When it comes to Bridgeport’s battle this evening against Fairmont Senior at East-West Stadium, history bodes well for the Indians. The Indians are 26-10 since the series began back in 1966.

 

But, the numbers are even better in recent years. The Tribe has won 14 of the last 15 games and 17 of the last time with the last setback coming in 2006 by a 28-14 score.

 

Considering that the Indians are 7-1 and ranked No. 1 in Class AA and Fairmont Senior is 6-2 and ranked No. 10, perhaps the Indians should feel good about their chances. One should feel good, perhaps, unless one considers Halloween.

 

According to Indians Radio Network statistical guru Ryan Nicewarner, if there’s a chance to beat Bridgeport, the best chance is on Halloween. BHS has played 12 games on Halloween and in those games the Indians are 5-7. The one positive in that statistical oddity is that the Tribe last played on Halloween in 2008 and that was a 28-21 win – against Fairmont Senior.

 

 

While the ghouls and goblins may be in the air this evening in Marion County, chances are good it will be what the Indians can do on offense and defense as opposed to what day is currently up on the calendar. Regardless, both teams come into tonight’s 7:30 p.m. game red hot.

 

Bridgeport has won six straight games since falling 14-10 in week two to Wheeling Park. Fairmont Senior has won four straight since falling 23-7 to Lewis County in week four.

 

The Indians will look to end the Polar Bears’ streak with a full stable of healthy offensive weapons since the second week of the season. The three-headed rushing monster of Dante Bonamico (98 rushes, 552 yards and 8 TDs), Dylan Tonkery (84 rushes, 513 yards and 4 TDs) and quarterback Zack Spurlock (67 rushes, 444 yards and 7 TDs) will lead the pistol attack with Tonkery back from rib issues. Elijah Drummond rounds out the “diamond” formation of the offense.

 

Although the Indians are not throwing quite four passes per game, Spurlock has been effective when he’s gone through the air. Spurlock has completed 16-of-24 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns against one interception.

 

While the Indians’ offense has stolen the show in most seasons, it’s been the defense that has made headlines in 2014. In fact, Bridgeport has allowed just two first half touchdowns this season, where at least half of the Tribe’s games were already decided.

 

Mitchell Winkie is the club’s leading tackler with 41. Winkie’s total has seven tackles for loss and two and a half sacks.

 

Michael Gray is right behind with 38 tackles and an opponent-damaging 14 tackles for loss. He also leads the club with four sacks.

 

Three other BHS players have 30 or more tackles this year. Brandon Hartz has 36 stops, Noah Markley has 31 and John Wilfong has 30.

 

You can follow in-game updates on Twitter by going to @connectBP. You can also listen to live coverage of the game on 103.3 WAJR FM. Listen to the play by play call of Travis Jones with plenty of analysis from Tim Brady and Ryan Nicewarner.

 

Editor's Note: Photos by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.