Jeannette defense to face monumental playoff challenge in Bentworth back Ben Hays

By: Paul Schofield
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 6:29 PM

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When it comes to playoff history, there is no comparison between Jeannette and Bentworth.

The Jayhawks are 59-36-1 in the playoffs and have won two PIAA and 10 WPIAL titles.

The Bearcats are 1-8 in the playoffs, and that win came in 2005: a 35-24 overtime victory over Mapletown.

The last time the teams met was a four-year stretch in the mid-1990s, and the Jayhawks won three of the four meetings.

But those results mean nothing when they line up in the opening round of the WPIAL Class A playoffs at 7 p.m. Friday at Bentworth Athletic Field.

It is the second season for the teams. It is win or go home.

No. 10 Jeannette (7-3) will try to utilize its speed to counter the powerful running game of No. 7 Bentworth (8-2).

The Jayhawks have won four consecutive games since falling to Clairton on Sept. 26.

Senior quarterback Kymon’e Brown leads the Jayhawks. In their victory against Riverview last week, Brown threw a 57-yard touchdown pass, scored on a 50-yard run and returned an interception 46 yards for a score. The touchdown pass went to Noah Sunder.

“We have to contain their dual-threat quarterback,” Bentworth coach David Pordash said. “The have speedy running backs and wide receivers. We must put a lid on their passing game.”

Brown has completed 70 of 147 passes for 1,467 yards and 13 touchdowns and has rushed for 881 yards and 12 scores.

Nick Mendoza also carries the ball, rushing for 259 yards and five touchdowns.

Jeannette has numerous receivers for Brown to choose from. The top receiver is junior Jayce Powell (38 catches, 794 yards, 11 touchdowns). Sunder, Hunter Schaeffer, Xavier Odorisio-Farrow and Dhestin Sanders are others.

Pordash said he hopes his stout defensive line and middle linebacker Brayden Taggart and safety Ben Hays can slow down the Jayhawks’ offense.

Jeannette’s defense must key on slowing down Hays, one of the WPIAL’s leading rushers with 1,757 yards and 35 touchdowns. Preston Jaquay rushed for 322 yards and three scores.

The Bearcats also showed they can throw the ball when defenses crowd the line. Junior quarterback Ty Watson has completed 21 of 48 passes for 411 yards and eight touchdowns.

He threw two scores to Kaden Ayres last week against Avella. Senior Matt Behanna has eight catches, four for scores.

“We would like to have some long drives to keep their offense on the sidelines,” Pordash said. “But Ben has big-play capabilities, and that might be difficult. I do not want to get into a shootout with them.”

Jeannette coach Tommy Paulone said his team has not played against a running back like Hays.

“He is one of the top backs in the WPIAL,” Paulone said. “He is a stud. He is a larger back than Leechburg’s Tim Andrasy.

“Bentworth is a typical tough Tri-County South team. We must prepare for anything.”

The Jayhawks overcame a Week Zero loss to Mt. Pleasant and consecutive losses to Leechburg and Clairton midseason.

Paulone said he likes how his team is playing entering the postseason.

“This is as fresh as we have been in my tenure,” Paulone said. “We are playing well, but a more complete game is in front of us.

“We have nine starters back from last year’s team that made it to the semifinals. We are in the toughest conference in Class A, and we have grown a lot.”

Pordash also likes where his team is heading into Friday’s game.

“This is my third season, and we have gotten better every year,” Pordash said. “We have lost two games by a total of four points.

“A big reason for our success is Ben. He has put the work in during the offseason and got stronger. He dedicated himself. Every time he touches the ball, he is looking for the end zone.”

Class A

First round

No. 10 Jeannette (7-3) at No. 7 Bentworth (8-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Bentworth Athletic Field, Ellsworth

All-time series: Jeannette leads, 3-1.

Previous scores: 1994: Jeannette 53-0; 1995: Jeannette 51-8; 1996: Jeannette 33-0; 1997: Bentworth 21-0.

Playoff record: Bentworth 1-8. Jeannette: 59-36-1.

Last time in the playoffs: Jeannette went 2-1 in 2024. The Jayhawks defeated Neshannock and Greensburg Central Catholic and lost to Fort Cherry in the semifinals. Bentworth lost to Bishop Canevin, 56-3, in 2024.

Last playoff win: Bentworth’s only win was against Mapletown, 35-34 in OT, in 2005.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Bentworth, Jeannette