Bears-Jayhawks ready for Round 2
By JONATHAN GUTH
MVI Sports
Many predicted that Clairton and Jeannette would see each other again after the Bears’ six-point victory in Week 1, and that prognosis came true last Friday, as the storied programs won their semifinal matchups in convincing fashion to advance to the WPIAL Class A Championship Game.
Clairton (8-0) meets the Jayhawks (8-1) this morning at North Hills’ Martorelli Stadium. The kickoff is scheduled for 11. The Bears, who are the top-seed, have won 14 WPIAL titles, while the Jayhawks, who are the No. 3-seed, are seeking their 10th district gold.
Both head coaches were not surprised to have a rematch two months later.
“We were both ranked pretty high in the state coming into the season,” Clairton’s Wayne Wade said. “I don’t think either team was hitting their stride to begin the season, so I expect this game to be even better than the first one. I think you start each year with the goal of winning a championship, no matter what team you are on. We have gotten accustomed to winning, but it never gets old.”
“Clairton has been the best team in Class A for a long time, and Coach Wade does a great job,” Jeanette’s Roy Hall said. “I don’t like to use the word revenge, but we are excited to get another opportunity to play these guys.”
Clairton’s top offensive threat is running back Dontae Sanders, who leads not only the Bears, but the WPIAL in rushing with 1,829 yards on 115 carries and an average of 15.9. Sanders has 27 touchdowns this season.
Sanders’ teammate, Isaiah Berry, doesn’t have as many carries but is averaging 14.9 yards-per-attempt. Berry has 462 yards on 31 carries and six touchdowns.
“We have a lot of weapons, but it really comes down to the guys up front,” Wade said. “Sanders doesn’t have those huge games without the guys up front. Our entire offensive line returned from last year, and they are really making a difference.”
With a rushing attack that potent, the Bears don’t have to go to the air too much, but when they do, quarterback Jonte Sanders is 35 of 65 for 961 yards with 15 touchdowns and one interception. Sanders’ favorite targets are Brooklyn Cannon (16-566 and 11 touchdowns) and Andre Henderson (9-254 and 3 touchdowns). Sanders has rushed for 335 yards on 42 carries and scored four touchdowns.
“We have also used Isaiah Berry as a slot receiver, and Brooklyn Cannon has been off the charts,” Wade said. “I think Brooklyn’s average is close to 40 yards per catch.”
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