BRIDGEPORT, NE — The Bulldogs are back on the gridiron.

As Bridgeport gets ready for the upcoming season, they’re making the adjustment from 11-man to 8-man football in 2022.

Senior running back Parker Farrenkopf discusses the change.

"It's a lot different," Farrenkopf said. "The field is shorter, but I feel like we have a very fast team here and we'll be very successful."

The different style isn’t new to everyone, however. Junior quarterback Peyton Abbott is new to the Bulldogs roster after playing at nearby Leyton, which has played 8-man football for several seasons.

"Coming from it, and I've played it forever, so I know the game a bit," he said. "I think I've just helped everyone kind of, I don't know, adjust to everything and having three less people."

Bridgeport gets a rare Week 0 game to open the year. The Bulldogs host a familiar foe in North Platte St. Pat’s Friday, Aug. 20.

The last time the two played in Bridgeport, it was 11-on-11. The Irish won that game. Now meeting in Class D1, senior running back Kason Loomis and the Bulldogs are working to ensure a different result.

"We have something to prove and I think we can prove it," Loomis said.

No matter how many people are on the field though, football is football and Bridgeport is happy to be back.

"It feels pretty good," Loomis said. "It's great to be hitting some people again." 

"It's pretty awesome," Farrenkopf said. "It's one of my favorite sports. I'm sure it's one of [Loomis and Abbott's] favorite sports too. It's just a good feeling to be back out on the field."