It was a pretty normal Friday Night at Norwin Stadium on October 28. Nice crisp fall weather, lights shining and the Castle Crew rocking, but it wasn’t just a normal Friday night for senior Luke Denny and sophomore Tristyn Tavares. Both made Norwin Football history by setting the single season record for PASSING (Tavares) and RECEIVING (Denny) yards.
On Oct. 28 in the Knights final game of the season against Hempfield, Tavares threw for a career high 318 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Denny had 9 catches for 211 yards and 2 TDs, both breaking the respective single season records.
Tavares finished the season with 25 touchdown passes and 2,441 yards, both team records while also finishing second in the WPIAL in passing yards. Both of these records were recently set by quarterback Brock Dieter in 2016.
He credits his success with consistently getting to the field during the offseason and working on his connections with his receivers. Standout senior Jackson Pons along with Denny were his main targets along with sophomore Jake Knight also getting in the mix.
“It’s an honor, I just kept working everyday and trusted my coaches and Tristyn to put the ball in my hands and it all worked out for me,” said Denny.
Denny finished the season with 45 receptions, 11 TDS and 1,060 receiving yards, all records previously set by Jason Denale in 1996. Along with these records, Denny has received multiple offers from various schools like IUP to play football. He is currently uncommitted. Denny attributes his success to the extra work he has put in with film studies, hitting the weight room and catching balls after practice. He especially developed his success due to his on and off the field connection with Tristyn.
“At the start of the season Luke wasn’t really my main target and I think it had to do with me not being as close to him as I am now, said Tavares. “As the season progressed Luke would prove to me game and after game he can run past guys. With us continuing to perform on the field it only brought us closer and made a better friendship between us.”
The Knights finished the season 3-7 missing out on the WPIAL playoffs, but there is hope and optimism for the program even after a big graduation loss this year.
“I think we were a younger team this season and I am excited to see what we can do next year,” said Tavares. “Our record wasn’t obviously what we wanted, but we did compete with other schools.”
“Coach Brown has them in good hands, we have a young program with lots of talent,” said Denny. “I am confident that Brown will have the guys ready to go for this upcoming season.”
Even with the Knights missing the playoffs this season and not getting the outcome they wanted, the future is still bright. A first year head coach getting the program back on track , a developed and confident quarterback and most of all history being made make this season truly a success and a huge step in the process for a championship.
