For the first time in several years, the Bridgeport High School football team does not find themselves at the top of the MetroNews preseason football poll. That position is now the property of defending Class AA state champion Mingo Central that finished the year at 14-0.

 

The Miners captured 28 of the 30 first place votes in a panel of statewide radio broadcasters and sports MHS upended Fairmont Senior, who finished 10-3, in last year’s state title game.

 

It was the Polar Bears that ended Bridgeport’s hopes for a fourth-straight ‘AA’ championship with a double overtime win against the Indians in the semifinals and it is the Polar Bears that are ranked No. 2. BHS and Fairmont Senior will meet later this season.

 

Bridgeport, however, isn’t too far from the top. The Tribe finds themselves after their 12-1 season with a No. 3 preseason ranking. The Indians, and the Polar Bears, both received one first place vote.

 

BHS will open the season this Friday. The Tribe will visit Lewis County under first-year head coach and long-time assistant Coach John Cole.

 

At No. 4 is another Bridgeport regular season opponent in Keyser. The Golden Tornado went 8-4 last year and actually start the 2017 season with an open week.

 

Rounding out the top five in the preseason top 10 is James Monroe. JMHS finished 2016 at 11-2, falling to Mingo Central in the semifinals.

 

No other Bridgeport regular season opponent is listed in the top 10. However, several are receiving votes with North Marion leading the way at what would be the No. 11 spot.

 

Lincoln, Robert C. Byrd and East Fairmont are all in the “receiving votes” portion of the poll. Bridgeport’s week two opponent, Wheeling Park, is ranked No. 8 in the preseason Class AAA poll.

 

In Class A, South Harrison finds itself in the top 10. The Hawks are ranked No. 5.

 

Click HERE for the rest of the standings from MetroNews.

 

Editor's Note: Photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.