Gateway’s brother-sister act believed to be a first

John, also was a standout athlete at East Allegheny and played football at Pitt.

Jayson and Joelle played various sports growing up and even on the same recreation basketball league team.

“I think we were undefeated,” said Jayson.

But football was never part of their sports fun — until Jayson tried the sport in eighth grade. But he was extremely small (he’s only 5 feet 5 now). He became interested in kicking by watching former Gateway kicker Jordan Washington.

“I played soccer and people said I should try to be a kicker. So I tried it,” said Jayson. “Jordan taught me a lot, too.”

Jayson also started going to a kicking coach — Jon Bouchat of Natrona Heights. Last year, Gateway needed a kicker and Jayson won the job. Throughout the entire season, Jayson attempted only one field goal. And what a memorable one it was. Jayson converted a 23-yarder with 10 seconds in a PIAA semifinal against Manheim Central that gave Gateway a 31-28 win and a spot in a state championship game for the first time.

Jayson has improved this season and he said he has made a field goal in practice from 50 yards. His accuracy from 35 yards and in has improved and he has one field goal so far.

Now, about how Joelle became a kicker? It happened with a little push from her brother.

Joelle would sometimes attend Jayson’s workouts with Bouchat. A few other girls also were practicing with Bouchat.

“[Bouchat] one day wanted me to try kicking and so did Jayson,” said Joelle. “So I tried it, and I made one. I guess I was pretty good at it.”

Like Jayson, Joelle stands 5-5. But don’t underestimate them because of their size. They are both good athletes. Joelle also is a soccer player, starting on defense for the Gateway girls soccer team. Kicking a football came naturally to her.

She also saw playing time on Gateway’s girls basketball team that won a WPIAL title last season. She might be the starting point guard this season.

Jayson also plays basketball for Gateway and was on the JV last season. He gave up soccer last year because it was conflicting with football.

“I’ve always wanted us to stay together and be on the same team someday,” Jayson said of his sister. “I’m the one who brought up that she should try kicking. At first, she told me she didn’t want to get hit or have to tackle somebody. I said, ‘You’ll be fine.’”

Joelle and Jayson approached Holl in the spring about Joelle possibly kicking.

“I said that Jayson was obviously the varsity kicker, but I wanted to be the JV kicker,” said Joelle. “He said, ‘Of course. I love it.’”

And another version of Twin Peaks began. Many days, Joelle will go to soccer practice, leave a little early and then go to football practice. Go to a practice and you’ll see the Jenkinses off to the side, practicing together, getting their kicks. It’s quality twin time.

“It’s an understatement to say they’re good kids. They’re great kids,” said Holl. “They come to everything as far as workouts. They do things the right way and that’s a credit to them and their family.”

Jayson and Joelle say they are extremely close, and not just because their rooms at their house are right next to each other. They have many of the same friends.

“Everyone has been super supportive and the coaches have been extremely nice in [football and soccer],” said Joelle. “Jason has been supportive and has helped me with everything from getting uniforms before a game to showing me where to go. Even though we were already super close, this has brought us even closer together.”