Next step: Diman football focused on fast start and best version of themselves
FALL RIVER — Sam Perry enjoyed a productive season in 2022 as a sophomore.
Now, the Diman signal-caller is ready to take the next step in his second season under center.
"I’m getting to feel optimistic about us," Bengals head coach Luke Bahry said. "Sam [Perry] has done a good job, we all know about him. Kaidyn Dias and Byron Bell are leading by example every day. We’re not looking for bosses or yelling at kids. We want kids to lead by example."
Perry was easily the best player on the field for Diman last year. He passed for an area-best 1640 yards and tied for second with 13 touchdowns. Perry finished with 1,860 yards of total offense with 16 total touchdowns. The Bengal junior rushed for 189 yards and had two rushing touchdowns.
"Just getting use to it and adjusting to things this year," said Perry on his potential growth this year. "From the play calls, different reads, and adjusting on the line ... If see something I have to make the play. I feel more comfortable on the field now."
Perry said he would like to see more of balance attack — a mixture of pass and runs — to keep teams honest on defense.
"Last year was a lot of passing, which was working for us most of the time," he said. "But sometimes we did not get the job done. Obviously, we lost a good number of games last year. But if we can get that running game down this year, which is looking a lot better this year, then teams won’t be able to know what we run. Our line is looking great and our running backs are looking fast."
Perry likes what he sees from his teammates.
"I think we have a great group of kids," he said. "I love our seniors and juniors. We have a great starting lineup this year. Players on offense and defense, working real hard. They can do everything. I’m confident on how we’re going to do this year."
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Perry's thoughts on Week 1.
"We have a little rival with Case," Perry said. "I hope we come out and put a good beating on them. We feel confident this year. Hopefully they can’t stop us. It will be great if we can get a win on Week 1."
Familiar system
Bahry, now in his third season, said his kids have a good grasp on what to expect every game.
"We’re looking to improve and become the best version of ourselves," Bahry said. "One of the things we talked a lot about was success. Basically, doing your best and becoming the best you can become. So, what we’re looking to do is work our butts off and be the best versions of ourselves."
Bahry said he's happy with what he's seen in the preseason.
"The kids are pretty familiar with what we’re doing, just a little tweak here and there," he said. "Nothing major. The kids are comfortable and the culture is in. It has been great so far. I’m really happy. I’ve been harder that I’ve had in years past and the kids have responded to it well."
Running back battle
The job for running back is up for grabs. Robert Hall, T.J. Cusick, Ethan Picard and Christian DiGiuseppe each have had a good camp thus far. Hall has been quite impressive in the opening field.
2022 recap
The Bengals started out the 2022 season with an opening, Friday night win against Case. However, Diman (3-7) lost its next five games before snapping the losing streak with a win against Upper Cape. The Bengals won their next game against Martha's Vineyard before dropping their final two games.
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Diman, whose field is under construction, will play its home game at Bishop Connolly High School and play four Thursday's games, including Thanksgiving Day. They also play three Saturday contests.
Five names to watch
No. 1, Byron Bell, wide receiver: Bell is a steady and dependable player for the Bengals. He is prett versatile and can play anywhere on the field.
No. 11, Sam Perry, quarterback: Perry passed for an area-best 1640 yards and tied for second with 13 touchdowns. He had 1860 yards of total offense with 16 total touchdowns. Perry rushed for 189 yards with two rushing touchdowns.
No. 3, Kaidyn Dias, wide receiver: Dias led the Bengals with 23 catches for 618 yards. He also scored three touchdowns. Dias has good hands and is a threat in the open field.
No. 55, Andrew Choquette, linebacker: Choquette has had a good start to the preseason for the Bengals. He had played guard, center and lineman in the prior seasons. Choquette moves to linebacker in 2023.
No. 60, Paul Hart, lineman: Hart is another solid player up front for the Bengals, entering the 2023 season. Hits the weight room and is one of the tougest Diman player.
Diman 2023 schedule
Friday, Sept. 8 — at Case, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 15 — at Seekonk, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 23 — at Upper Cape, noon
Saturday, Sept. 30 — vs. Tri-County at Bishop Connolly HS, noon
Saturday, Oct. 7— vs. Bristol-Plymouth at Bishop Connolly HS, noon
Thursday, Oct. 12 — at Blue Hills, 4 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 19 — at Southeastern, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 26 — at West Bridgewater, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 23 — at Greater New Bedford, 10 a.m.
Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on Twitter @Chezsports.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: New year, more focus for Diman football team in 2023
