D4 Sportzwire Spotlight Player, Jaylen Delaney: A Three-Sport Standout Leading Mount Carmel’s Charge
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | October 8, 2026 | Photo courtesy Carrie Miner Yaple
When it comes to Mount Carmel Area senior Jaylen Delaney, limiting him to one sport—or even one position—is nearly impossible.
Delaney is a three-sport athlete for the Red Tornadoes, competing in football, basketball and baseball. On the football field, where he has become one of Mount Carmel’s key playmakers, he has lined up at receiver, running back, cornerback, safety and now quarterback.
And somehow, he has managed to excel in the classroom at the same time.
Delaney is a member of the National Honor Society and ranks third in his graduating class, a reflection of the same dedication he brings to athletics.
Football, however, holds a special place in his heart.
“It’s probably my favorite to play,” Delaney said. “Not really any specific reason other than it’s the first sport I grew up watching.”
He began playing football in third grade, although his athletic career started even earlier. Like many young athletes, Delaney spent his early years playing T-ball and basketball.
Basketball has remained a constant throughout his life.
“I’ve played since I could probably run,” he said.
Delaney has grown up playing with many of the same players over the years, making basketball as much about lifelong relationships as it is about competition.
Baseball has also played an important role in his athletic career. After playing T-ball and Teener League baseball, Delaney tried track during his first two years of high school. Injuries eventually led him back to the diamond as a junior, and the decision paid immediate dividends.
He earned All-State honors as an outfielder in his junior season and helped Mount Carmel capture a conference championship.
His football résumé is equally impressive.
From ninth through 11th grade, Delaney saw time at cornerback. As a freshman and sophomore, he also played receiver before moving to running back as a junior.
This season, he made another transition.
Following the graduation of Mount Carmel's previous quarterback, coach Darrah approached Delaney about potentially taking over the position.
The move has given the senior another opportunity to showcase his versatility.
That versatility was on full display Friday night in one of the biggest games of the season.
Rivalry Night
Mount Carmel and Southern Columbia entered Friday night's matchup undefeated, adding another chapter to a rivalry that dates back to approximately 1996.
The two schools are separated by only about 15 miles, and the familiarity between the programs has helped make the matchup one of the most anticipated games on the schedule.
Delaney said Mount Carmel entered the game with plenty of confidence, but also understood what was required to beat a talented Southern Columbia team.
“We were super confident going into the game,” he said. “The coaches gave us a good plan.”
The Red Tornadoes knew the game wouldn't be easy.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Delaney said. “It showed determination and resilience. We never gave up even when we were down, which led to our success.”
Delaney certainly did his part.
Against Southern Columbia, he carried the ball 13 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Through the air, he completed 3 of 4 passes for 69 yards. He also accounted for 169 kick-return yards and a kick-return touchdown.
In total, it was another performance that demonstrated why Delaney can impact a game in so many different ways.
More Than an Athlete
The accomplishments have been piling up for Delaney throughout his high school career.
He was named a News-Item All-Star and Conference All-Star from ninth through 11th grade. As a sophomore, he earned First-Team All-State honors as a receiver. As a junior, he was selected All-State as a defensive back.
Now, as a senior quarterback and safety, he has taken on an even larger leadership role.
His focus, however, isn't necessarily on individual numbers or awards.
Asked about his goals for the football season, Delaney immediately mentioned something that has been a recurring challenge throughout his athletic career: staying healthy.
“For me personally, my goal is to stay healthy,” he said. “I’ve dealt with plenty of injuries during the summer, even during baseball. My main focus is to stay healthy. That will lead me in the right direction.”
For the team, Delaney isn't looking too far ahead.
“We’re off to a hot start,” he said. “Take it week by week, play it from there, reach our ceiling.”
That approach mirrors the message from coach Darrah.
“Play our best week by week and that'll show us where we're supposed to be,” Delaney said, recalling his coach's message to the team.
Looking Ahead
The next challenge arrives against Montoursville, which enters the matchup at 3-2.
Delaney expects another difficult test, particularly because Montoursville brings back experienced players on both sides of the ball.
“They have a bunch of returning guys on both sides of the ball,” Delaney said. “Their quarterback is very elusive and can run the ball.”
It will be another test for a Mount Carmel team that has already faced plenty of adversity and competition.
Delaney believes the Red Tornadoes are prepared.
And preparation is something he knows well.
Whether it is football, basketball, baseball or academics, Delaney has consistently demonstrated a willingness to put in the work.
The Next Chapter
With his high school career approaching its final months, Delaney is beginning to think about what comes next.
He hopes to continue his athletic career in college, with football or baseball both possibilities.
Several schools have shown interest, including Lock Haven, Kutztown and Bucknell, but Delaney has not made a decision yet.
Whatever direction he chooses, athletics won't be the only part of his Mount Carmel legacy.
Through the National Honor Society, Delaney regularly contributes community service hours, participating in projects such as field cleanups and church picnics.
For Delaney, being a student-athlete means more than what happens under the Friday night lights or between the lines of a baseball diamond.
He has established himself as a standout across three sports, a high-achieving student and an active member of his community.
Now, with his senior season underway, the quarterback, safety, basketball player and All-State baseball outfielder is focused on one thing at a time.
One week at a time.
One game at a time.
And seeing just how high the Mount Carmel Red Tornadoes can climb.
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