Bridgeport didn't walk away with the top honor at this evening's 35th Annual Frank Loria, but did snag one of the top five awards at the event held at the Bridgeport Conference Center. 

 

Senior lineman Jimmy Allison was named the "Lineman of the Year."  The senior standout played offensive and defensive tackle for the Indians this year as the team finished the season 11-2 and lost to eventual Class AA state champion Bluefield in the semifinals of the state playoffs.

 

The winner of the Frank Loria Award for Harrison County's top player went to South Harrison senior Freddy Canary. The speedster led the Hawks back into the playoffs as the No. 2 seed before falling to Wheeling Central.

 

Canaray posted amazing numbers this year from his tailback position. He was the county's leading rusher with 2,215 yards as well as the leading scorer with 37 touchdowns.

 

The Hawks also landed another top honor. Coach Brad Jett was named the Harrison County  Coach of the Year.  The honor is fitting as Jett announced his retirement after decades as an assistant and head coach with the program.

 

Notre Dame also landed a major honor. The Fighting Irish's James Cava was the recipient of the Academic Award.

 

The Frank Loria Memorial Scholarship went to Nick Rush of South Harrison. It goes to a student with a 3.0 grade point average and community activities. The scholarship is for $1,000.

 

Those five were the top honorees. The overall program honored the all-Harrison County first team football squad.

 

"It's always important and nice to be awarded. Hard work, I guess you could say, paid off," said Allison, standing with a trophy nearly half the size of his 6'4 frame. "To be honest, I'd give this to the team if I could because those are the guys that pushed me. Those are the guys I fought against other teams with so I truly would give this to everyone on the team if I could."

 

Allison helped lead a punishing ground game this year for the Indians. He also spearheaded a dominating defense as for the first time in his career he played on both sides of the ball with promising results.

 

Those gathered heard from guest speaker Pat White. The former West Virginia University  quarterback arrived late to the  banquet and for good reason. Earlier in the day, White became a father

 

Despite the late entrance, White delivered an important message focusing on this year's honorees.

 

"Make the right steps, do the right things and you will continue to be rewarded," said White, a former second round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins. "You've all been given a gift ... When you are done using it, be sure and give back."

 

Bridgeport players honored this year, on offense, included Jake Bowen and Allison. On defense, the Indians that were recognized included Christian Olivio, John Merica, Josh Osborn, Chapin Murphy, and Koby Kiefer.

 

The entire list of players recognized included offensive first team selection Kobie Carpenter (Lincoln), Dalton Westfall (Liberty), Ryan Anderson (South Harrison), Freddy Canary (South Harrison), Jonathan Leep (Lincoln), James Cava (Notre Dame), Jaden Marino (Robert C. Byrd), Jaden Rollyson (Liberty), Jeremiah Reed (Liberty), Tre Junkins (Robert C. Byrd), Ghovan Davidson (Robert C. Byrd), and Chance Howell (Liberty).