BLOOMFIELD FOOTBALL IS BACK FOR MORE
After capturing back-to-back Class 4A state championships and three titles in the past four seasons, Bloomfield enters the 2026 campaign as one of the favorites to once again hoist the blue trophy in November. While expectations remain high, head coach Mike Kovacs knows this year’s journey will look different.
“We still have a lot of returning veterans, and the offensive line looks great,” Kovacs said. “We have to replace ‘Peanut.'”
The “Peanut” Kovacs is referring to is former quarterback Manuel Chavarria, whose remarkable senior season culminated with a seven-touchdown performance in last year’s state championship game. Replacing that kind of production won’t be easy.
The Bobcats’ quarterback competition features two talented sophomores, Wyatt Babcock and Kaison Meador, and Kovacs is prepared to tailor the offense to fit whichever young signal-caller earns the job. “It’s ultimately going to be one of those seasons where we’re going to have to slow the game down and make sure they can see the field and do what they need to do,” he said. “Maybe there won’t be such deep reads. We’re looking at more of a running game this year and maybe some more screen passes. We have to bring the game to them in a way they understand instead of just doing the same old thing. We want to make sure we’re getting everything we can out of these young guys.”
While the offense undergoes a transition, Kovacs has plenty of confidence in the other side of the ball. “Defense is back, baby,” he said with a grin. “We’re pretty fast and excited.”
That defensive experience, combined with a veteran core, has Bloomfield believing another championship run is within reach. Kovacs credits the program’s sustained success to a culture built long before kickoff each Friday night. “I think the reason we’ve been able to repeat is the buy-in in the weight room,” he said. “We get them in there early and talk about what our goals are. The first goal is our scrimmage, the second goal is Week 1, and the third goal is when district starts. You set goals that are achievable. Don’t put something out there they’re never going to reach. Give them something they can understand and relate to.”
Even with two straight championships, complacency isn’t part of the conversation. “We have big expectations for our seniors that played in the state final last year,” Kovacs said. “Don’t think that last year is still here. We got Lovington now.”
The Lovington Wildcats are moving into Class 4A this season, adding another layer of competition to an already challenging classification. “We’ll be ready,” Kovacs said. “I will never say we got beat by a school size.”
The Bobcats begin their quest for a third consecutive state championship on Aug. 21 when they open the season against Clovis High School. If Bloomfield is to add another blue trophy to its collection, it will be powered by a veteran defense, a physical offensive line, and a new generation of players ready to carry on one of New Mexico’s premier football programs.
