Over the next couple weeks we will take you inside training camp of your favorite Delco team. For full reports on every team, make sure to check out our annual football preview guide, due out Aug. 30.
1. Bubba’s in charge
Greg “Bubba” Bernhardt is running his first camp as head coach of Bonner-Prendergast. Bernhardt had been the offensive coordinator at Bonner since 2007 as a member of Tommy Oropeza‘s staff. Bernhardt received the promotion with Oropeza’s blessing and recommendation. Oropeza stepped down from his position earlier this year and consequently left his post as admissions director at Bonner.
Bernhardt, a 1995 graduate of Bonner and member of the 1994 PCL championship team, joined Danny Algeo’s at O’Hara staff in the mid-2000s. In his second go-around at Bonner, he’s helped revive a program that went winless in 2006-07. Joe Smith,
2. All Haley the quarterback
Jimmy Haley, an All-Delco last fall, is beginning his third year as starting quarterback of the Friars. Haley’s experience is invaluable. According to Bernhardt, Haley is no longer just a leader-by-example player. In many ways, Haley has grown into a player-coach role with the team.
“He’s another voice, another set of eyes and ears,” he said. “He has a full grasp of the offense.”
3. Finding the right mix
Bonner was decimated by graduation and there are many spots to fill. In particular, Bonner has to make up for the losses at the line of scrimmage. Seniors Joe Smith, Angelo Masorli and Devin Young are filling the shoes of All-Delco Dom DiGalbo, Tom Murtha and Tyler Ramirez, an intimidating threesome last year for the Friars on both sides of the ball.
Josh LaMarra was injured the first day of camp, but he’s expected to start at middle linebacker, a position previously occupied by Joe Haley.
Running backs Ismir Gibson and Abraham Jaward were a productive one-two punch last fall, but both must be replaced. Bernhardt is hoping transfer Sonkarly Winpea will become the featured back. (We’ll have more on Winpea’s arrival later.)
