 catches for 117 yards with a score, and Nicholas Edwards, 6 catches for 84 yards and one TD, are the other two top threats statistically.

 

“We’ve got deal with that for four quarters this year,” said Cole. “You have Lopez who is talented and knows the system as good as anyone as a four-year starter and then you have Lucas who, basically, has everything you want from an athlete on the football field. They’ve got talent all over.”

 

Bridgeport has plenty of talent as well this year on offense. And while it is still as run-oriented as it has been for decades, the new single-wing attack has looked good in wins against Liberty and Fairmont Senior as the Tribe is averaging 53.5 points per game.

 

“We’re doing okay with it, but last week (a 44-33 win at Fairmont Senior) we had some drops with snaps, and we can’t afford that,” said Cole. “For the most part, the kids have taken to the offense well, including the line, and are getting more comfortable with it.”

 

T-back Cam Cole, which is essentially the quarterback, leads the team in rushing with 286 yards on 37 carries (7.7 yards per rush) with three touchdowns. Hayden Moore has 156 yards on 17 carries (9.2 yards per rush) with four scores. J.D. Love rounds out the rushers with more than 100 yards as he has produced 114 yards on 21 carries (5.4 yards per rush) with three scores.

 

As for passing, it is almost non-existent. The Tribe is 2-for-5 for just 66 yards. Both completions, however, have been good for touchdowns.

 

“This game will come down to defense and line play. Byrd, defensively, comes downhill and plays hard. They haven’t given up very many points,” said Cole. “It’s going to be tough.”

 

Bridgeport, who comes into the game in good health, will counter with a stout defense as well. After two games Landyn Reppert is leading the team in tackles with 19, while J.T. Muller is next with 13 stops. Two other Indians are in double figures with tackles as J.D. Love and Phil Reed have 12 and 11, respectively.

 

The game will be covered on 103.3 WAJR FM with “The Voice of the Indians” Travis Jones making the call. Chris George will handle the color commentary. Pre-game coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Jeremiah King after one of several early big runs against BHS last year, while the Tribe is shown taking the field prior to last week's game with Fairmont Senior. In the third photo, BHS Coach John Cole, left, and RCB Coach Josh Gorrell talk after last year's contest. Bottom photo shows BHS coming off the field following getting a turnover against the Polar Bears. All photos by Ben Queen Photography.