Kyle Pugh leads Bloom into unchartered territory

Kyle Pugh’s season-long goal is very clear: lead Bloom to where it’s never gone before.

When you consider Bloom’s football program dates back to 1924, Pugh’s goal sounds lofty.

Success, however, has eluded Bloom for the greater part of its existence. Since the state playoffs formed in 1974, Bloom has qualified for the postseason five times and never advanced beyond the second round.

Pugh and his teammates plan on doing something about that this season.

If the first four weeks are any indication, the 2014 season has the makings of a record-setting one for Bloom.

“I don’t think there’s a limit to what we can achieve,” said Pugh, a linebacker. “If we have a positive attitude every game, we can go very far.”

The Blazing Trojans are coming off a 57-0 win over Hammond Gavit to improve to 3-1. Four points — a 17-14 loss in Week 2 to undefeated Lincoln-Way West — is all that separates Bloom from being 4-0.

“We’ve definitely gotten closer as a team and we’re playing for each other,” Pugh said. “We’re playing pretty well, but I believe we can play better.”

Pugh was a sophomore on the varsity in 2012 when Bloom qualified for the Class 8A playoffs for the first time in 22 years. The Blazing Trojans again made the playoffs in ’13.

However, neither experience lasted beyond the first round.

The one and only time Bloom advanced to the second round occurred in 1988—before Pugh and his teammates were born.

Pugh takes great pride in being a part of the ’12 team that ended a two-decade plus drought of experiencing playoff football.

“I was part of a group to make the playoffs for the first time in a long time,” he said. “That team will always be remembered for that.

This year’s team has to do something that’s never been done before. That’s our goal — to make history.”

The 6-1, 215-pound Pugh likely will go down as one of the program’s greatest players.

He boasts the speed and quickness to go from sideline-to-sideline and the strength to knock an opposing player on his backside.

He’s also a diligent in the classroom, ranking in the top 25 of his class with a 3.7 GPA.

His skills in the classroom and on the field attracted the attention of a number of Division I college programs, including Bowling Green and Syracuse.

On Monday, however, Pugh committed to Northern Illinois.

“I loved it during my visit,” Pugh said. “I got a chance to be around the guys. The game day experience was really good. I just loved everything about the school.”

Once his college career is complete, Pugh would like to impart his knowledge of the game and wisdom on to the next generation of players.

Similar to his father Darryl, who coached Kyle while he was a student at St. Agnes School in Chicago Heights.

“The one thing my dad always told us is the one thing that can’t be taken away from you is how hard you work,” Pugh said. “I’ve always remembered that.

I’d like to teach kids the fundamentals of the game and have a positive affect on their lives and make an impact on them fulfilling their dreams.”

Whether Bloom fulfills its ambitions of advancing further in the playoffs than any of its predecessors remains to be seen.

However, there’s no denying the impact Pugh has made on the program.

“Kyle is the best I’ve ever coached,” Bloom coach Tony Palombi said.

“In terms of speed, smarts and ability, he’s the total package.”