Photo by Kristin Mazgaj Bridgeport’s Colin Jackson evades a Trinity defender during Friday’s win.

BROOKSIDE – What a better way to celebrate a 100-year-old football anniversary than treating the home fans to an OHSAA mercy-rule conquest.

The high-octane Bridgeport Bulldogs did just that Friday night, blasting Morgantown Trinity Christian, 60-21, before a large turnout. The lopsided win took on an added measure of sweetness as Bridgeport was celebrating 100 years of football at its Perkins Field home.

Coach Fred Ray’s charges are now 3-0 on the young campaign. Trinity, which opened the season last week with a decisive win over Hundred, evened at 1-1. The Warriors had just 14 players suited up for the contest.

“It was an emotional week with the 100 years of football celebration on tap,” Ray said. “So I was a little worried about the mindset of our players tonight. But we came out and put together a nice scoring drive and I knew we were ready play.

“The offense really executed well tonight. We also had good balance,” added the former Martins Ferry and Ohio University quarterbacking standout. “I am really pleased with how we are playing right now. This is my fifth year here now and we are getting where we need to be.”

Ray’s potent offense topped 500 total yards. The Bulldogs passed for 248 stripes and rushed for 273 yards.

Colin Jackson was the catalyst for the winners.

The multi-talented senior quarterback was nothing short of sensational. He completed 19-of-24 passes, including four TDs. He also rushed for 103 stripes and another six-pointer.

Avery Jackson, Colin’s brother, hauled in seven passes, covering 104 yards and three TDs. Junior Michael Marshall enjoyed a fine night on the ground, gaining 106 yards on just nine carries. He tallied an 18-yard TD jaunt.

Bridgeport scored on all four of its first-half possessions.

The Bulldogs took the opening kickoff and marched 75 yards in 12 plays. Jackson completed seven passes on the drive, the final being a 30-yard score to his brother. Jackson passed to Mason Aberts for an 8-0 lighting.

Trinity stunned the hosts on the ensuing kickoff as senior speedster Kyle Knight returned the boot 70 yards to paydirt. Knight added the PAT, making it an 8-7 Bulldog edge.

Bridgeport took possession of the ensuing kickoff at its 29. It took the hosts eight plays to reach paydirt again, via a Joey Bugaj 6-yard run. Jackson speared Jaki Threet on the conversion pass for a 16-7 advantage.

After a Trinity punt, Bridgeport put together a 65-scoring march, capped by another 30-yard connection between the Brothers Jackson. Bugaj ran in the conversion pass, making it 24-7.

The Warriors narrowed the gap to 24-15 on a 10-yard run by Knight. Levi Teets added the conversion run.

Bridgeport upped its advantage to 32-15 at intermission on the strength of an 11-play, 59-yard drive. Senior Peyton Pyle scored from a yard out with 48 seconds showing in the second quarter. Pyle also registered the conversion run.

The second half was Bulldog dominated as they added four more touchdowns.

Jackson teamed with Aberts on a 19-yard connection before Marshall rolled in from the 18.

Jackson found his brother on a 20-yard scoring hookup and the Bulldog quarterback delivered a 13-yard scoring scramble to drop the curtain on the scoring.

“It feels pretty cool to be 3-0. I told the team before the game it was a special night and we needed to turn in a special performance,” Ray said. “The crowd was tremendous. I saw some places where it was three deep.

“A lot of people came back to be part of this celebration. I am glad we treated them to a good performance,” he added. “Now we need to continue improving and get ready for Weirton Madonna next week.”

Trinity rushed for 207 yards and added 42 in the air.

Bridgeport High School actually played its first football game in 1901, but it wasn’t until Sept. 23, 1922 when the Bulldogs christened what was eventually named Perkins Field in a game against Bellaire, which used to be the Bulldogs’ biggest rival.

Perkins Fields is named after Luther Perkins, who was a principal at Bridgeport High School from 1911 until 1926. Prior to becoming principal, Perkins taught science.

Bridgeport 60, Trinity 21

Trinity 7 8 6 0 – 21

Bridgeport 16 16 22 6 – 60

Bridgeport – A. Jackson 30 pass from C. Jackson. C. Jackson pass to Aberts.

Trinity – Knight 70 kickoff return. Knight kick.

Bridgeport – Bugaj 6 run. C. Jackson pass to Threet.

Bridgeport – A. Jackson 30 pass from C. Jackson. Bugaj run.

Trinity – Knight 10 run. Teets run.

Bridgeport – Pyle 1 run. Pyle run.

Trinity – Teets 79 kickoff return. Pass failed.

Bridgeport – Aberts 19 pass from C. Jackson. Bugaj run.

Bridgeport – Marshall 18 run. Pass failed.

Bridgeport – A. Jackson 20 pass from C. Jackson. Pyle run.

Bridgeport – C. Jackson 17 run. Run failed.

RUSHING: Trinity 31-207-2tds. (Teets 13-107-td, Knight 10-72-td, Jorge 5-21, Kniska 3-7); Bridgeport 30-273-4tds (Marshall 8-106-td, Pyle 5-27-td, Bugaj 6-36-td, C. Jackson 9-106, Bishop 1-0).

PASSING: Trinity 6-14-46-2int (All by Knight). Bridgeport 19-24-248-4tds (All by C. Jackson).

RECEIVING: Trinity 6-44 (Teets 4-42, Sheffstall 1-2, Jorge 0-0). Bridgeport 19-248-4tds (A. Jackson 7-104-3tds, Pyle 4-33, Threet 4-32, Kendricks Jr. 1-14; Abers 2-40-td, Bugaj 1-25).

FIRST DOWNS: Trinity 8,Bridgeport 15.

FUMBLES/LOST: Trinity 3/1, Bridgeport 0/0.

PENALTIES: Trinity 6-51,Bridgeport 7-70.