Somerville senior runningback Justin Bowen at Big Central Conference Media Day at Kean University’s Harwood Arena in Union on August 5, 2026. (Photo: Mike Pavlichko)
As thrilling as things were around Somerville in 2024 – winning yet another sectional title – 2025 saw a very disappointing ending: a first round playoff exit at the hands of Matawan, at home, of all things.
You win some, you lose some. Last year, the Pioneers finished 8-2, with those two losses by a combined eight points.
But one thing will always be consistent as long as Matt Bloom is the head coach: the Pioneers will utilize every bit of speed they have.
That was on display – albeit not in the form of a 70-yard touchdown run – at Big Central Conference Media Day last Wednesday, when Bloom brought with him guys like running back Justin Bowen and linebacker Shyheim Hobbs-Harris.
Bowen is the top returning rusher this season, and will look to fill the shoes of graduated senior Aidan Vesuvio-Bush, who was a yard shy of 1,300 last season. Bowen ran for 446 yards and 89 carries in 2025, scoring seven touchdowns.
He’ll be getting the ball from freshman Dylan Boehm, who wasn’t perfect last year – but who is as a freshman? He threw for 1,449 yards and ten touchdowns a season ago.
Hobbs-Harris was third on the team in tackles with 49, while also notching three sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and he also has a nose for the ball, can grab it and take off. He recovered three fumbles in 2025, one for a score. Somerville also brings back defensive back James Hampton for his junior season, with his five picks, two of which went for six.
Yes, Somerville has talent back, but they also have a very tough schedule, playing much bigger schools like Sayreville, Hunterdon Central, Elizabeth and Piscataway (their first meeting with the Chiefs since 1987). And St. Thomas Aquinas is on the schedule, too.
How it all plays out will be fun to watch.
Click below to learn more about the Somerville Pioneers in 2026 from head coach Matt Bloom, senior runningback Justin Bowen and senior linebacker Shyheim Hobbs-Harris with Central Jersey Sports Radio’s Mike Pavlichko at Big Central Conference Media Day:
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