The Clarkson/Leigh Patriots will venture away from home to take on the Bridgeport Bulldogs at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. One thing working in Clarkson/Leigh's favor is that they have posted at least 31 points in their last five matchups.
Clarkson/Leigh is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering David City just ended the team's four-game winning streak on Friday. They took a 45-36 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Scouts.
Wyatt Crosley
| 10/03/25 vs Humphrey-Lindsay | 168 |
| 09/26/25 @ Madison | 168 |
| 10/10/25 vs Newman Grove/St. Edward | 161 |
| 10/17/25 @ David City | 137 |
| 09/19/25 vs Twin River | 114 |
Despite their defeat, Clarkson/Leigh saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Tucker Matthies, who rushed for 172 yards and one touchdown, and also picked up 31 receiving yards, was perhaps the best of all. Matthies' rushing production has been exceptional as that marked his fifth straight game with at least 109 rushing yards. Wyatt Crosley helped out on the ground, rushing for 137 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Meanwhile, Bridgeport waltzed into their game on Friday with five straight wins... but they left with six. They took their matchup with ease, bagging a 59-0 win over the Sailors. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Bulldogs' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska football rankings (they are ranked 32nd, while the Sailors are ranked 131st).
Clarkson/Leigh better keep an eye on Henry Blanco. He was instrumental in Bridgeport's win, rushing for 117 yards and four TDs on only 14 carries. Those four rushing touchdowns gave Blanco a new career-high. Nikolas Weibert was another key player, rushing for 72 yards on only five carries.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Bridgeport was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 252 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 194 rushing yards in seven consecutive contests.
Bridgeport didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Zackary Jeffords and Damon Barnett.
Bridgeport's victory bumped their record up to 7-1. As for Clarkson/Leigh, their loss was their first in the district, dropping their district record down to 4-1 and their overall record down to 4-4.
Thursday's game might be decided on the ground. Clarkson/Leigh has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 326.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Bridgeport struggles in that department as they've been averaging 214.4 rushing yards. There's a good chance Thursday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other football content.
