Belle Vernon Defense Dominates Thomas Jefferson 21-7 to get to Heinz GALLERY @carter_newcome @PaBackyard @BVAFootball

Tagged under: District 7, News

Nate Grella | November 20, 2021

By Carter Newcome

Two months ago, Belle Vernon defeated Thomas Jefferson on a Devin Whitlock walk-off touchdown run in what was once of the best games played in the WPIAL in recent memory. The two teams had their rematch Friday night in West Mifflin. However, Belle Vernon didn’t need any last second heroics this time.

Belle Vernon’s defense was the story of the night, holding Thomas Jefferson to less than 70 yards rushing after going for over 300 a week ago at Hampton. Belle Vernon nearly pitched a shutout on defense, but Thomas Jefferson Quarterback Joseph Lekse scored from a yard out with a minute to play.

Thomas Jefferson was unable to convert on its few other scoring opportunities. They only threatened Belle Vernon twice during the first half with one drive ending on a turnover on downs and the other ending on an interception by Quinton Martin.

Belle Vernon scored first on a 22-yard run from Whitlock who ran for nearly 150 yards on 21 carries. Thomas Jefferson moved the ball down field on Belle Vernon but stalled out inside of the red zone. It only took one play for Whitlock to find the endzone once again as he outran the Jaguars defense on a 79-yard score.

On 4th and 4 @DevinWhitlock3 takes it 22 yards to the house for the first score of the game. 7-0 @BvasdAthletics with 4:12 remaining in the first quarter. @PaBackyard @PaFootballNews @AJWPIAL pic.twitter.com/76A4dnRiqv

— Jeremiah Miller (@JeremiahMiller0) November 20, 2021

The dagger came from standout sophomore Quinton Martin when he scored on a run from 19 yards out to make it 21-0. Belle Vernon was able to hold on and win 21-7 and clinched their spot in next week’s WPiAL 4A Championship at Heinz Field.

It took some time, but @QuintonMartin25 finally finds the end zone with 8:02 remaining in the game. 21-0 @BvasdAthletics. @PaBackyard @PaFootballNews @AJWPIAL pic.twitter.com/sQJWULX8RU

— Jeremiah Miller (@JeremiahMiller0) November 20, 2021

Thomas Jefferson finishes the season 9-3 and ends their two-year reign as the two-time defending WPIAL and PIAA champs in 4A. This marks the first time since 2000, that they have lost to the same team twice in one season, with West Mifflin being the last team to do so.

Belle Vernon will play in the WPIAL 4A championship game for the second time in three seasons. Next week, Belle Vernon will try to complete their revenge tour next week against Aliquippa, who knocked off the Leopards in the semifinals last year. Kickoff is set for 3pm next Saturday at Heinz Field.

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