Taneyhill’s record breaking season
Congratulations to Jarrett Taneyhill on his accomplishments in the 2016 season!
November 3, 2016
If you have been keeping up with B-A football this season, then you may have noticed a strong passing offense in contrast to the program’s previous success in its run game. A lot of plyers have made plays, but B-A’s success in passing would not be possible without senior quarterback Jarrett Taneyhill.
Taneyhill has had a strong presence on the Blue Devils’ offense this season, setting four records and reaching the 3,000 passing yards milestone to become the number one passer in B-A history. He is also the first Blue Devil quarterback to reach the number.
“He is a great friend and a teammate to have,” said lineman Jason Shade. “We have played together for around ten years and it’s just great to have a player like him on your team to look up to, literally.”
Taneyhill got involved in football at a young age, playing in his backyard and watching the Dallas Cowboys until the age of seven when he got his start as a North Side Red Devil.
“It was a dream to play for Bellwood,” said Taneyhill. “Going to the games and seeing the older guys play and then being a waterboy, it was just a dream to play.”
Taneyhill, however, didn’t start as quarterback for varsity until his junior season when previous quarterback Jake Burch was moved to tailback to help the BA offense on its run game.
I had never thought that I could accomplish what I have because you don’t really think about that, I just wanted to play.
— Jarrett Taneyhill
Taneyhill has since acclimated to the varsity level, rewriting the school’s passing record book. After reaching the B-A record for touchdown passes in a game with five touchdowns against Claysburg-Kimmel earlier this season, he also attained the single game passing record with 258 yards, the single-season yardage record with 1,823 yards passing, and a record of 96 pass completions in a season.
“I had never thought that I could accomplish what I have because you don’t really think about that,” continued Taneyhill. “I didn’t really think about it that much; I just wanted to play.”
With Taneyhill and a cast of very talented receivers, the Devils have shown B-A is more than just a running school.
“It is pretty cool to be passing on a team that is known for its running. It gives us a lot of balance and it keeps the defense off balance,” said Taneyhill.
Brendan Kowalski has proven to be an essential factor on the Blue Devil offense, breaking the school record for receiving yards in a season with 709 yards, as well as the record for receiving yards in a career with 887 yards.
Senior Nate Friedenberger is nearing 400 yards, and classmate Ethan McGee is averaging almost 22 yards per catch.
“It’s great to have such a successful passing offense,” said Kowalski, “because I feel that when we pass the ball, no matter who it’s to, we will get a completion out of it.”
The B-A offensive line has been a major force, as well, allowing running backs to break through the line and give Taneyhill the time he needs to complete the passes that he has this season.
Senior Duke Brunner is nearing the 1,000-yard mark as a runner, while Sawyer Kline (424 yards) and Ryen Beam (208 yards) have helped strengthen the running game.
“(Jarrett) is able to do the things he does because the other kids are doing things.” said Head Coach John Hayes. “We kind of play off of each other and we take what the other team gives us and when they’re playing strong for the run then we look to throw the ball.”
Taneyhill and company will have a chance to keep their season alive and continue adding on to the record numbers they have produced this week. The Devils, seeded second in the District 6-AA playoffs, host Southern Huntingdon Friday at 7 p.m.
