The Funding Zone
 
SAFR: Safer Through Science
 

Defense leads Thomas Jefferson to victory in second half

Tagged under: District 7, News

| September 26, 2020


It was the tale of two halves in Jefferson Hills tonight. In the second half Thomas Jefferson used their defense to pull away from Belle Vernon in their 42-21 victory. “We made plays when we had to defensively especially in the second half” said Coach Cherpak.

In the first half Belle Vernon got the ball first but went 3 and out. Thomas Jefferson got the ball and the drive started off well but the drive ended on an Interception. Belle Vernon had a golden opportunity starting at Thomas Jefferson’s 37 yard line. After 2 runs by Devin Whitlock they were at the 14 yard line. Eventually he would run it in for a 1 yard touchdown making it 7-0 Belle Vernon.

Thomas Jefferson got the ball back starting at their own 38 yard line. They marched down the field with ease on the drive and eventually they tied it when Jake Pugh connected with Ian Hansen for a 34 yard touchdown.

The score was tied but that didn’t last for long, after a run by Whitlock he connected with Quinton Martin on a beautiful pass for a 60 yard touchdown. “We made some mistakes, they made some big plays and Whitlock he’s a game changer” said Coach Cherpak. Whitlock had 128 yards rushing for Belle Vernon.

Thomas Jefferson got the ball back again and again they marched down the field it only took 2 plays for them to get into Belle Vernon territory. After a pass to Preston Zandier they were at the 14 yard line. Jake Pugh scored on a 1 yard keeper. The score was tied at 14 at the end of 1.

In the second quarter Thomas Jefferson took the lead when Jake Pugh found a wide open Rex Miller for a 24 yard touchdown. Pugh had a major role in the game he was 14 of 24 for 215 yards and had 6 total touchdowns.

Later in the quarter, Belle Vernon came back with a big answer when Whitlock connected with Tanner Steeber for a 9 yard touchdown. That made the score 21 all at the half.

In the second half Thomas Jefferson turned it up a notch on defense. But first they took the lead on a drive that basically took up half of the third quarter. It was finished off by Jake Pugh on a second 1 yard quarterback keeper.

Belle Vernon started at their own 8 for their first drive of the second half. On third down a game changing play occurred. Shultz Reinhart intercepted Devin Whitlock, it was a great throw but even better coverage. “I didn’t even know he caught it, I didn’t even know he intercepted it” said Coach Cherpak. He also added “I just told Shultz after the first keep it up, make a play” said Cherpak. Shortly after that Thomas Jefferson extended their lead when Pugh found Preston Zandier for a 21 yard touchdown.

Thomas Jefferson dominated the time of possession in the second half and Belle Vernon struggled to get any first downs. Thomas Jefferson added one last score before the game ended making the final 42-21. Another guy who had a big game for Thomas Jefferson was DeRon VanBibber he had 160 yards rushing.

Next week Thomas Jefferson travels to Uniontown and Belle Vernon travels to Laurel Highlands.

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews

 
 
GoRout
 
Rainbow Lettering
 
Turf Tank
 
x