TJ focused on semifinal bout with Oil City

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

Bill Cherpak doesn’t often have to worry about his players moving on from a big win and switching their focus to the next task at hand. 

Thomas Jefferson celebrated capturing its second consecutive WPIAL championship and 10th overall with a thrilling 35-28 overtime win over Aliquippa Saturday. 

And when  it came time to return to practice Monday, Oil City was the center of attention for Cherpak and company. 

“Monday at practice was just another Monday practice, there was no celebrating or talking about a WPIAL championship,” Cherpak said. “They just went back to work and focused on what we have to do next.” 

Now with another WPIAL title in its possession, TJ’s focus is solely on its quest for yet another state championship. 

The Jaguars will battle for a spot in the PIAA Class 4A title game when they meet the Oilers in the semifinals tonight at Thomas Jefferson High School Stadium. 

“For them, it’s really just business as usual,” said Cherpak, who became the first coach to win nine WPIAL titles last weekend. “They’re used to it and they never get too high or too low. They just focus on what’s in front of them.” 

Oil City (12-0), the champion of District 10, enters the state semis averaging over 50 points per game this season. 

The Oilers, who have state playoff wins over Juniata and Upper Moreland under their belt, are similar to the Jaguars (8-1) in the sense that both teams like to run the football. Oil City features four running backs on its roster with at least 40-plus carries and 200-plus yards. 

Senior Cam Russell is the team’s leading rusher with 1,483 yards and 20 touchdowns. He averaged 185 yards per game and rushed for 100-plus yards eight times. 

Sean Stack, a 5-8, 185-pound senior, has rushed for 807 yards and 13 scores, while senior quarterback Holden Stahl has 268 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Sophomore Isaiah Aeschbacher has proven capable of being a threat in the backfield as well, compiling 349 yards and four TDs. 

“They like to run the ball and they have a big offensive line that likes to control the line of scrimmage. It’s similar to what we do,” Cherpak said. “It’s going to be a battle between two similarly matched teams. It’s going to be a fight, that’s for sure.” 

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