HISTORY

The Bridgeton Midget Football League was established in 1955. Paul Massey, head football coach at the Bridgeton High School, directed that a league for the city's recreation commission provide a feeder program for the Bulldogs. A Board of Governors consisting of Salvy Blandino, John Spoltore, Earl "Bud" Hummel, Jere Hoffner, and Ben Lynch was created to oversee the league for its inaugural season. The league began as a city league with four teams;

Coca-Cola, Goldberg's, Moose, and Onized.

GEMS

Est. 1961

In 1960, Coaches Jack Blandino and Chuck Weir lead players into the first expansion of BMFL history with the 135lbs. the GBBA Local 239 of Owens-Illinois team which competed in Pop Warner in the Bantam weight class. The first league game to be played outside of the city was against the Brighton Boys Club of Mayfair, PA.This team would become known as the GEMS in 1961.

WHIPS

Est. 1973

Long time Bridgeton athletics supporter, Edgar Joyce sponsored the 85lbs. "Whipper Snappers". Ray Quann coached the WHIPS in the team's first season in the Tri-County Midget Football League.

PACKERS

Est. 1979

The city league was replaced by the Cumberland Dairy PACKERS. Vinnie Woodruff led the team as head coach from day one until he retired in 2002 after 47 years of service to the BMFL and the youth of Bridgeton. He compiled a 208-66-6 record that would stand as the most wins by a head coach in BMFL history until 2012 when GEMS coach Sam Miletta surpassed him with his 209th win, against Lower Twp, in only 22 seasons.

BULLS

Est. 1991

The Big John's Pizza BULLS were created after a huge influx of players that signed up for the WHIPS. These players played an independent schedule against various "B Teams" and other teams from the surrounding area. After one year of independent competition they became an official member of the South Jersey Midget Football League. The BULLS have been the most successful team in their short BMFL history. At one time, they held a winning streak of 72 games over 6 seasons.