HS football preview: Bloomfield continues tradition of strong work ethic

BLOOMFIELD, NJ – During his nearly three-decade tenure, one can always count on Mike Carter’s teams to show tremendous work ethic.

Carter, who has been at the Bloomfield head coaching helm since 1991, once again is proud to see this year’s Bengals demonstrating their hallmark diligence.

“The work ethic has really developed,” Carter said. “We’ve done a good job in the weight room. I think the leadership is starting to come around. They are starting to become leaders in their own way, and that should develop as the season goes along.”

Bloomfield ended last season on a winning note against J.P. Stevens in a state regional crossover game to finish 4-6. The returning players are looking to ride that momentum into this season.

Leading the way is a strong senior class. They include tight end/outside linebacker Mike Bsales, two-way lineman Josh Castro, tight end Josh Costomiris, quarterback Jordan Cruz, two-way lineman Jeff Diaz, offensive lineman/linebacker Yosvaldy Dominquez, wide receiver/defensive back Tamil Fernandes and tight end/linebacker Angelo Gonzalez.

Other top seniors are wide receiver/defensive back Dante Gibbs, offensive lineman/defensive end Shamir Atkinson, tight end/outside linebacker/long snapper Mark Abraham, running back/linebacker Jeremy Viray, kickers Peter Kuo and Adam Velin, wide receiver/defensive back Aquan Salmon, outside linebacker Nick Pence, wide receiver/defensive back Christian Parisi, fullback/linebacker Shammond Neal, running back/defensive back Aaron Monteiro, wide receiver/defensive back Jaden Referente and wide receiver/outside linebacker Shamari Gray.

Carter cited the team’s speed as one of the strengths. Another aspect is the fact that many of the players are multi-sport athletes, something that will benefit all programs at Bloomfield, Carter said.

Carter outlined the keys to success.

“We just have to keep building together, the kids’ self-confidence and learning what they have to do at a varsity level pace. It takes a little time, but the kids are working hard. If they can do that, we can go out and be a competitive team.”

Schedule

Sept. 7, at Nutley, 1 p.m.

Sept. 13, North Bergen, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20, Columbia, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27, Bayonne, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5, at Orange, 4 p.m.

Oct. 11, at Livingston, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18, Montclair, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25, at West Orange, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1, East Orange Campus, 7 p.m.