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Why should Fort Hill play Bridgeport?

TDHelmick

Hall of Fame Poster
May 29, 2001
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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!

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What a great get. The WV 3a pool as a whole is something I’ve wanted to see FH dip into for a long time and here it is! The under 2 hour travel time is beautiful to see. Great job Todd and great on alkire and phares for agreeing to it. Can’t wait to see it
 
Will they still show up at the Quad? That's the only downside. (Not to change the subject, who do you have for the Quad at this point?) I think that this is a great pickup for Fort Hill, and the game being week 5 is perfect. I'll settle for whoever we can get for week seven! Dunbar, Bridgeport, and Hollidaysburg gives these kids three teams that play solid, quality football. IMHO
 
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Will they still show up at the Quad? That's the only downside. (Not to change the subject, who do you have for the Quad at this point?) I think that this is a great pickup for Fort Hill, and the game being week 5 is perfect. I'll settle for whoever we can get for week seven! Dunbar, Bridgeport, and Hollidaysburg gives these kids three teams that play solid, quality football. IMHO
No Bridgeport at the Quad.
Three locked in as of now: FH, Clarkson North, Perry Hall

When I hinted months ago about adding a team everyone wanted to see FH play but kept it hush-hush, it was Bridgeport.

Looking at the 2025 schedule both Bridgeport and Dunbar could be reigning state champs. Guess we will know today and by next Saturday.

On top of that Briar Woods is in the semifinals today for VA. Dunbar and Briar Woods could be state champs - both of Fort Hill's losses this year. Glad to see FH playing good teams now every season. As I always mention, EVERYONE MAKES THE PLAYOFFS.
 
Yes, and Fort Hill has shown that they can travel and pick up a W. Bridgeport is a great pickup!
 
Interesting that Charlie Lattimer had a losing record at Bridgeport (4-12-2) and was still hired as head FB Coach at Fort Hill. Betting most fans didn't know he even coached there.
 
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Coach Lattimer was a Fort Hill graduate, played on Maryland's only National Championship team, and I believe that he spent some time on the Redskins. (would have to confirm with Todd or Berry.) With that resume, a two-year high school record wouldn't mean much.
 
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