The Fairmont Senior High School (Fairmont, WV) varsity football team will play a home playoff game against Bridgeport (WV) today at 1:30 PM.
Fairmont Senior vs Bridgeport Game Championship Info:
What: West Virginia High School Football Playoffs
Who: Fairmont Senior vs Bridgeport
When: Saturday, December 07, 2024
Bracket: “2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – AAA”
Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
Bridgeport vs. Fairmont Senior: A Rivalry of Powerhouses
The 2024-25 high school football season has seen intense competition in the West Virginia region, with two teams standing out: Bridgeport and Fairmont Senior. Both schools have exhibited dominant performances throughout the year, but as they face off, it’s clear that their paths to success have been marked by exceptional records, standout players, and a rich history of rivalry.
Season Overview
Bridgeport, boasting an undefeated 13-0 record, has been a force to be reckoned with. The Indians have dominated their opponents, with a perfect 7-0 regional record and 8-0 at home. Their scoring power is evident, averaging an impressive 59.4 points per game, and their defense has been just as formidable, allowing only 126 points all season.
Fairmont Senior, while not undefeated, has still posted a strong 11-2 record. The Polar Bears are ranked fifth in the state, and their 7-2 regional record highlights their competitiveness. While their offense isn’t as explosive as Bridgeport’s, they’ve still managed to put up an average of 44.3 points per game, with standout players leading the way.
Head-to-Head Showdowns
The two teams have met multiple times this season, with Bridgeport emerging victorious each time. On October 7th and November 1st, the Indians defeated Fairmont Senior by the same score: 56-28. These victories were a testament to Bridgeport’s strength and execution, as they outscored their rivals by wide margins in each game. In both matchups, Bridgeport showed dominance in all four quarters, with balanced scoring throughout the game.
Scoring Trends
A closer look at the scoring averages for both teams reveals Bridgeport’s offensive power. The Indians consistently put up high numbers across all quarters, with 21.2 points in the first quarter alone and a steady 8.4 in the fourth quarter. On the other hand, Fairmont Senior struggles in the later stages of games, with their lowest point totals coming in the third and fourth quarters. Despite their solid start to games, they have struggled to maintain momentum against elite teams like Bridgeport.
Team Strengths
Bridgeport’s offensive attack has been driven by standout performers such as Chris Wilson, who leads the team in rushing with an average of 68.6 yards per game, and Brody Whitehair, who has been pivotal in the passing game. The Indians’ ability to balance both the run and pass has made them especially difficult to defend against.
Fairmont Senior, though not as prolific on offense, has relied on the leadership of Brody Whitehair (not to be confused with Bridgeport’s quarterback) and other key players. The Polar Bears have excelled in their passing game, with Whitehair averaging 242.4 passing yards per game. However, their overall yardage (262.3 total yards per game) lags behind Bridgeport’s 265.0, suggesting that the Polar Bears may have struggled against tougher competition this season.
Common Opponents
Both Bridgeport and Fairmont Senior have faced some of the same opponents this season, and their performances against these teams have been similar. Against Buckhannon-Upshur, East Fairmont, and Robert C. Byrd, both teams walked away with commanding victories. However, Bridgeport has continued to assert its dominance with consistently higher margins of victory.
Playoff Aspirations
Looking ahead, both teams have secured their spots in the playoffs, with Bridgeport continuing its undefeated streak in the postseason. Their dominance in every facet of the game makes them the favorites, but Fairmont Senior’s resiliency should not be underestimated. With a solid playoff record of 2-0 and a tough, gritty mentality, the Polar Bears will bring their best to the field.
Conclusion
The rivalry between Bridgeport and Fairmont Senior is one of the most exciting storylines of the 2024-25 football season. Bridgeport’s perfect record and explosive offense have made them the team to beat, but Fairmont Senior’s determined approach to the game and strong performances throughout the season show that they can compete at the highest level. As they prepare for future matchups, including in the postseason, these two powerhouse teams will continue to captivate the West Virginia football landscape.