Because they can!
Two year deal - Fort Hill vs. Bridgeport (2025 & 2026). This is a Week 5 game that will replace Briar Woods (VA). The first year will be at Wayne Jamison Stadium in Bridgeport on October 3. In 2026 the game will be at Greenway Avenue Stadium in Cumberland.
Bridgeport is currently undefeated with a record of 12-0 in West Virginia Class AAA and will be playing Fairmont Senior in the state semifinal this Saturday (Dec 7). This season, the Indians have outscored all opponents 716-98, have posted six shut outs and have scored 70+ points in three different games.
Bridgeport currently has 814 students (girls & boys) grades 9-12 and is a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Cumberland.
Bridgeport attended the Queen City Quad Classic the past two years and runs an extremely unique offense without a designated quarterback. Often referred to an unbalanced single wing, it's run to clockwork perfection by Head Coach Tyler Phares, who is now in his fourth season of coaching at the school.
After organizing the Queen City Quad for the past 15 years, one of the greatest quotes I ever heard was this past August. Before the four team scrimmage begins I always go around each team's bench to see who wants to put a green jersey on their quarterback so he doesn't get tackled. Basically, it's one hand touch football for the signal caller. It's a protection from injury many coaches want in a scrimmage. When I asked Bridgeport if they wanted their quarterback to have a green jersey, Coach Phares yelled out, "C'mon Todd! You know we don't use a quarterback!". OK, so I have never heard that one before. If you think the wing-T offense Fort Hill incorporates is different, you haven't seen anything yet until October 3.
Fort Hill and Bridgeport share some similarities. Both have won 10 state championships and are currently seeking their 11th in 2024. Bridgeport began playing football in 1921.
The last time Bridgeport had a losing season was over 50 years ago.
FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME
The last time Bridgeport played an out-of-state opponent was in 2008.
** NOTE - The timing of this announcement was probably better suited for after the state championship game in Annapolis. But other social media outlets are now reporting it and I wanted the info to come from a FH source. Thanks and Go Big Red!