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The Bridge City Cardinals defeated the Buna Cougars, 54-6, in a standout home opener to the 2024 season Aug. 30.

The Cardinals’ spread offense looked superb and the defense played a strong game throughout each phase. It marks a memorable first victory for new head coach Josh Smalley, who returns to his alma mater after 12 years running a Slot-T scheme at Orangefield.

“The coaching staff had a great plan and the kids came in and executed,” Smalley said. “They handled things well. Trust me, there’s a lot of things to clean up. As good as tonight feels, there’s a lot of things we’ve got to work on throughout the next few weeks.”

Bridge City began the new year in a big way as quarterback Hutch Bearden rushed for a long touchdown on their opening drive. On the next drive, Bearden delivered a 40-yard strike to tight end Austin Bellanger to set up field position, then hit receiver Abraham Mungia for another score to go up 14-0 early.

The Cardinals intercepted an errant pass to regain possession near midfield and put together a drive before running back Ashton Summral rushed for a touchdown to put his team ahead 21-0.

To start the second quarter, the Cardinals entered field goal range and settled for three points as Kasen Watts booted the attempt through from 22 yards.

A Buna punt was blocked and Bryce Breeden recovered at the Buna six-yard line. Bearden tossed his second passing TD of the evening to push the lead further, 31-0.

The Bridge City defense kept the pressure on and forced yet another three-and-out. A huge 64-yard touchdown run from Bearden put BC firmly in the driver’s seat, 38-0.

Junior defensive back Ethan Hernandez picked off the Buna quarterback to end the first half.

Mungia caught his second touchdown of the young season on the opening drive of the second half.

On the next possession, Buna fumbled and defensive lineman Koby Dean recovered for the Cardinals. Carson Sauceda entered the game at quarterback and Watts kicked his second field goal of the game.

Buna finally scored their first points with a touchdown run by Tanner Crane late in the game. They attempted a two-point conversion which was intercepted by Kolby Leblanc.

The Cardinals recovered yet another turnover in the final minutes of the fourth quarter with a fumble recovery at Buna’s five-yard line. Running back Alex Chappell got in on the scoring action with a touchdown of his own, capping off the 54-6 victory.

Smalley said it felt good to earn his first win at the helm of the team he once quarterbacked.

“More than anything, I’m excited for the kids and staff and community,” he said. When I first got here it was evident they wanted to win. But, it’s just one. We’re 1-0 and we’ll move onto the next one.”

The next one Smalley mentioned is an away date at Kirbyville next Friday. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.