The Class AAA defending state champion Bridgeport High School football team opens the 2025 season today at Buckhannon-Upshur with a business as usual mindset.
 
The 2024 season was as historic as it was memorable. Individual records were set, school records were shattered. A perfect 14-0 record with all 14 games ending with a running clock, including a 49-7 win against Herbert Hoover that secured the school's 11th state title in football.
 
But, that was last year.
 
"It's important for the kids to know this is your team now," said Tyler Phares, who is entering his fifth season with a record of 46-6. "Last year was last year. We lost a lot of good players to graduation but we have a lot of players back with experience. It's their time now. It's exciting to see them work their tails off and get better every week."
 
The most experienced spot on the field for the Indians is the offensive line where four starters are back along with Bryson Lowther who returns after missing his junior season with a knee injury. That same core group of linemen also figure to be a force on the other side of the ball.
 
Nobody could run on BHS in 2024 with any sort of sustained success and judging by the performance by the run defense in scrimmages against Class AAAA playoff teams Parkersburg South and Spring Mills, that trend looks in good shape to continue.
 
"We have a lot of experience on the line and that's the forefront of our team," Phares said. "And a lot of times when you have a really good offensive line, you have a really good defensive line."
 
Although nearly 5,000 yards of total offense and more than 90 touchdowns were lost to graduation. The single wing offense also figures to be in fine shape as well. Gavin Williams and Gabe Martin, two integral parts of the state title team as a kicker and linebacker, respectively, look more than ready to make sure there are still plenty of reasons to "fear the wing" with expanded roles on offense.
 
"We have a deep backfield," Phares said. "Probably six or seven deep and there is competition there. I'm excited to see them work hard and continue to get better."
 
B-U is coming off an 0-10 season, the first with Sloan Baisden as head coach. Despite a winless season, the Buccaneers did show improvement during the court of the year and that's a trend that will only continue under Baisden according to Phares.


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