Ray Brewer
Bishop Gorman High’s Alfredo Bernal III is the Sun’s Wingstop high school football player of the week.
Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 | 2 a.m.
Prep Sports Now
Stopping streaks, extending streaks
Las Vegas Sun sports editors Ray Brewer and Case Keefer go over all the big games from week 4 in high school football, ranging from Valley's first win in three years to Bishop Gorman adding to its three-year unbeaten stretch.
At 5-foot-7, 245-pounds, Bishop Gorman High defensive tackle Alfredo Bernal III is undersized for his position.
He also could be considered out of place at Gorman, the two-time defending national football champions who rely on bluechip college recruits at most positions. Many players are physically intimidating.
Bernal isn’t.
But when the ball is snapped, the senior Bernal doesn’t play like someone who is diminutive. He’s one of Gorman’s best defenders as witnessed by registering a team-best seven tackles last week against Kahuku of Hawaii to win the Sun’s Wingstop Player of the Week award.
“I don’t see my size as a disadvantage,” he says. “I take it as an advantage. In my head, I am just as strong as you and faster than you.”
Gorman’s defense includes the likes of Ohio State commit Haskell Garrett on defensive line, top 2018 linebacker Palaie Gaoteote, and secondary standouts Bubba Bolden and Alex Perry. Yet, when it comes to stopping the run, it’s Bernal who usually leads the charge.
“I love to go against running team,” he said. “In my head I’m like, ‘Try to run on me. I’m stopping it.’”
Bernal went from being a reserve at the beginning of last season to one of Gorman’s top contributors primarily through his work in offseason training, coaches say. He’s part of the program’s Ironman weightlifting group — a title given to players who squat at least 500 pounds, bench press 315 pounds and power clean 215 pounds.
Just four Gorman players this season have reached Ironman status.
“We took real notice of him in the weight room,” Gorman coach Kenny Sanchez said. “He’s just a good football player. He’s got great technique and he’s coachable. In high school you can get away with being super strong and physical. That’s him.”
Despite being a standout on the nation’s best high school team Bernal says he’s received recruiting interest from just one program, Division II College of Idaho. Sanchez expects Bernal’s recruiting interest to pick up, especially if he continues leading the charge on the Gaels’ defense.
Bernal receives a $50 Wingstop gift card and shirt.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
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