Stream Pennsylvania High School Football on the NFHS Network
 
 

Jags, Quips, Classic: Thomas Jefferson outlasts Aliquippa in Overtime in an epic showdown to win WPIAL 4A Championship.

Tagged under: District 7, News

| November 15, 2020

By Carter Newcome

Thomas Jefferson and Aliquippa met each other for just the second time ever on Saturday at North Allegheny. The only other matchup between the two WPIAL powerhouses was 40 years to the date for the same prize, a WPIAL championship. Thomas Jefferson won in 1980.

A lot had changed since that first and only meeting. Thomas Jefferson and Aliquippa became powerhouses in the area, however playing in different classifications. A dream matchup many thought we would never see took place on Saturday afternoon, and it did not disappoint.

McClain Flinn intercepted a Vaughn Morris pass in overtime to clinch TJ’s 5th WPIAL title in 6 years.

A game that had plenty of fireworks in it started out rather slow. Neither team was able to score in the 1st quarter due to great defense on both sides. The Quips were able to break the scoreless tie midway through the 2nd frame. Vaughn Morris snuck it in from a yard out to give Aliquippa a 7-0 lead.

Thomas Jefferson struggled on offense for much of the first half, but that all changed when senior Jake Pugh found fellow senior Preston Zandier over the middle. Zandier would outrun the Aliquippa secondary to the tie the game at 7 heading to the half.

The Jags carried the momentum into the second half and gave themselves a lead 14-7, when Pugh connected with Flinn for a 22-yard pitch and catch. Thomas Jefferson would carry the 14-7 lead into the fourth quarter.

Morris and the Quips tied the game at 14 a piece, just seconds into the 4th quarter. Thomas Jefferson would score on its next two possessions on rushing touchdowns from Pugh and Deron VanBibber making it 28-14 with just 6:41 remaining.

Aliquippa wasn’t done just yet. Morris continued his spectacular performance and hit Antonyo Anderson in the endzone to cut the lead to just 7. Cyair Clark made a huge defensive play for the Quips when he was able to step in front of a Pugh pass giving the ball back to Aliquippa.

Vernon Redd would finish the ensuing drive for the Quips making it 28-28 with 1:54 remaining. Thomas Jefferson played for overtime and ran out the clock in regulation.

The Jaguars would have the ball first in overtime and scored when Jake Pugh called his own number and fell into the endzone from 2-yards out.

TJ now led 35-28 but Aliquippa would have chance to match or better the Jaguars. On third and goal, Morris scrambled to his left and threw towards the back of the endzone where he would be intercepted by Flinn thus ending the game. Aliquippa lost in overtime last year to Central Valley in the 3A final.

Aliquippa’s season will end in another runner-up finish, but it should be something the school looks back on with pride. Aliquippa plays up 3 classes and held their own with the best of the 4A classification.

Thomas Jefferson advances to the PIAA 4A Semifinals, where they will meet undefeated Oil City.

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews

 
 
PA Football News Scoreboard presented by NFHS Network
 
GoRout
 
Showcase by Circle W Sports
 
Football Legends board game
 
 
x