2026 Team Preview: Bridgeport Indians

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 SEASON RECAP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Losses: OL Noah West - RB/LB Kasen Baun - LB John Knight - DL Bryson Lowther - TE Harrison Hall - OL Braedyn Yates - OL Nathan Hess </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bridgeport put together another outstanding regular season in 2025, finishing 10-0 before its season came to an unexpected end with a playoff quarterfinal loss to Chapmanville. The Indians entered the year with championship expectations and looked every bit like a contender for much of the fall, making the early exit even more disappointing around Bridgeport. That finish should provide plenty of motivation heading into 2026 as Bridgeport looks to turn another talented roster into a run at the state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Buckhannon-Upshur<br>9/4: vs Martinsburg<br>9/11: vs East Fairmont<br>9/18: at Philip Barbour<br>9/25: vs Robert C. Byrd<br>10/2: at Fort Hill (MD)<br>10/9: vs Spring Valley<br>10/16: vs Preston<br>10/23: at Grafton<br>10/30: at Fairmont Senior</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>11-1 (Playoff Quarterfinals)<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 9-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bridgeport brings back one of the state's deepest groups of skill players, returning nearly every major playmaker from last season's offense. The biggest challenge will come in the trenches after graduating several key linemen, especially in a single-wing system where success starts up front. The Indians have developed offensive linemen as well as anyone over the years, so expect many new names to step into those roles this fall. With plenty of capable backs in the rotation, Bridgeport should be able to spread out the workload, keep Gavin Williams fresh, and get Gabe Martin back to full strength while continuing to field one of the top teams in Class AAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>COLLEGE PROSPECTS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155329"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a77091ca8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few players in the state are as dangerous with the football in their hands as 2027 RB/K Gavin Williams. The Bridgeport standout piled up 2,300 all-purpose yards and 30 touchdowns during a breakout junior season, giving the Indians a home run threat every time he touched the ball. While we still project Williams as a kicker at the college level, his athleticism has been on full display as one of the state's most productive offensive players. Bridgeport has plenty of talent around him, which should help keep him fresh for another big senior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18089886/68ebf8eded4b1e3e02ebe0f6u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4eb347500cf"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1154891"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921024"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bridgeport is excited to have 2027 RB/LB Gabe Martin back healthy after injuries limited much of his junior season. Even with the missed time, Martin remains one of the state's top senior prospects and is expected to play a major role on both sides of the ball this fall. His versatility gives the Indians another playmaker at linebacker while also providing another weapon in the backfield as they look to spread carries among a deep group of backs. A healthy senior season could remind everyone why Martin has been so highly regarded throughout his high school career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19586917/68f0e1a33318bad43ecb1e4du0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4eb34750189"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1642354"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920f52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another versatile senior for Bridgeport is 2027 EDGE/TE Brody Jeran. Jeran gives the Indians a long, athletic defender and tight end who can make an impact in a variety of ways, finishing last year with 57 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss. His versatility also allows Bridgeport to use him offensively when needed, but we see his highest ceiling coming on the defensive side of the ball. Glenville State has already extended an offer, and another productive season should put him on the radar of additional college programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22867792/696fb03c9d529f1a8bd8ee4cu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4eb34750220"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2056764"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920ebe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bridgeport's physical identity starts with players like 2027 LB/FB Eli Knight. Committed to WVU to wrestle at the next level, Knight could just as easily have a future on the football field with the way he plays the game. He totaled 54 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss as a junior, but his value goes well beyond the stat sheet. Whether he's leading the way at fullback or flying downhill on defense, Knight sets the tone with his toughness and willingness to do whatever the team needs. Expect him to be one of the leaders of another Bridgeport team with championship aspirations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18277196/68ff91ea9c0fd5d09c3ee11au0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4eb347502af"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616323"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921145"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few seniors will be more important to Bridgeport's success in the trenches than 2027 DL/TE Tristin Noble. Noble gives the Indians a big, physical presence at 6'3 250 and has the versatility to contribute on both sides of the ball. He's tough to move at the point of attack and does a good job controlling the line of scrimmage, helping Bridgeport maintain its physical identity on defense. With several linemen to replace from last year's team, Noble will be counted on to lead the way up front while continuing to attract attention from college programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19065233/6976bdfa2a241c49bb2d1ab2u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4eb3475034b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["864951"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a7709210e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bridgeport's single-wing asks a lot from its tight ends, and Sean Veltri fits that role well. The 2027 TE/EDGE is a physical blocker who can also slip into the passing game when the opportunity presents itself, giving the Indians another weapon to work with offensively. His athleticism also translates well to the defensive side, where he'll see plenty of snaps along the edge. Veltri's ability to contribute in multiple phases makes him an important piece of another talented Bridgeport group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16815928/69c5e37fc21cb0d068054d7fu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4eb347503de"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1683620"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920fbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bridgeport returns another experienced piece in the secondary with 2027 DB Aiden Gorby back for his senior season. Gorby has continued to develop into a quality all-around defensive back and will be counted on to help lead a veteran defensive unit this fall. His athleticism and experience give the Indians stability on the back end, especially against the talented passing attacks they'll see throughout the season. Expect Gorby to play an important role for another title-contending Bridgeport team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18271232/691fb51798559ebf51334647u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4eb34750472"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["864958"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921086"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bridgeport welcomes back another versatile senior in 2027 ATH Graham Vincent after a breakout junior campaign. Vincent has steadily added size and strength over the last few years, and that growth has shown up in his play on both sides of the ball. He fills several roles for the Indians, including operating as the "quarterback" in Bridgeport's single-wing offense while also making a big impact defensively. His versatility gives the coaching staff plenty of options, and he'll be an important part of their success this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18106256/69b4226e833d229aad462f8du0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4eb3475050d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cam Hathaway - 2027 TE/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brodie Prunty - 2027 TE/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaylen Brown - 2027 K</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zach Hickman - 2028 RB/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Max Conley - 2028 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Holden Hausvater - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaxon Hale - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>George Whitehair - 2029 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zeke Swiger - 2029 TE/EDGE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->