Page High School’s quarterback, Joey Benally, broke the record for most passing yards in a season during last Friday’s game against the Dysart Demons – and he’s closing in on more.

The previous record was held by Ryan Keisling, with 1,668 yards.

Benally’s season passing yardage stood at 1,664 yards going into the game, and he broke the record on his first pass. Benally passed for 261 yards Friday night, pushing the season passing record to 1,925.

This year’s regular season still has two games remaining and Benally is expected to increase the passing yardage number in the coming weeks.

Benally has had a very impressive career as the Sand Devils quarterback. In addition to breaking the record for most passing yards in a season, he has broken other records too; and he’s close to breaking even more.

• He holds the record for most passing yards in a game, with 404 yards.
• He holds the record for most touchdowns in a game, with six - something he has done twice.
• He holds the record for most career touchdowns, with 47. The previous record was 44.

Benally is also very close to breaking other records. The record for most career passing yards is 3,973 yards. Benally currently has 3,440 yards. The record for most touchdowns in a season is 30. Benally currently has 25.

Benally is a junior at Page High School. He has been the starting quarterback for the Sand Devils last year and this year. He is the team’s speaking captain.

A good deal of Benally’s success at quarterback comes from having a deep, talented receiving corps: Tyree Stingley, Talon Herder, Shaine Begay, Andrew Cummings, Kellen Cummings, Lorin John and Cash Lester.

Page High School head football coach Ty Bennett credits Benally’s success to his work ethic, commitment to the game, and pre-game preparation.

“He’s here every day, all day. He leads the team,” said Bennett. “He’s at all our film sessions. He does everything that’s needed.”

Benally says it feels great to be the new record holder for most passing yards in a season.

“I had a feeling I might break it, once Coach [Jordan] Halvorsen came in and started training me,” Benally said. “He has put a lot of time, effort and expertise into me and the other QBs. He prioritizes us and helps us get better.”

In addition to working on passing accuracy, Halvorsen also includes training on footwork, stance and scrambling to open up a passing lane between Benally and his receivers.

“Halvorsen comes from a sports background, and he gets it, and he gets us,” said Benally.

Through that common ground, Halvorsen and his quarterbacks and receivers have created a strong bond.
“Having that bond is important to a successful season,” said Bennett. “It creates trust and that allows everyone to do their jobs right. Ultimately that has positive impact on games.”