UPPER DARBY, PA- The gymnasium was full at Bonner-Prendergast Friday night when the Friars hosted the Lions. The evening started with a special POW-MIA National Chair of Honor dedication ceremony before the rival varsity squad match-up.

The National Chair of Honor program is a memorial finding its home in sports venues nationwide.  The “One Empty Seat” pays homage to the more than 92 thousand Americans who have served our country and those prisoners’ of war who have never been found.

Vietnam Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, Silver Star recipient and Bonner class of 1968 Hall of Fame member Dennis J. Murphy, along with Marine L/Cpl. Patrick Concannon (nephew of Bonner head coach Jack Concannon) and Purple Heart recipient, having served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Marine Sgt. Matt Sondermann unveiled the chair that will forever “remain empty”.

“Murphy is one of my heroes,” said Upper Darby American Legion deputy commander and Bonner alum Martin Costello. “I attend all ceremonies that Bonner has that honors veterans.”

Following the dedication, prayers and the singing of the national anthem, L/Cpl. Concannon led the Pledge of Allegiance. Vietnam Veteran and Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club member Anthony Montagno played “Taps” on the bugle ending the ceremony.

The energy remained high in the gymnasium for this rivalry match-up. There was not an empty space in the bleachers and the sound of the enthusiastic crowds on both sides of the gym reached a near-deafening tone.

O’Hara’s Jaye’Lyn Peebles wasted no time in the first quarter hitting a pair of buckets from inside the arc and a three pointer that helped establish an early O’Hara lead of 5. The period ended with Bonner having only 10 on the board.

Slowly the tide began to turn and the pace at which the Lions could get the ball down court was quickly diminished. By half, the score was even at 22. One side of the gym got quieter while the other got increasingly louder.

The Friars had a lot of offensive help from Dylan Higgins, who scored only one FG in the first half but came alive in the second half shooting 5 of 6 with a pair of free throws giving him 14 points on the night. Rounding out Bonner’s offensive success was John Hargraves with five field goals and shooting two of four from the line for 12 total.

O’Hara’s Zakee Griffin also put forth a stellar performance despite the Lion’s loss. He nailed 7 free throws along with 5 field goals; add those to his three point shot from far outside the arc in the third quarter to give him 20 on the night.

The Friars face Conwell-Egan Monday night on the Eagles home court.

The Lions play away Sunday against Lansdale Catholic.