Jaguars aim to tame Cougars, advance to Heinz

By Jose negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

For the second consecutive year, Thomas Jefferson and Blackhawk will meet with a trip to Heinz Field on the line. 

While the Cougars will aim to dethrone the unbeaten Jaguars, TJ is hoping to see history repeat itself after earning a 47-7 win over its Class 4A foe a year ago. 

The top-seeded Jaguars will take on No. 4 Blackhawk in a WPIAL Class 4A semifinal matchup 7 p.m. tonight at Chartiers Valley. 

TJ (11-0) is seeking its fifth consecutive trip to the WPIAL championship game.

“They know what’s on the line, another trip to Heinz and an opportunity at another WPIAL championship, so they’re definitely motivated,” TJ head coach Bill Cherpak said. “We hadn’t played (Blackhawk) in a while before last year and getting to play them, I think our kids kinda got an idea of what they’re about. I think we feel comfortable, but we know even though the score was lopsided last year, it was a tough game and they’re tough kids. They’re definitely going to pose a good challenge for us.” 

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