[tps_title]Sun Valley Vanguards [/tps_title]
PETE BANNAN-DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA
Sun Valley junior Tight End James Gines.
Jones, Sun Valley have something to say
ASTON >> Caliph Jones would like everyone to know about Sun Valley.
The senior running back is one of many Vanguards playing with something to prove in 2017. Sun Valley shocked the Delaware County football community — not to mention, the Ches-Mont League — with its fast start in 2016.
“We started off 4-0,” Jones said. “We were going good.” 
From there, though, the Vanguards scuffled. While they qualified for the District 1 Class 5A postseason — their first district playoff berth in a decade — they finished the season with losses in six of their final eight games.
For this Sun Valley team, beginning the season on a hot streak and just getting into the playoffs isn’t good enough anymore.
Jones, who is slated to be one of the team’s playmakers on both sides of the ball, wants people to know that Sun Valley shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“I feel we have done a lot and we keep on improving,” said Jones, who in a limited offensive role rushed for 288 yards and three touchdowns last fall. He also had an interception return for touchdown. “We’re using everything that happened last year as motivation. The 4-0 start, the losing. Everything.”
Jones, on this August afternoon when players were lining up for their team photos, was the biggest spokesperson for the 2017 Vanguards. If you need someone to advertise your product, give Jones a call.
“I feel the entire Delaware County should know more about us and that we have a lot of All-Delco players on the team this year,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it. Come out to the games, man.”
In the offseason, there was a change at the top of the Sun Valley program. Veteran head coach Ray Gionta, who spent three years at the helm of the Vanguards, stepped down. Greg “Bubba” Bernhardt, the former boss at Bonner & Prendergast from 2012-15, was promoted to head coach. Bernhardt spent the 2016 season as one of Gionta’s assistants.
“They’re more mature this year,” Bernhardt said of his players. “They knew they were good enough, now it is about getting them on the right track. With the offseason that we had, you can tell they are ready to compete. In other words, I don’t think they’re coming into the season and looking at the schedule going, ‘Oh, well, this game’s a loss and that game’s a loss.’ They think they can play with anybody, and that’s great to see.”
Sun Valley said goodbye to quarterback Gabe Boccella and all-purpose standout Ishy Ahmad, who was among the county leaders in receiving yardage (690) and touchdown catches (seven) last fall. Boccella threw for 1,254 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Bernhardt likes what he sees out of first-year starting quarterback Anthony Ellis (6-2, 175).
“He’s a smart kid and throws really well,” Bernhardt said. “We just want him to feel comfortable running the offense and make sure he tries not to overdo things.”
Senior James Gines is a formidable threat at tight end and linebacker. Charlie Wendling returns as the team’s leading rusher (630 yards, nine TDs). Wendling and Jones could make a formidable one-two punch in the backfield.
The offensive line is buoyed by 6-3, 315-pound senior Shane Luedtke. Senior Jared Kreegan will be a major factor at linebacker and tight end, while top newcomer and junior Dayon Belgrave will be one to watch at wide receiver.
By Matt Smith; mattsmith@21st-centurymedia.com
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