Youth Beginning to be Served, While Senior Commitment Provides Confidence to a Young Bengals Football Core

As the 2024 season begins to wind down, the Bloomfield High football team has some big games coming up.

Head coach Mike Carter's team will take a 2-4 record into its final regular season home game, on Oct. 11, in a 6:30 p.m. start. The Bengals close out the regular season with games at Livingston, on Oct. 18, and at West Orange, on Oct. 25.

A series of early-season injuries to some key seniors on Bloomfield's roster gave a group of younger players the opportunity to see extended varsity action. And while Bloomfield has struggled, at times, it's clear that the younger players, who will be key on the 2025 roster, and beyond, are getting the needed playing time this fall.

"When it comes to injuries," said Carter, "we can't use that as an excuse, even to our more experienced players. What it does is provide our younger guys the chance to play more."

Junior quarterback Jeremy Tejada has rushed for over 300 yards so far this season while passing over close to 300 yards. Michael Mickens, a sophomore, has done a good job in kickoff returns. Another sophomore, Christian Cradle, has made some key receptions and has also stood out on defense.

Tyler Frantantoni, a junior, has excelled on both sides of the line and has become a consistent tackler. Jo'elle Urdanivia, a sophomore, has played well on the defensive line, and had three sacks versus Barringer. Urdanivia has also been very consistent in kicking point-after conversions. Aaron Varner, another sophomore, has gained some key playing time, as well. Mekhi Wilson, a sophomore lineman, has been getting in on varsity tackles.

Among the seniors who have stood out include DJ Coltenback, a fine all-around player on both sides of the line, Sebastian Urena, who overcame an early-season leg injury to play well of late, Anthony Pope, who received a game ball for his play versus Barringer, and has excelled by running the ball, as well as stopping opposing rushers, Mekhi Field, James Fields, Chris Guerrero, Alejandro Valencia, Viraj Moore and Ukoha Kalu.

Bloomfield will honor its senior players on Oct. 11, on 'Senior Night', at Foley Field.

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