From the Bench: Bridgeport Football's Secret Weapon is Back Again for 2024 and it's Returning as a Trio
By Jeff Toquinto on August 18, 2024 from Sports Blog
There are few things that provide relief from the grinding heat at an August football practice. For Bridgeport Coach Tyler Phares, one of those things is seeing a few seniors trot out on to Wayne Jamison Field for the first time ever as a member of the varsity squad.
“Just about every year we have someone that shows up the first day, a kid who just decided to come out or maybe a transfer, which makes a difference,” said Coach Tyler Phares. “Maybe it’s on defense, offense, or special teams, but when it happens the team generally benefits from the new faces.”
In 2023, it was one of the few times there were no first-year seniors that Phares was able to recall. Although a slew of returning players from injury helped buffer the unusual break in what is generally an annual trend.
There is a laundry list of players, many well before Phares’ arrival, who have played a role in state championships and landed all-state honors. Names such as Aidan Paulsen, Chris Liebig, John Koon, Ryan Sprouse, and more, first-year seniors have played a vital role in many successful Bridgeport teams.
“We feel good about three guys out this year,” said Phares. “We hope they can make a difference, but there’s always a learning curve.”
This year, the Tribe has three seniors that all have moved into the Bridgeport area. One of the players, in fact, actually arrived early in the season, but did not get enough reps for the Indians to get him varsity minutes. That should change this year.
The new players on the squad include Carter Zuliani, Alex Naternicola, and Donte Pierre. It was Pierre who actually dressed late in 2023. According to Phares, he is a transfer who arrived from Florida last year.
“Donte is a good kid. He’s had some reps with as a practice player last year, and he also ran track last year,” said Phares. “He’s a fast kid and, on top of that he has shown a willingness to want to hit people and tackle people. When you have those intangibles, it’s up to the coaching staff to find the right spot to take advantage of the skillset.”
Pierre looks to play at defensive back and as an offensive end showed his skill set in 7 on 7 action early this year. Phares said he hopes that translates to game-day action.
“He showed some flashes, particularly at defensive back, in the 7 on 7,” said Phares of the player he estimates at about 6’0 to 6’1 and around 170 pounds. “He also excelled when he played in junior varsity last year.”
The second player is one whose name is a familiar one to those who follow statewide football and, in particular, North Central West 
Virginia football, will know. The Indians’ 2024 August practice schedule includes Buckhannon-Upshur transfer Carter Zuliani.
Virginia football, will know. The Indians’ 2024 August practice schedule includes Buckhannon-Upshur transfer Carter Zuliani.
Zuliani brings an impressive resume in from Upshur County. Last year, he earned Class AAA all-state status as a junior.
“He’s got good size, good running ability, and he can catch the ball. He’s also a big boy that can block well,” said Phares. “He’s shown he’s a lineman on defense that can get after it.”
Phares may be being modest about the “good size” comment. His size is immense, especially for his likely landing spot of tight end on offense and defensive end on the opposite side of the ball.
According to Phares, he’s in the range of 6’5 or 6’6. He also said he tips the scales around 240 pounds.
“The important thing is that he has picked up what we’re doing pretty quickly,” said Phares. “Again, the real test is to see how that translates when we get into game day. The quicker that happens, the better it is for us.
“We’re aware he’s got a rare combinate of being athletic with a big body, which is exciting to have,” Phares continued. “This August we’ll see how he combines that with how we’re coaching him on both sides of the ball.”
The final player is Naternicola. If that name sounds familiar, there is a reason. The last name is a staple in Marion County, and he transferred last year from Fairmont Senior.
Although Naternicola was not on the football team, he did do something that has almost always boded well for Bridgeport. He was a
member of the Indians’ wrestling squad.
member of the Indians’ wrestling squad.
“When you get a player in their first year that’s wrestled, a lot of times they’re more physical than other players that haven’t played before,” said Phares. “So far, he’s shown he is physical because he’s out there wanting to run and tackled. Anytime you have a kid who isn’t afraid to be physical, he’ll eventually find his way out onto the field.”
Naternicola is looking to land playing time, and provide depth, and two positions where the Indians have plenty. Phares said he will likely see action at linebacker and as one of the Tribe’s wingbacks.
“If they continue to progress, I see all three of them contributing,” said Phares. “Whether it’s offense, defense, or special teams, they’re going to contribute. I know it’s early, but we’ve had a lot of quality minutes from first-year seniors in the past, and we are definitely hoping for that trend to continue.”
If that proves to the case, the Indians will know soon enough. BHS opens the 2024 season August 30 at home against Buckhannon-Upshur.
Editor's Note: Top photo, from left, is of Alex Naternicola, Carter Zuliani, and Donte Pierre. Second photo shows Zuliani hauling in a reception during practice. Photos by Joe LaRocca. Bottom photo, file image by Ben Queen Photography, shows Coach Tyler Phares.
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