Continuity is a big thing when it comes to the Bridgeport High School football program. Even Coach Tyler Phares, who is an Indians pup compared to those who have come before him and some still with him, knows it is important.

 

That is one of the reasons that Phares is happy to see the most recently approved hire by the Harrison County Board of Education to the Bridgeport football staff. The new freshman football coach for the 2023 season is Corey Yates.

 

For those close to BHS football the name sounds familiar. And for those who follow football at all levels in the city it probably does more than just ring a bell.

Last year, Yates served as the assistant to since departed Coach Mario Bombardiere at the freshman level. For the last three years, he has broken down game film for the Indians, so he is no stranger to the red and white of the Tribe.

 

“It’s huge having someone come in who already knows the expectations of the program and then living up to them,” said Phares. “We are proud of our freshman program because we not only continue to see how it impact the varsity program, but we are fortunate in having one because a lot of programs are unable to field a freshman team.”

 

The Indians have a long history of success with the freshman team. Yates plans on keeping that tradition going as well, and it was a key reason he applied to replace his good friend.

 

“With Mario unable to do it this year due to a new job, I decided it was a good time to take a shot replacing a good friend. We’ve coached together and against each other for years,” said Yates. “It just seemed like the right time to do this.”

 

Yates, who is a 2004 graduate of Liberty High School, did plenty of his coaching with Bombardiere prior to his official time with the Indians. He spent 10 years coaching in Bridgeport Youth Football and found plenty of success there. In fact, he still sits on their Board of Directors.

 

Now, as Phares mentioned, that time spent with the Indians program and being immersed into Bridgeport football should pay off for Yates and the Tribe.

 

“I’ve had the chance to see some of these kids when they were eight and got see how they worked and developed and now, in high school, you can see how they’ve grown and changed,” said Yates. “Knowing them and knowing about them makes the process more comfortable.

 

“This senior group for this coming year, in fact, was on the first team that I was a coach on in Bridgeport Youth Football and won a championship,” he continued. “It is certainly a cool thing to be able to be coaching them again.”

 

He will also be coaching his own son who will be a sophomore when the 2023 season begins. And as mentioned, he will be coaching a lot of young men he knows quite well.

 

“When you’re involved you care about the program deeply,” said Yates. “I plan on giving it my all because I want to see it continue to succeed.”

 

Phares, who said Yates was a regular at all games last year, will be working with the freshman as well as those who have moved up to varsity and junior varsity. The BHS coach said Yates will be working with kids on the offensive and defensive lines.

 

“He knows we practice at a high level. He knows what is expected by the staff and the kids, so we’re pleased he’s taking over,” said Phares.

 

Yates and his wife Rachel are the parents to five children. Two boys, including the sophomore to be and an 18-month-old, as well as three girls.

 

There is a good chance you will be seeing them, along with the new coach, at Wayne Jamison Field and beyond this year.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo, courtesy of Corey Yates, shows the new freshman head coach during a sideline moment with the Indians. Second photo is a profile shot courtesy of the BridgeportIndiansFootball.com Web site, while Coach Tyler Phares is shown below. Phares photo by Joe LaRocca.