Norwin dual-threat QB Tristyn Tavares is ‘just a gamer,’ coach says

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Sunday, July 7, 2024 | 4:12 PM

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Norwin has a new boxed-in monitor to watch replays from its sideline camera during games.

If the team had the high-tech screen last year, players might have gotten distracted watching playbacks of Tristyn Tavares slinging the football around.

The rising junior quarterback had a season to remember for the Knights, and he is preparing for an encore this fall.

“I want to do the same things I did, if not better,” said Tavares, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound dual-threat passer. “I strive to be better. I want to run the ball more. I want to win more.”

Tavares broke school records for single-season passing yards and touchdowns as well as the single-game TD mark for the Knights (3-7).

He threw for 2,459 yards and 25 touchdowns. He was 145 for 244.

“He’s just a gamer,” Knights coach Mike Brown said. “He’ll just make a play that shouldn’t be there. I think about him going out against Hempfield, and you couldn’t see his knuckles because his hand was so taped up. And he throws for five touchdowns in the first half. He’s freaking tough.”

The strong-armed Tavares also is a baseball player and has been busy playing for the 16U All-American travel team.

“We just played a game in Georgia,” he said. “We’ve played about 20 games. I have been working on football in between (baseball games).”

His season prep includes regular FaceTime meetups with Norwin assistant Conner Schultheis, who coaches QBs.

The pair often breaks down film and looks for tendencies to improve Tavares’ game.

“I try to give him the tools, but he has the toolbox to do the rest,” Schultheis said. “He is one of the more coachable kids we have here, and nobody works harder.”

Tavares is ranked No. 14 in the state among QBs in the class of 2026.

Tavares keeping plays alive with improvisation could have a big impact for Norwin, which bumps back up to Class 6A after spending two years in 5A.

Brown said his QB has the green light to redirect like Ben Roethlisberger in his prime.

“(Tavares) made 40-yard runs last year that were designed passes,” Brown said. “There were maybe 15 times he had big runs, and only eight were designed (runs).

“This year, he might have a big game but maybe it won’t be as statistically appealing.”

In two seasons, Tavares has thrown for 2,970 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Jack Salopek holds the all-time marks at Norwin with 6,150 yards and 40 TDs. He is the leading passer in Westmoreland County history.

“It’s not something I really think about,” Tavares said about Salopek’s marks. “I just go out and play.”

Norwin faces a challenge trying to replace big-play receivers Jackson Pons (Miami of Ohio) and Luke Denny (Lehigh), both of whom moved on to Division I college programs.

Denny had 44 receptions for a school-record 1,046 yards and 11 TDs. Pons caught 34 for 558 and eight scores.

“We still have some guys,” Tavares said. “I like our offense. It gives our receivers options.”

Jake Knight is one of the top returning pass catchers.

“It’s tough when you lose two guys who could stretch the field like that,” Brown said.

Norwin played in the West Virginia 7-on-7 passing tournament — which also had a linemen challenge — and will be in the annual Westmoreland County Coaches Association 7-on-7 Championship on July 18 at Latrobe.

Brown indicated Tavares might not play in the county tournament as he looks to get some younger players reps.

Tavares took part in prospect camps at Duquesne and Toledo. A few colleges are showing interest, from Duquesne and Ivy League programs at the D-I level, to D-III Washington & Jefferson.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin