TJ relies on tradition to beat Leopards

By JEREMY SELLEW

jsellew@yourmvi.com

A dominant second half and the return of a Thomas Jefferson staple helped the Jaguars roar past rival Belle Vernon Area Friday night.

Jake Pugh continued the tradition of great quarterback play in the program, accounting for all six Jaguars’ touchdowns.

The TJ offensive and defensive lines continued their portion of the tradition, leaning on the Leopards’ defense and helping to push the Jaguars to a 42-21 win to take control of Class 4A’s Big 8 Conference.

“We knew coming in that we were going to have to get our running game going and pound the football,” TJ coach Bill Cherpak said. “I think this game we got back to that. That offensive line showed me a lot about what they’re made of, especially in the second half. This was a coming-out party for those guys.”

After the teams went toe to toe in the first half, ending the first 24 minutes tied at 21-21, the second half belonged to the Jaguars.

“That second half was the difference for sure,” BVA coach Matt Humbert said. “For us, the second half was us not focusing on the little details. I’m not going to put that on those kids. That’s on me as the head coach.”

After the Leopards ripped off a couple big plays in the first half, they were unable to do anything with the ball in the second half.

Belle Vernon held the ball for only 2:16 seconds in the entire third quarter and less than five minutes in the entire second half.

“They came out and they really leaned on us,” Humbert said.

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