BROOKSIDE – Perkins Field played host to a dogfight Friday night.

The East Palestine Bulldogs traveled down Ohio 7 to take on the Bridgeport Bulldogs, who were making their home debut. Unfortunately for the hosts, the East Palestine Dogs possessed a more lethal bite, pocketing a hard-earned 28-21 triumph.

The win was the third in as many starts for East Palestine. Bridgeport, meanwhile, dropped to 1-2.

East Palestine earned the win on the strength of a sparkling performance from Clark Rutledge.

The savvy sophomore quarterback accounted for nearly 350 yards of offense and three touchdowns. He rushed 18 times for 169 yards and two TDs while completing 16-of 22 passes for 176 stripes and a third six-pointer.

The loss spoiled a stellar showing from Bridgeport quarterback Jaki Threet. The dynamic senior rushed for 202 yards and three TDs.

“We just couldn’t get off the field on third downs,” Bridgeport head coach Andrew Yahn noted. “East Palestine did a nice job of controlling the ball. They really grounded it out in the second half.

“We did a real good job offensively in the first half. We had some quick scores,” he added. “Jaki is an electric player. He cut it loose tonight.”

Bridgeport, coming off a win at Shenandoah, came out and played a solid first half.

The hosts took a 21-14 lead into halftime, thanks to Threet touchdown runs covering 22, 49 and 12 yards. Augusto Bettini boomed all three PAT kicks.

The second half would not prove as kind to Bridgeport.

East Palestine took its first lead of the night on its initial possession of the second half.

After a Bridgeport punt, the Columbiana Countians embarked on a nine-play, 74-yard march. Senior Zach Schnelle capped the march from two yards out. Rutledge ran in the conversion, giving the hosts a 22-21 advantage.

East Palestine stretched its lead early in the fourth following an interception.

The visitors manufactured another long drive, this one covering 86 yards on 13 plays. Rutledge teamed with Peyton Rutledge on a 15-yard aerial score. A botched snap foiled the conversion try, leaving East Palestine on top 28-21.

Bridgeport, however, didn’t go quietly.

The hosts advanced all the way to the East Palestine 15 in the final minutes only to turn the ball over on downs.

“We gave ourselves a chance at the end. We just couldn’t finish the drive,” Yahn added. “I was pleased with our effort tonight. We lost to a quality team.”

East Palestine had excellent offensive balance, rushing for 268 yards to go with Rutledge’s 176 aerial stripes. Schnelle picked up 89 yards on 14 carries.

Bridgeport collected 266 yards on the ground. AJ Bishop garnered 52 yards on 15 totes.

Threet completed three-of-nine passes for 27 yards.

Bridgeport returns to action next Saturday night at Steubenville Catholic Central. East Palestine, meanwhile, hosts David Anderson Friday.