No contest for TJ in 58-0 rout of Laurel Highlands

By JEREMY TEPPER

MVI Sports

After Thomas Jefferson finished walloping Laurel Highlands Friday night, Jaguars coach Bill Cherpak told his players, “we played like we should,” and then called them into a huddle.

Cherpak didn’t have to say much after the Jaguars dismantled the Mustangs, 58-0, after rushing out to a 44-0 first quarter lead. After that, Thomas Jefferson put in its backups and continued to dominate in a mercy rule victory, scoring all its points before halftime.

“We had a physical advantage and we knew that. We wanted to come out and establish the line of scrimmage and run the ball,” Cherpak said. “We had such great field position. I don’t think we had it on our side of the 50 the whole first half. So that helped, too.”

Coach Richard Kolesar knew his team was in for a tough game against Thomas Jefferson, but mistakes made it even more difficult to gain traction. Laurel Highlands (1-4, 1-3) struggled all game with punting, having two blocked and others go for short gains. 

Thomas Jefferson (4-0, 4-0) recovered  three forced fumbles and had an interception, too while piling up a 310-99 yardage advantage.

“They’re a state championship football team. That’s what you get when you play a state champion,” Kolesar said. “They’re physical, they play aggressive, and that’s what we’re trying to learn to do.”

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