For the second straight year, Bridgeport finds itself outside of the top position in the MetroNews High School Football Power Rankings. However, the Indians do find themselves in the familiar position of one of the favorites.

 

In the initial poll of 21 statewide radio broadcasters and sportswriters from across West Virginia, the Tribe comes in at No. 3 in the Class AA preseason poll. The two teams in front of them? The only two teams to beat Bridgeport last year.

 

Fairmont Senior, last year’s Class AA runner-up, is ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll. The Polar Bears handed Bridgeport it’s only regular season loss in 2017. FSHS earned nine first place votes.

 

In second place is Bluefield. The Beavers were last year’s ‘AA’ state champion and beat the Indians in the state semifinal contest in Mercer County. Bluefield actually had more first place votes, with 10, than Fairmont. However, Fairmont Senior was ranked higher than the Beavers on other voters’ ballots.

 

The Indians received the other two first place votes.

 

Bridgeport’s schedule, despite losing Wheeling Park, should once again be formidable. Out of the top 10 listed, the Indians play three teams including the top-ranked Polar Bears. The Indians also face No. 8 Robert C. Byrd and No. 9 Keyser.

 

BHS battles the Eagles at home. The game with the Polar Bears will be at East-West Stadium, while the contest with Keyser will be in Mineral County.

 

Along with those teams, three other Bridgeport foes are in the “also receiving votes” portion of the poll. Liberty, North Marion and Elkins also received votes from the panel.

 

The rest of the top five includes Point Pleasant at No. 4 and Wayne at No. 5.

 

In Class A, South Harrison is ranked No. 6 and Doddridge County comes in at No. 10.

 

Click HERE for the top 10 in all three classifications.