Coming off a Week 1 Connolly Cup nomination, Bridenbaker only built up steam as he was playing like a man among boys scoring all 6 of Depew’s TDs, including 4 in the first half alone. Zach finished the game with 309 yards from scrimmage and 6 TDs (4 rushing and 2 receiving).

Bridenbaker was a three time Connolly Cup Player of the Week last season and finished the year leading Depew in rushing, receiving and tackles. I expect him to be a Connolly Cup finalist 2026 and build off his 1,700 yards from scrimmage and 18 TD performance.

Bridenbaker was a one-man wrecking crew for the Wildcats last season leading the team in rushing, receiving and tackles as a junior. A 4-time Player of the Week, Zach will be in the Connolly Cup conversation this season

One of the best athletic prospects in Section VI, Bridenbaker is a fierce player on both sides of the ball. He made 1st Team All State Defense at LB while making All-WNY 3rd Team Offense at RB. Zach was named Class B2 Co-Offensive Player of the Year with 1,707 yards from scrimmage and 18 TDs. He was the Wildcats leader is rushing, receiving and tackles (70).

One of my favorite prospects in all of WNY, Bridenbaker is a force on both sides of the ball. He has that unique blend of speed and power. Zach can be viewed as a top RB or LB in Class B (1,700 yards from scrimmage and 18 TDs to go with a team high 70 tackles on defense). He excels at both. A three time Connolly Cup player of the week in 2025, Bridenbaker was not on the finalists list but I expect that to be a different story as a senior.

It’s safe to say the secret is out on Bridenbaker. This is a young man that can play football. He was a menace on both sides of the ball. He made several well formed tackles on defense but he was the best player on offense both running at receiving. For the second straight week, he led the Wildcats in both rushing and receiving. Zach tallied 61 yards on the ground and a TD, while catching 2 passes for 74 yards and catching a 57 yard score in the 4th Quarter.

Bridenbaker is a tough player with solid speed that can play RB or LB. He has excellent pursuit technique and solid tackling skills. He is a workhorse RB with excellent vision and great balance. Zach is also versatile enough to play WR. He lead the Wildcats in rushing and was 2nd in tackles as a sophomore.

Zach is a player that can be listed as a top RB or LB. He possesses a great jump step and cuts extremely well. Bridenbaker has solid vision and can break off long gains at will. He averaged over 7 yards per carry last season. His next two High School seasons will prove if he will be a RB prospect or LB. Either way, he will get a lot of collegiate recognition.

Bridenbaker plays both at RB and in a sort of DB/LB type role, and he offers a lot on either side of the ball. He wins a lot of reps with his athleticism, he is a willing tackler and shows some violent finishing coming downhill. He flashes some solid change of direction, and while he does not have a ton of reps that showcase open-field speed, he has a long running stride which helps him separate from LBs as a runner. A solid body of work for SOPH tape on both sides of the ball.