BRIDGEPORT — For the first time in five years, the Bridgeport Bulldogs are starting the football season 1-0, following a thrilling 44-28 win over North Platte St. Patrick’s on Friday night.

Senior quarterback Nik Weibert led the Bulldogs' charge, accounting for 222 total yards of offense. Weibert opened the scoring with a 16-yard touchdown run and went on to complete 8 of 17 passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing 18 times for 69 yards and two more scores.

Weibert was responsible for five of Bridgeport’s six touchdowns, helping the Bulldogs hold off a strong push from the Fighting Irish.

Senior receiver Gage Nein was Weibert’s top target, hauling in four catches for 83 yards. Junior Landon Dean added two receptions for 7 yards, including a go-ahead touchdown grab late in the game. Dean sealed the victory just seconds later by recovering a fumble and returning it for a touchdown, pushing the final score to 44-28.

As a team, Bridgeport totaled 121 rushing yards on 36 carries and passed for 153 yards, finishing the night with 274 total offensive yards.

North Platte St. Pat’s was led by senior quarterback Sutton Tickle, who completed 4 of 8 passes for 95 yards and added 51 rushing yards on 11 carries, totaling 146 yards of offense. Senior Mason Giebler contributed 57 yards on 16 carries.

The Fighting Irish rushed for 153 yards on 39 carries and compiled 248 yards of total offense.

With the win, Bridgeport improves to 1-0 and will travel to Benkelman to face Dundy County-Stratton (1-0) on Friday at 6 p.m. MST. North Platte St. Pat’s falls to 0-1 and will host Sutherland at the same time in North Platte.