As high school sports begin around Bridgeport and the state, seemed like a perfect time to ask (and try to answer) one question for each Tribe team.

FOOTBALL: Is the Kennedy Award coming here, finally?

Somehow, despite a run of success that’s arguably unprecedented in West Virginia, the Bridgeport Indians have never had a Kennedy Award winner as the state’s top high school football player.

Now, this may be the hardest award in the state to win, for many reasons, one of the main ones being, it’s voted on by sportswriters around the state. 

This area doesn’t have the voting bloc of other areas of the state, so it takes something extra.

Look at Martinsburg: Their run of Class AAA/AAAA dominance didn’t yield a Kennedy winner for 20 years.

What helps Gavin Williams’ candidacy is that his name is out there…he was one of the players in discussions last year.

As the gifted running back returns for his senior year, his ability on special teams could be an X-factor as well.

Lots of eyes will be on that Week 2 game with Martinsburg, as well…a strong showing for Williams could move him to the top of the list.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY: Can this year’s top 2 fill the shoes of last year’s top 2?

Bridgeport lost a dynamic pair of runners in Troy Zorick and William Northey to graduation, but have to like what they’re seeing from the next two guys on the depth chart from last year.

Both Parker Muncy and Graham Northey ran well in the state meet last year, finishing 20th and 27th, respectively, and were part of a state-qualifying 4x800 meter relay this spring, along with freshman Andrew Wagner.

They have put in the work in the offseason, as well, recently attending a statewide running camp alongside of the best that West Virginia has to offer.

That’s a strong foundation for Bridgeport to return to the state meet.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY: Can the pack shuffle to get Bridgeport back to the top?

Bridgeport won the Class AAA state title going away last year by 49 points.

The top two runners on that team, Aria Solaria (4th) and Bethsayed Dankiewicz (14th) are back, but one of the things that made the Tribe so good was Dankiewicz, Isla Tobrey and graduated seniors Ashley McBrayer and Mikaela DeMoss were a very effective wall, pacing each other, running to high finishes together, and pushing other teams down the scoreboard.

If Liana Rajjoub and Adreona Moore, who both got a taste of states last year, can replace the two deportees in the pack, Bridgeport is going to be hard to beat again.

CHEERLEADING: Can Bridgeport move up one rung?

After finishing second in Class AAA last year, the Tribe are primed for the crown.

Only three cheerleaders from last year graduated and Big 10 first teamers Scarlett Edgell and Liam Paulsen and second-team picks Nina Spatafore and Ansley Leach are among the returnees.

It’s honestly one of the hardest titles to win: On the clock, with only one shot to get it right, one mistake can prove costly.

GOLF: Will we see a trifecta of titles?

Bridgeport has two individual golfers who are good enough to win state championships.

Audrey Kerr has already done it, posting the lowest score at the state girls invitational two falls ago.

And anyone who watched Alex Randolph tear up the Bridgeport Country Club course against national and international competition on the AJGA circuit a few weeks ago knows what he is capable of.

If both of those players put in two good rounds this fall at Oglebay Resort, it’s not out of the question for Bridgeport to claim the team plaque as well.

BOYS SOCCER: Is another title possible?

The short answer: Yes.

Riel Figueroa returns for his senior year after being Bridgeport’s star player down the stretch and if the Tribe can get Greyson Church, arguably the front-runner for state player of the year before a season-ending injury, back in form, that’s a deadly duo for new coach Nathaniel Jones to start his lineup sheet with.

Bridgeport has holes to fill, though, with all-staters Andrew Dumas, Adam Jackson and Tucker Pomeroy among those who have graduated.

The stretch between August 29 and September 8, which will see the Tribe play Greenbrier East, Fairmont Senior and at Robert C. Byrd will prove instructive.

GIRLS SOCCER: Who’s the second scorer?

Bridgeport brings back Lindsey Callahan’s team-leading 18 goals from last year’s state semifinalists, but freshman Ally Day (4 goals) and junior Lilly Day (2 goals) are the only other players that scored multiple goals and didn’t graduate.

The good news is, the defense should give the offense time to jell: Goalkeeper Macie Dotson returns after being the primary starter as a freshman and Allison Wilson and Gianna Dumas played in every match last year.

VOLLEYBALL: Will last year’s pain lead to this year’s success?

Injuries, most notably to senior standout Salam Rajjoub, forced an already-young Bridgeport team to rely on underclassmen more as the season went on.

Because of that, five of the Tribe’s top six in kills last year are back, led by rising senior Taylor Randolph, who landed 389 last year.

Addison Veigel’s utility as a setter, server and defender will be missed, but Kennedy Wolfe was no slouch last year, passing out 244 assists.

Sign up/stay connected

Create your profile to start adding photos, posting comments, and more.