Bridgeport High School Coach John Cole is hoping to start a new tradition for the Indians football team whenever they’re having a successful season – and that means getting to at least the semifinals of the state football playoff field.

 

Cole is inviting former Indian football players to show up near the end of their Thanksgiving Day practice. The coach is asking any former players to show up at 10:30 a.m. at Wayne Jamison Field.

 

Travis Jones, “The Voice of the Indians” who handles multiple chores with the program, announced the new event that came about from an idea brought up by defensive coordinator Adam King.

 

“I think the thought process is that it’s a chance for former players to come back as the team prepares for a semifinal game. It’s kind of a players-only homecoming to see former teammates, former coaches or to see the school you played for,” said Jones. “We know this could take a while to grow, but we also know even if a few show up it’s a good thing for the kids to interact before playing Friday.”

 

Of course, the new tradition requires one other thing to happen. The Indians would need to make the semifinals in order to be practicing on Thanksgiving Day. That’s not been a problem in recent memory as the Indians have made it eight straight years to the semifinals dating back to 2011 and their final year in Class AAA.

 

“I think the players would love to see some of their former teammates home from college and get a chance to interact with some players from the past they either may not have met or may have grown up watching,” said Jones. “I know the coaching staff would love to see some players there as well. This is open to players from every decade since the program’s inception.”

 

Bridgeport will be looking for a chance to get back to Wheeling Island Stadium. The 11-1 and No. 3-ranked Tribe will visit 11-1 and No. 2 Bluefield Friday at Mitchell Stadium.

 

Game time is set for 1:30 p.m.

 

Editor's Note: Photo of Coach John Cole by www.benqueenphotography.com.