Josh (Bernard) Lay, like fellow Panthers William Ferguson, Tyrone Gilliard, and Larry Fitzgerald, was a prep recruit from Valley Forge Military Academy. He entered his sophomore year with the Panther staff hoping to see him capitalize on his size at the cornerback position with an excellent opportunity in 2003 to win a starting spot.

At Aliquippa HS, Josh had an outstanding career playing quarterback, receiver, and cornerback. Honors include first team Associated Press 2000 Small School All-State, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2000 Player of the Year and 2000 WPIAL Class AA Player of the Year, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2000 Class AA Player of the Year, PrepStar All-Eastern Region, and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review "Terrific 25". At quarterback his junior and senior years, he completed 147 of 300 passes, amassing 2,831 yards and 37 touchdowns. As a sophomore, at receiver, he led the team with 29 receptions for 637 yards and a 21.9 average. At cornerback he had 18 career interceptions. Over his career at Aliquippa, the team recorded a 34-5 record, including a 14-1 record and appearance in the state finals after winning the 2000 WPIAL AA championship. Lay also starred on the basketball team, which won two WPIAL Class AA championships and the 2001 state championship.