Bulls battle Aubrey in league opener

Coming off of a win at AT&T Stadium in Arlington last week, the Bridgeport Bulls will face a tough test in their first District 5-4A Division II matchup.

Bridgeport (3-1) will host Aubrey 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bull Memorial Stadium.

“We’re very excited to start our district schedule,” said Bridgeport coach JD Martinez. “I think we’re at that point now where we’re ready to play the games that count toward making the playoffs.

“The pre-district games allowed us to see who we are as a team, and also address some things that needed to be fixed. We’ve changed a few personnel and streamlined our game plan. Those games were good for our program and our process.”

Aubrey (2-2) ended a two-game skid last week with a 68-0 shutout against Frisco Panther Creek.

The Chaparrals’ offense is controlled by running backs Emerson Cagle and Kai Bagley. In four games, the duo has combined for 743 rushing yards with nine touchdowns.

In 2021, the Chaparrals defeated the Bulls in the first round of the playoffs, 55-3.

“Aubrey’s played some really good competition this year, and their two losses came against 4AI and 5A teams. They’re a very good program, and they’re going to be a big challenge for us.

“They base out of the wing-T offensively. They’ll rush up to the line to get set, and they’re very powerful and physical with the ball. Defensively, their four down lineman try to disrupt their opponents’ offensive rhythm, and they’re very good at that.”

Martinez believes the Bulls’ toughness will be key against Aubrey.

“We’ve got to be extremely resilient and understand there’s going to be ups and downs during the game,” he said. “We just have to be able to weather the bad times, capitalize on Aubrey’s mistakes and stay ahead of the chains.”

Bridgeport stretched its winning streak to three games last week with a 56-21 win over Benbrook.

Harris line: Aubrey by 44