By Bill Nestor
Bridgeport’s boys’ soccer team made history last week when it claimed the program’s first state title. Last Saturday, a championship showdown took place between the Indians and Nitro at the Paul Cline Memorial Sports Complex in Beckley. When the smoke settled, the Tribe had claimed a three to one victory.
Phillip Nguyen garnered Bridgeport’s first goal of the affair and helped the Tribe to a one to one treat at intermission. Riel Figueroa was the hero of the semi final win over Greenbrier East, contributing the game-winning goal against the Spartans and picked up where he left off against the Wildcats. Figueroa would score not one, but two second half goals to leave no doubt for the Indians. Bridgeport ended the season with an impressive 20-1-2 record.
West Virginia is looking for its first three game winning streak this Saturday at Arizona State. The streak started with the Mountaineers’ first win over a ranked opponent this year. WVU upended Houston on the road 45 to 35 to gain some much needed confidence while snapping a five game losing streak in the process.
The quarterback position has been a revolving door of several players that have been bitten by the injury bug. Freshman Scotty Fox Jr. crashed the Cougar party with a dual threat effort. Fox was effective throwing the ball, going 13 of 22 for 157 yards and a score. However, he was much more of a running threat, picking up 65 yards on 10 carries. Fox also scored on a pair of touchdown runs. The win was also the first for the Mountaineers away from Morgantown.
WVU would return to Milan Puskar Stadium this past Saturday and would upend Colorado 29 to 22. The home team never trailed in the wire-to-wire win. Fox threw for 202 yards and a score, but had a pair of interceptions that helped to keep the Buffaloes within striking distance.
Sophomore running back Curtis Jones Jr didn’t get many opportunities, but he made the most of the ones he did get. The Huntington native had just three carries, but found the endzone twice in the victory.
The Sun Devils are six and three on the season and an impressive four and one at home. They are also winners of their last three games. If WVU can get a road win in Arizona, they would only need to knock off Texas Tech to get back to .500 and become bowl eligible.
All of harrison County’s football teams made the second season which begins this weekend. In Class AAA, the undefeated Indians of Bridgeport have the number one seed and will host Pikeview. Robert C. Byrd is the number 14 seed in AAA and will travel to Fairmont Senior.
In Class AA, Lincoln Nabbed the number 13 seed and will travel to Independence. South Harrison is one behind the Cougars at number 14 and will be on the road. The Hawks will make their way to Colt Country to lock up with Phillip Barbour.
Good luck to all four squads in their pursuit of a state title!
That will do it for now! Take care . . . and God Bless!!!