September 12, 2020

TJ blows out West Mifflin

By Mon Valley Independent

By DYLAN CLELAND

For the MV Independent

Defending WPIAL and PIAA Class 4A champion Thomas Jefferson didn’t miss a beat kicking off 2020 at West Mifflin, scoring 45 points in the first half before completing a 52-0 shutout Friday night. 

Senior quarterback Jake Pugh threw five touchdown passes to four receivers to start the scoring for No. 1 Thomas Jefferson (1-0, 1-0). 

Pugh filled the void at quarterback after the departure of Shane Stump. 

He became comfortable early, connecting with Preston Zandier at the 10-minute, 40-second mark of the first quarter. 

Bill Cherpak, Thomas Jefferson’s 25th-year coach, said Pugh prepared for this day for some time. “He’s been ready for this moment,” Cherpak said. “I knew he’d take advantage of it and do a nice job, and he’s got great receivers.” 

To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Saturday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.

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