When this sports blog ran a few weeks ago, I wrote that Bridgeport High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Tom Sears could have the 2024 BHS football schedule complete by the time you were reading it. Turns out, such was the case.

 

Shortly after last talking to Sears, a contract was signed that would put a lid on the slate for the Indians on the football field for the upcoming season. And while the opponent is not new, it will not only mark the first time Bridgeport has faced this team on the road, but perhaps a first – or if not a rarity – of likely playing on a college field.

 

Sears said the week four opening in the ’24 schedule has been filled by The Linsly School, formerly known as Linsly Military Institute out of Wheeling. You remember them?

 

Although not part of the WVSSAC family of schools in the state, the Cadets play multiple schools across the Mountain State – including recent games with Fairmont Senior and Morgantown. Last year, they were one of the best teams on the schedule.

 

In the first-ever meeting between the two schools, Bridgeport took a 28-21 win. When the Tribe battles them this year, Linsly will likely once again have the services of what will be junior quarterback Braden Wade. My colleague Chris Johnson said Wade was as good as any quarterback the Tribe saw last year – and he was only a sophomore.

 

That certainly adds a little bit of interest for the upcoming matchup, but what makes it unique is where it will be played – even though that is not a certainty. Sears said the game will not be played on Linsly’s campus. And although it is in Wheeling, it will not be played at Wheeling Island Stadium.

 

“They are looking at perhaps playing at West Liberty or another college field in the area,” said Sears. Their athletic administration is looking into that.”

 

Bridgeport for certain has played on a college field in the postseason. However, after talking with Travis Jones, we’re not sure whether in the history of the program where they have played a regular season game on a college field – outside of when Fairmont State played at East-West Stadium (thanks Travis for that tidbit.) We both figured it happened and, if so, please post about in the comment section below.  

 

As for the game time, it will follow what most in West Virginia are utilizing. Kickoff will come at 7 p.m. on what will be a one-year deal.

 

“We just needed the one game, but we’re open to continuing the relationship,” said Sears. “That is a quality football team to play.”

 

To play that quality foe, it will mark the longest road trip of the season for the Tribe. In a season that features six home contests, the four road trips outside of Linsly are reasonable drives.

 

The schedule is as follows:

Sears had even better news that will soon be divulged. He said the 2025 schedule is essentially one game short of being filled, while the 2026 is also nearly complete.

 

“We’re elated,” said Sears. “Scheduling for most sports is a chore, but I think anyone would tell you it is easily the most difficult when it comes to football.”

 

Sears added the Big 10 decision to require seven games be played among members that goes into place in 2025 is critical to helping the schedule. We will also have more in that in the weeks ahead.

 

“That helps, and having the schedule done for the upcoming year allows us to breathe a little bit easier. I’ve mentioned it’s difficult, but it’s an added level of difficulty at Bridgeport,” said Sears. “At the same time, we understand the complexities of this. Some of the teams we’ve been working with are facing the same moving parts in scheduling that we’re working with.”

 

Editor's Note: Cover aerial photo by Ben Queen of Ben Queen Photography.