After a few seasons that were below the lofty standards of Jeannette football, the Jayhawks returned to prominence this fall. The Jayhawks not only won nine games, but they reached the WPIAL semifinals.

Jeannette’s campaign began with four straight wins, as they outlasted Mount Pleasant Area, Apollo-Ridge, Ligonier Valley, and Frazier.

However, the Jayhawks faced adversity in the middle of the regular season, as they came up short against Leechburg, Clairton, and Greensburg Central Catholic in consecutive weeks.

Likely needing to win out to qualify for the postseason, Jeannette scored a season-defining win at Brentwood, 42-41, keyed by a touchdown and two-point conversion in the final seconds. The Jayhawks followed with triumphs against Springdale and Riverview to finish the regular season at 7-3, including 4-3 in the Class 1A Eastern Conference.

As a result, Jeannette was selected as a wild card in the WPIAL Class 1A playoffs, earning the No. 13 seed. Pitted against homestanding fourth-seeded Neshannock, the Jayhawks stunned the Lancers 23-7.

With the win, the Jayhawks advanced to the quarterfinals, and a rematch against rival GCC. This time, Jeannette gained revenge, as the Jayhawks notched a 29-23 victory at Norwin High School.

Jeannette’s season ended in the WPIAL Class 1A semifinals with a loss to top-seeded and eventual WPIAL champion Fort Cherry.

The Jayhawks’ magical season was highlighted by several prolific performances. Quarterback Kymon’e Brown threw for 1,844 yards and 22 touchdowns, and he rushed 159 times for 1,257 yards, scoring 15 times. Jayce Powell caught 57 passes for 1,031 yards, and he scored a team-best 16 TDs, while Noah Sunder added 18 receptions amassing 463 yards, reaching the end zone 11 times. Nick Mendoza, Hunter Schaeffer, Xavier Odorisio-Farrow, McAllister Steele, Markus McGowan, Lonnie Greene, and Nick Stuchell were among the other players who were critical to the team’s success, while head coach Thomas Paulone guided the program to its best campaign since 2020.

Because of their outstanding season, the Jeannette football team is recognized as Shining Stars which earns the program a $500 contribution courtesy of Smail Kia in Greensburg and the Westmoreland Sports Network.

ABOUT SHINING STARS: Shining Stars is a program formed by Westmoreland Sports Network and Smail Kia in Greensburg to recognize and support Westmoreland County student-athletes whose academics, community and athletic excellence shines the brightest. Two teams will be chosen as Shining Stars each season throughout the year with both receiving funding to assist their booster groups. The program has now donated over $10,000 to local teams.