Class 4A Quarterfinal Preview: Clearfield vs. Thomas Jefferson
Tagged under: District 7, District 9, News, pfn, Playoffs
Phil Myers | November 20, 2024
Clearfield vs. Thomas Jefferson at Windber – Friday November 22 at 7:00 PM
Clearfield Bison (12-0)
Clearfield is coached by Myles Caragein who took over for the legendary Tim Janocko for the 2023 season. In two years Caragein has 20 wins against 4 losses. Clearfield is usually a run first team but will throw. They use some different formations including the wildcat featuring one of the running backs who does not always run. Clearfield is ranked 5th in the state.
The Bison average scoring 37.7 points a game. The offense centers around one guy, Brady Collins. The goal is to get him the ball at least 25-30 times. If they do that, they feel they have a good shot of winning. Collins ranks 4th in PA in yardage as he has raced for 2,574 yards in 2024. He is 3rd in the state in rushing touchdowns with 36, and has 41 total scores. But the other team can’t forget about Carter Freeland. Mr. Freeland has 921 yards to his credit this year and has scored 14 times. QB Xavier Curry has passed for 903 yards and over the past few games has completed some big passes to keep drives alive in crucial situations.
Colton Ryan and Collins lead the Bison in tackles. The one thing about Clearfield’s defense is that they hit extremely hard and can wear down opponents. Clearfield, as a team, has 26 quarterback sacks. The Bison allow 15.0 point per contest. The coaching staff is very good at making adjustments as evidenced last week against General McLane’s fast-paced offense. GM scored three touchdowns in the first 18 minutes, but only managed one more in the last two and a half quarters.
Thomas Jefferson Jaguars (13-0)
The Jags are coached by one of the best to ever come out of the Pittsburgh area in Bill Cherpak. ‘Cherp’ has amassed a career coaching record of 322-57 which is fourth best among active Pennsylvania football coaches. His teams are 5-0 in state championship games. TJ is known for being solid in all phases of the game. They are also known for their line play especially on offense which they take pride in. Cherpak’s teams are also well-disciplined and usually don’t take a lot of unnecessary penalties. The Jags are ranked #2 in Class 4A.
Thomas Jefferson averages 38.6 points per game. They have a well-balanced offense and an excellent kicker. Luke Kosko is the Jaguar signal-caller. He’s thrown for 1,768 yards and 21 touchdowns. Brayden White is his primary receiver. White has hauled down 59 passes for 1,118 yards and 13 TDs. That is over half in each of those statistical categories. Sophomore sensation running back, Tyler Eber, has cruised around the field for 1,943 yards and scored 29 touchdowns which is 9th best in the state for rushing TDs. Samuel Wessel has connected on 62 of his 64 extra point tries.
Matt Martinis is the man on defense taking down the most ball carriers to date. The defense is also a strength for a Coach Cherpak team. This year the average points allowed per game is 11.6, but don’t be deceived they are a solid unit that have played some very good teams to get to this point of the season.
The Outlook
For Clearfield to have a chance, they must control the time of possession and score when they get in the red zone. Collins will probably need to touch the ball often. He is fast and shifty but will run you over if he has a mind to. He can score from anywhere on the field and at any time. He is that dangerous. For Thomas Jefferson it is simple, control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and don’t make mistakes. If they do that and force Clearfield’s offense into throwing situations, they will have a huge advantage in coming out on top.
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