MAKING THE STOP - Bridgeport defensive end Tyler Horne steps up to make the hit on a Glen Rose runner in the Bulls' win Friday at home. Messenger photo by Joe Duty

The Bridgeport Bulls found themselves in a shootout Friday in the season opener against Glen Rose.

On a hot, steamy night, the Bulls’ defense gave up 429 yards and 36 points. But down the stretch, the unit made enough plays to help secure a 53-36 Bridgeport victory.

The Bridgeport defense pulled in two Andre Raymond interceptions, including one in the fourth quarter. The Bulls also forced a punt and two turnovers on downs in the final frame.

”It was a good first game,” said Bridgeport coach Danny Henson. “After the first series, it was a shootout. They had a good offense, and it became a high-scoring game. You’ve got to play how the game is played. The defense did not give up and came up with important plays when they had to.”

The Bulls now must try to contain another explosive offense as they head to Burkburnett to play the Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m. Friday

Burkburnett is coming off a 32-27 win over Wichita Falls. The Bulldogs racked up 451 yards, including 113 yards rushing from tailback Devin Chafin and another 109 from quarterback Bret Lewis.

Lewis also threw for 233 yards, completing 27 of his 49 attempts with one interception in the Bulldogs’ new spread offense.

The offensive performance by Burkeburnett impressed Henson.

“Their quarterback is a very prolific runner and can throw the ball,” Henson said. “Their other skilled kids are outstanding. Chafin is an early commitment to Baylor.

“You hope to go out and slow them down. We might have to outlast them.”

The Bridgeport defense knows they will be under pressure again. They want to improve off last week.

“We had a lot of busted assignments,” said defensive end Matt Smith. “We have lots of room for improvement.”

Safety Tyler Garnder said they were disappointed in the third-quarter play.

“In the first half, we played good,” he said. “We let down in the third quarter, but came back in the fourth.”

The Bulls hope to get a carbon copy of the offense’s production. In his first start at quarterback, Colby Mahon threw for six touchdowns and 360 yards.

Gabe Huerta, who missed all of two-a-days and practiced just one week before the game, ran for 171 yards and one touchdown. Henson expects Huerta to be even stronger this week as he gets more up to speed.

“He’ll keep getting better and better,” Henson said. “It’ll take some time for him to get a feel for the game. Saying that, he still had 170 yards in his first live action.”

BACK IN COVERAGE - Bridgeport defensive back Andre Raymond covers a Glen Rose receiver Friday. Raymond had two interceptions in the game. Messenger photo by Joe Duty

Bridgeport (1-0) at Burkburnett (1-0)
7:30 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium

• Last meeting: Bridgeport won 50-14
• Bridgeport: Harris Rating 213
• Notable: After missing all of two-a-days, Gabe Huerta ran for 171 yards last week.
• Burkburnett: Harris Rating 191
• Notable: In its new spread offense, Burkburnett attempted 49 passes last week.
• Harris line: Bridgeport by 24