Columbia's Jay Banyasz runs past the competition

@_CHSFootball play the first Week 12 game in school history tomorrow and @JBanyasz8 has played a big role in making that happen.

It's been a special year for the Raiders, after losing the first game of the season 20-14 to Cleveland Central Catholic, Columbia has now won 10 straight which is the most in school history. 

Particularly the last three weeks have been special: (1) a dominating 35-7 victory against Fairview, (2) a 51-25 win at Clearview to clinch the Patriot Athletic Conference Stripes Division and (3) a 39-34 triumph in the first ever home play-off game in school history.

Jay Banyasz Class: Junior Position: QB / FS Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 170 Family: Brothers John (2012), David (2006) and Mike (2003) Rushing: 160-1009 (6.31), 17 TDs Passing: 102-181-(56%)-1324-12-5 Defense: 48 tackles, FC, FR, 5 PD, 4 INT

A lot of players for Columbia have elevated the play in the last three weeks and Jay Banyasz is the leader of the pack.

Of the 1009 yards rushing on the season, 634 have come in the last three weeks:

• Weeks 1-8: 85-375 (4.4) rushing, 4 TDs
• Week 9-11: 75-634 (8.45) rushing, 13 TDs

The last three weeks break down like this:

• Week 9 vs. Fairview: 18-202 rushing, 4 TDs
• Week 10 at Clearview: 23-161 rushing, 5 TDs
• Week 11 vs. Archbold: 34-271 rushing, 4 TDs

Jay Banyasz took over the game against Archbold in leading the Raiders to their first ever post-season victory. Not only did he have 271 yards rushing and four touchdowns but he was also 11-15 passing for 168 yards and two more scores. He was also a major contributor on defense from his free safety position.

Banyasz's varsity career began a year ago starting all 10 games at free safety on defense. This year he added quarterback to his duties taking over for his older brother, John.

John Banyasz was the most prolific quarterback in Columbia history finishing his career with 418 completions in 730 attempts for 5778 yards and 57 touchdowns. In addition, he had 698 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns on the ground.

John was more of a passer, Jay is more of an athlete but both are unselfish leaders.

Jay led Columbia to a 9-1 regular season and 7-0 conference record in 2012 which is the best in school history. Last time it was done: 2010 lead by ... you guessed it ... John Banyasz.

The Columbia Raiders aren't satisfied yet. They play Patrick Henry on Saturday night - a team John Banyasz faced in the 2010 play-offs losing 35-12.

In addition to Jay and John, two older brothers David Banyasz, who played wide receiver, and Mike Banyasz, who played offensive tackle, were members of the Raider football team.

At the beginning of the season older brother Mike, who played on Columbia's 2001 and 2002 play-off teams, asked Jay what his goals were for 2012. Jay responded win conference get a home play-off game and win it. Mike laughed and said no really what are your goals this year?

Jay Banyasz and his Columbia Raiders have been proving everyone wrong even within their own family.