BRIDGE CITY – After breaking in a new era well, the Bridge City Cardinals will be seeking their second win in a row over a highly-touted state-ranked team Friday night when the Newton Eagles come swarming to Larry Ward Stadium.

The Cardinals handed first-year head coach Dwayne DuBois his first victory back at his alma mater last week by going on the road and defeating the Kirbyville Wildcats 24-21. The Wildcats were ranked No. 4 in Class 3A Division I by Texas Football.

This week, the Cardinals, who were 2-8 last season, will try to slay another giant in the form of the Eagles in their home opener.

Newton advanced all the way to the 3A Division II State Championship Game last year and are ranked No. 2 in the state in 3A Division II. The Eagles handed Tatum a 37-28 loss last week.

The Cardinals grounded out 286 yards on the ground against Kirbyville. Patrick Morris zipped for 125 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Cayce Draper muscled his way to 114 yards on 20 totes. Cardinal quarterback Camden DuBois rushed for 33 yards and a score and completed 2-of-2 passes for 46 yards as Bridge City finished with 332 total yards.

The Bridge City defense bent a little but held their own against a potent Kirbyville offensive arsenal. The Wildcats finished with 386 total yards, 214 on the ground and 172 in the air but the Cardinals were able to step up and stop long Wildcat drives with the biggest defensive play coming on a Zach Honeycutt 100-yard interception return for a score.

The Cardinals might have found a go-to kicker as well in Alfredo Heraldes, who made a game-winning 25-yard fourth-quarter field goal and nailed all three extra-points.

Newton returns seven starters on both sides of the ball off last year’s 12-4 State Finalist.

The Cardinals will look to contain speedy skill people Gabe Foster, Corbin Foster and Kirkland Foster. Newton linebacker Tanner Holmes was All-State last year.

Last season, the Eagles ran past the Cardinals 45-14. Newton finished with 519 yards of total offense, including 363 on the ground. The Cardinals managed 307 total yards, 229 on the ground as Jhett Simmons ran for 142 yards on 15 carries.