Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval  Watch |  Listen

Martinsburg shuts out Bridgeport; wins 20th consecutive playoff game

— Story by Taylor Kennedy

The Martinsburg Bulldogs blanked Bridgeport 21-0 to advance to the state championship game for the fourth time in six years. It is the second time this season that the Bulldogs have shut out their opponent.

Tonight’s meeting between Martinsburg and Bridgeport was fourth all-time meeting between the two, and it was the third meeting in the playoffs.

“I don’t think we could have played much better upfront defensively,” second-year Martinsburg head coach Britt Sherman said. “The guys did a good job at controlling the line, which did not allow Bridgeport to get going.”

Bulldogs signal caller Ezra Bagant went 16-for-20 for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Bryant connected with four different receivers. Hudson Clement filled the stat sheet with seven receptions for 127 yards and two touchdowns. 

Sherman saw how well his offense responded at Bridgeport was trying to do schematically.

“Working the ball down the field,” Sherman noted. “We took what they gave us, and we moved the ball down the field. Just getting those drives and finishing them.”

Martinsburg has poured in 139 total points through the first three games. What is even more impressive is the Bulldogs holding its playoff opponents to 28 total points. Sherman wants to see his defense continue to perform at a high rate.

“After the last regular-season game against Spring Valley, I thought we found ourselves and focused on what we needed to do,” Sherman stated. “The defensive coaches did a great job of focusing in and figuring out what we needed to do to get better. It has shown with the results the last couple of weeks.”

The Indians’ Landyn Reppert led the way for Bridgeport. Reppert ran 24 times for 118 yards. He accounted for 62 percent of the team’s rushing total. The Indians finished the game with 192 total rushing yards.

Martinsburg and Huntington will meet for the first time since 2013 when the Bulldogs defeated the Highlanders in the state championship game, 9-7.





More Sports

Sports
Doege works diligently to implement Air Raid offense
New Marshall offensive coordinator Seth Doege hopes to provide a spark to the Thundering Herd.
March 29, 2024 - 9:50 am
Sports
Class AAAA Boys Basketball All-State List
Morgantown guard Sharron Young captain of first team.
March 29, 2024 - 9:25 am
Sports
Beanie Bishop posts top 40-yard dash time at Big 12 Pro Day
March 29, 2024 - 1:21 am
Sports
Herbert Hoover improves to 10-0 with 2-1 win over Hurricane
The Huskies collected a pair of victories Thursday in the Guard the Capital Invitational in Charleston.
March 29, 2024 - 12:51 am