Bernards defensive lineman David Silva has become unsung and unexpected standout in Mountaineers’ best seasons

For Bernards defensive lineman David Silva, football was not supposed to be in the cards.

He originally began his high school career as a soccer player, and anticipated playing the sport for the rest of his time in high school.

That is until Mountaineers’ head coach Jon Simoneau saw him lifting with the soccer team.

Simoneau quickly convinced him to join the football team. Since then, Silva has worked hard to become one of Bernards’ most reliable defensive players, including becoming a captain alongside a key group of seniors.

Simoneau noted that Silva is one of those players on the defensive line who may not stuff the stat sheet, but he keeps the attention of opposing offensive linemen and coaches, which opens up lanes for his teammates.

That doesn’t mean Silva’s name is empty in the box score, however. He has had a tremendous senior season, racking up 57 tackles and showing up in big games. That includes a dramatic 29-23 win over Summit at Olcott Field, where Silva had a season-high 11 tackles.

The Mountaineers completed their second consecutive undefeated regular season and now look to win their second straight sectional championship – and second ever – in Friday night’s home matchup against Shabazz.

Led by standouts like Silva, Bernards has been able to reach new heights in recent years.

The second-seeded Mountaineers (11-0) and fifth-seeded Bulldogs (8-2) will face off at 7 pm on Friday night at Olcott Field.

Click below to hear Bernards defensive lineman David Silva talk about Friday’s North 1 Group 2 title game against Shabazz: