Bridgeport High School Coach Josh Nicewarner likes to joke with players on his team a lot of times about academics. He tells them something that he doesn’t truly believe.

 

“I tell them smart kids make dumb football players,” said Nicewarner.

If he did believe it, senior linebacker and running back Mitchell Winkie would make him change his entire belief system. Few players bring it at as high a level both physically and mentally as Winkie.

 

“(Mitchell) certainly doesn’t fit that mold,” said Nicewarner. “He gets something like a 34 on his ACT. I mean, that’s sick smart.”

 

While his grades haven’t made anyone ill, his play – particularly on defense – has made the opposition of the Tribe feel sick for much of the season. The 6’1, 190 pound senior has been a wrecking ball in all 12 of the Indians games this year and Nicewarner hopes that’s the case again Saturday when BHS tangles with Wayne at 1:30 p.m. in the Class AA semifinals at Wayne Jamison Field.

Heading into the game with the Pioneers, Winkie is the team’s leading tackler with 56 stops. He also is leading the club in sacks with 5.5 for a total of 49 yards in losses and has managed to recover a fumble for good measure.

 

“Mitchell just gets it. When I say he’s the All-American kid, he’s really the All-American kid. He’s smarter than a whip,” said Nicewarner. “He’s physical and strong and understands the game. He’s got a unique combination that just isn’t seen around here.

 

“He understands what we’re trying to do and he makes plays when he probably shouldn’t make plays,” Nicewarner said. “As long as he continues to do that we’re going to be a tough out for anybody.”

 

Although he had more spectacular plays in Saturday’s 35-14 win against Robert C. Byrd, one that shows his toughness and smarts came on a pitch play to an Eagles running back. With the back coming at him and with a blocker fully engaged with Winkie, not only did Winkie stretch the play out all the way to the sidelines to allow his teammates to clean things up, but he didn’t give up any ground.

 

That same toughness is found on the offensive side of the ball. Although Winkie doesn’t get a ton of carries, he’s made the most of the times he’s gotten the ball. Winkie has carried the ball 32 times for 197 yards for an average of 6.2 yards per carry and has scored six touchdowns.