By Sean McNamara
BRIDGEPORT – The Bridgeport Indians once again proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in Class AAA on Friday, defeating the Brooke Bruins at home, 54-0, and improving to 6-0 on the season.
The Indians, who haven’t had a losing season since 1967, haven’t allowed any points to a WVSSAC opponent in the 2024 season, with their only defensive points surrendered coming to Linsly in a 54-8 victory in Week 4.
“We come in and practice, work hard every day and do what we’re supposed to,” senior defensive back Spatafore said. “Our coaches are great. They give us the right techniques and we just apply them in the games and do the best we can.”
“Coach Stew (Casey Stewart) is a good defensive coordinator,” senior Timothy Jeffress added. “He teaches us so much about the other team’s offense, and I feel like that helps us get prepared for the next game.”
Friday’s game saw the Indians outgain the Bruins (1-5), 437-62 in total yards while posting a 24-5 advantage in first downs, with three of Brooke’s first downs coming via penalty.
Spatafore ran for 138 yards and four touchdowns on nine carries Friday, while Jeffress ran seven times for 51 yards and three scores.
On the season, Bridgeport is outscoring its opponents 342-8, with each victory coming in runaway fashion.
Despite the plethora of blowouts throughout the year so far, Bridgeport coach Tyler Phares and his team are benefiting from each outing and making the most out of every opportunity that presents itself, regardless of whether it’s the starters or reserves on the field.
“Our kids are great about that. They know the importance,” Phares said. “They were once in the position of the twos and the younger guys. It’s awesome to watch them be really excited for the younger guys, but at the same time, we know how valuable these reps are, especially for next year.”
While the defensive numbers, particularly on the scoreboard, jump out, the offense has helped lead the way, as well. The Indians entered Friday’s game with 10 players averaging 10 or more yards per carry, a trend that continued against Brooke as the Indians ran for 392 yards on 47 rushing attempts.
“It starts up front. They do a great job and they make the holes,” Spatafore said. “They’re getting easier to run through. It’s all the line. Any back would be lucky to run through it, and it just happens to be me, Timmy, Josh and (Alex) Moses. Hard work is paying off.”
The Bridgeport offense, which is run-dominated and features a variety of ball carriers utilizing misdirection, direct snaps and multiple handoffs in the backfield, offers a unique challenge to each opponent the Indians face.
“Our offense is hard to read,” Spatafore said. “It frees up the run, and obviously we’re a run-first team. We do a good job there, and that frees up the passing game. We have kids that can go catch it.”
When asked what he thinks the strength of the team is thus far through the season, Phares praised the effort and preparation of his players, and highlighted the overall attention to detail and fundamentals that have made the Indians a mainstay in the postseason conversation year after year.
“I think we block and tackle really well,” Phares said. “That’s Bridgeport football. That’s what we’ve always been about.”
Bridgeport will close out the season with a road trip to Parkersburg South next week before a home game against Preston, a bye week, and a road game at Fairmont Senior before closing the season at home against Lincoln.
BRIDGEPORT 54 BROOKE 0
BP;BHS
First Downs;; 24;5
Rushing Yards;;392;13
Passing Yards;;45;49
Total Yards;;437;62
Passing;;2-3-0;7-20-2
Fumbles;;0;2
Fumbles Lost;;0;2
Penalties;;8-75;3-20
Individual Stats
Rushing – BP: Jack Spatafore 9-138 4 TD, Timothy Jeffress 7-51 3 TD, Josh Love 9-83, Graham Vincent 10-68 1 TD, Aidan Gorby 5-28, Elijah Knight 4-10, Cameron Martin 2-16, Jared Rhodes 1-(-2). Totals 47-392. BHS: Triston Stevens 9-7, Ethan Fisher 1-8, Cole Bolen 1-8, Ty Sperringer 2-(-2), TEAM 1-(-8). Totals 14-13.
Passing – BP: Jack Spatafore 2-3-0 45 yards. BHS: Ty Sperringer 7-18-2 49 yards. Scott Williams 0-2-0.
Receiving – BP: Timothy Jeffress 1-36, Donovan Williams 1-9. BHS: Marcus Reed 2-13, Owen Haught 1-36, Darion Hilton 1-8, Ethan Fisher 1-(-3), Triston Stevens 2-(-5).
BP;; 21;27;0;6;;54
BHS;;0;0;0;0;;0
Scoring Plays
First Quarter
BP – Jack Spatafore 11-yard run (Gavin Williams kick)
BP – Timothy Jeffress 6-yard run (Williams kick)
BP – Spatafore 16-yard run (Williams kick)
Second Quarter
BP – Jeffress 2-yard run (kick failed)
BP – Spatafore 7-yard run (Williams kick)
BP – Spatafore 13-yard run (Williams kick)
BP – Jeffress 9-yard run (Williams kick)
Fourth Quarter
BP – Graham Vincent 5-yar run (kick failed)
