Bridgeport passes tough test from Liberty, 28-14

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va — Bridgeport has had their way with Harrison County opponents over the past decade, going unbeaten against Harrison rivals since 2010. But on Friday night, the Liberty Mountaineers made the Indians sweat for 48 minutes before securing another county win.

Jake Bowen scored all four Bridgeport touchdowns as the Indians fought off a stern challenge from Liberty, winning 28-14 at Wayne Jamison Field.

Bowen rushed for 208 yards on 29 carries as BHS improved to 2-0. Bowen’s touchdown runs covered 32, 60, 11 and 15 yards. He has racked up 378 yards and seven touchdowns in two games.  “When Jake had to be an athlete, when plays had to be made, the line did a lot better and he put his shoulder down and took off,” said Bridgeport head coach John Cole.

Defenses dominated throughout the first half as the Indians took a 7-0 lead into the locker room. Bowen found the end zone with 1:17 left in the first quarter, breaking free down the sideline for his second-longest run of the game.

Bridgeport doubled their lead midway through the third. Facing 3rd-and-17, Bowen broke off the longest play from scrimmage in the game, going 60 yards to increase the lead to 14-0. Liberty answered on their next possession.

With 1:40 left in the third quarter, Seth McIntyre powered his way into the end zone from eight yards out. The Mountaineers trailed 14-7 through three quarters. The Indians responded with 5:46 left in the fourth quarter as Bowen scored his third touchdown of the game on an 11-yard rush.

Just as they did in the third quarter, the Mountaineers marched right back down the field. Dwayne Buckhannon scored on a 9-yard scamper and once again Liberty crept within seven points with 4:25 to play.

But Bowen put the game out of reach with 1:50 left, going over the 200-yard mark with a 15-yard scoring run.

Senior quarterback Seth McKinney led the Mountaineer offense, completing 12 of 17 passes for 140 yards. Seth Davis rushed for 43 yards on 14 carries. “It is no secret, we don’t want to spread it around and pass it but there are going to be times that we need to,” said Liberty head coach A.J. Harman. “We have a senior quarterback we are really proud of. We have some good athletes at receiver so it is encouraging.”

“That’s a strong football team,” said Cole. “I knew it. Our coaching staff knew it. I don’t know if anyone else knew it.” “That’s the message going forward. Take this experience. Don’t let the mistakes happen again and let’s grow from it. And then we have a chance to be a decent football team.”

Despite the loss, Harman praised the Mountaineers’ spirited effort. “Five years ago we might have had some moral victories. Now we don’t. Losses don’t feel good. That being said, I couldn’t be more proud of the effort our kids gave.​”

Bridgeport outgained Liberty 302-245. The Indians remain home to face East Fairmont next Friday while the Mountaineers(1-1) will host Lincoln in their home opener. (Check out interviews with John Cole and A.J. Harman)





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