Bridgeport football looks to continue winning ways after successful 2023

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY) — Following a deep playoff run in 2023 that included an undefeated record in the Big Ten Conference, the Bridgeport Indians are looking to keep the momentum going in 2024.

Bridgeport’s success and ultimate record of 11-2 primarily came from their signature single-wing offense, which often left opposing defenses with no answer.

“They’ve been running the single wing now since they were in eighth grade, so a lot of these kids are prepared and they’re ready to step into big roles. That’s what we really stress around here is when somebody goes down, the next man steps up and is ready to play,” Head Coach Tyler Phares said.

The single wing allows for the quarterback and running back to be interchangeable, and Josh Love is the next man to step up.

“I feel great. We feel great. We’re probably the furthest along we’ve ever been. We had 29 flex days to do over the summer and spring so we’re definitely ready. We know the schemes, we know what we’re supposed to be doing. There’s new guys stepping up, there’s old guys coming into the spots they were at last year, so we’ve got good players everywhere and I think we’re going to be ready come week one,” Josh Love said.

Over the duration of preseason camp, the Indians have made it their goal to get better every day.

“A lot of first scrimmage improvements. Everybody’s been watching film and correcting what they did over the past two weeks and during camp. The goal is to be one seed, not lose a game during the regular season, and then to win a state championship,” Wesley Brown Jr said.

“The goal with practices is to get better every day, obviously to be more intense every day, and to hit harder every day. By the end of the year, that should help us win a state championship. That’s the goal for this season, and we’re definitely setting our expectations high,” Josh Love said.

The Indians begin their season on Friday, Aug. 30 with a home game against Buckhannon-Upshur.

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