BROOKSIDE — Cameron bounced back from a loss to Monroe Central with a vengeance Friday night at Perkins Field inside Bill Jobko Stadium.

The OVAC 1A leading-Dragons improved to 5-2 on the campaign via a 53-6 verdict over Bridgeport, who were coming off a cherished win over Shadyside.

The lopsided triumph solidified Cameron’s playoff status as the Marshall Countians entered the contest sitting in seventh place in the WVSSAC Class A rankings.

Bridgeport, meanwhile, ended the campaign at 4-6 and harbored flickering hopes for an OHSAA playoff berth with a win over Cameron. Coach Andrew Yahn’s charges did exhibit much improvement this fall.

The Bulldogs suffered a major blow in the waning moments of the first half when star quarterback Jaki Threet suffered a game-ending injury. Prior to being sidelined, Threet rushed for 93 yards and a 34-yard TD. As a result, he finished his tremendous season with a whopping 1,513 yards rushing to go with 22 TDs.

Threet also pilfered two Dragon passes.

Marshall Holland was nothing short of sensational in sparking Cameron.

The 200-pound junior rushed for 302 yards and four TDs. He scored on runs covering 7, 22, 2 and 65 yards. Holland now has 951 infantry stripes on the campaign.

“Marshall had a big night,” Cameron head coach Tim Brown noted. “He showed a lot of patience and did an excellent job of following his blockers.

“I got to give credit to our offensive line. We have a lot of young linemen playing now,” he added. “We have 10 kids out with injuries and dressed only 20 players tonight. So, our line did a great job. Our coaches did a super job in practice with them this week.”

Cameron, W.Va. state runnerup a year ago, led 8-6 after one quarter before blowing the game wide open with 38 second-quarter points en route to a 46-8 upper hand at intermission.

Consequently, the second half was played with eight-minute quarters under OHSAA mercy-rule guidelines.

Talen Brown also enjoyed a productive night for Cameron. The talented sophomore galloped for 109 stripes and a 48-yard touchdown. He also intercepted a Bridgeport pass and returned it 49 yards to paydirt.

All told, Cameron rolled to 447 yards on the ground. The Dragons completed two-of-five passes for seven yards.

Bridgeport, meanwhile, rushed for 138 yards. Sophomore Ashton Smith, who took over quarterbacking duties in the second half, picked up 39 yards on five totes. The Bulldogs completed four-of-15 passes for 51 yards.

The Dragons picked off four Bridgeport passes.

“We have a lot of respect for Bridgeport. They have some talented players,” Brown said. “So we prepared hard all week. They had a big win last week against Shadyside.

“Coming off our loss last week to Monroe Central, I am really pleased with how we bounced back. We came out aggressive and took control early,” he continued. “We are in solid shape in the playoff picture but we have two tough games remaining. We cannot afford any more injuries.”

Cameron returns to action Friday, making the lengthy road trip to East Hardy in the Mountain State’s Eastern Panhandle. The Dragons will then close out regular season play, hosting Pendleton County.

Cameron was penalized seven times for 65 yards. Bridgeport, meanwhile, was assessed 35 yards on four flags.