BISHOP SEEKS PAYBACK V. FERNLEY IN OPENER

Coming off a CIF Central Section title and a state championship game appearance in 2025, the Bishop Broncos football team will try to produce an encore in ’26. 

Their season begins this Friday night at home against Fernley (Nev.)

Coach Arnie Palu, who was honored by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) as one of its ten “Model Coaches” for 2025-2026, says of the upcoming season, “We are good with the potential to be great … if the stars align.” 

The strength of this year’s team will be its running game. “This is the biggest [offensive] line we’ve ever had,” says Palu, with sophomore “Big” Tim Crowder making the leap and slotting in at right tackle. He’ll join Cole Barlow, who saw a lot of playing time last year, and returning starter Dax Svacina. 

“We’ll run a lot of two TE sets,” says Palu. That Dom Dondero is one of those TEs certainly doesn’t hurt. Dondero is also the leader of the defense at middle linebacker. “A beast,” says Palu. 

Hunter Dailey, a 1,000-yard rusher last year, returns at RB. 

One question mark is quarterback, with last year’s starter Emory Dondero having graduated. 

Champion discus tosser Wyatt Miears (see accompanying story) is one candidate to swap objects and toss the pigskin instead. 

Then there’s also Dom Barlow, a sophomore, who plays corner on defense. 

Speaking of the defense, the potential to be great thread may hinge on the development of a pair of dynamic edges, Zane Nicholson and Marcus Manuelito. 

Returning standouts from last year include linebacker DeVan Mitchell, defensive tackle Sergio Sandoval and Dailey, who plays safety. 

Another X-factor which may buoy the Broncos, said Palu, is the team’s depth. Notably, Sophomore RB Oscar Henriquez is an up-and-comer. 

This weekend’s opener against Fernley will be a stern test for the Broncos. 

Fernley is a significantly larger school (~1,700 students) and defeated Bishop last year by a score of 47-7. 

Not to make excuses, but last year’s team featured more of a passing attack, and it was blowing 40 mph in Fernley at kickoff, so … the game plan pretty much went out the window. 

As Palu said wryly, “Once [legendary local weatherman] Howard Scheckter died, I no longer get the inside scoop on out-of-town weather reports.” 

Fernley is one of three consecutive home games out of the gate, with Yerington (Nev.) visiting on August 28 and Mission Prep (San Luis Obispo) on September 4. 

Regarding Palu’s model coach recognition, the award is given to those with at least ten years coaching experience who model the “six pillars of character,” – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship.

Palu was also promoted this year to become Bishop High School’s Dean of Students.