The Funding Zone
 
SAFR: Safer Through Science
 

Thomas Jefferson Triumphs over McKeesport 34-31 in an OT Classic

Tagged under: District 7, Gameday Hub, pfn

| September 7, 2024

This game was every football fan’s dream—featuring a big comeback, overtime, and a walk-off touchdown. The Thomas Jefferson Jaguars started the scoring in the first quarter, but the McKeesport Tigers took over in the first half, putting up 28 unanswered points before halftime. In the second half, the Jaguars’ offense woke up, scoring 21 unanswered points to send the game into overtime. The Jaguars’ defense stepped up in OT, holding the Tigers to just a field goal. On their final drive, the Jaguars marched down to the 1-yard line but were stopped three times, leading to a critical 4th-and-goal. On the game’s final play, a quarterback sneak-sealed the victory for the Jaguars.

The Jaguars started the game with the ball, marching right down the field to score the game’s first touchdown. The score came from a powerful run by number 30, Tyler Eber, putting the Jaguars up 7-0 with 5:49 left in the first quarter.

The Tigers responded with a long drive of their own, capped off by a rushing touchdown from number 6, Kemon Spell, tying the game at 7-7 with 3:50 remaining in the first quarter.

Things started to unravel for the Jaguars when the McKeesport Tigers forced a strip sack, giving them the ball back. Starting from the Jaguars’ 20-yard line, the Tigers needed just four plays before quarterback Brady Eastman sneaked it in, putting McKeesport up 14-7 with 1:24 left in the quarter. That score held, ending the first quarter at 14-7 in favor of the Tigers.

In the second quarter, the Tigers added 14 straight points. The first came from a strong run by Kemon Spell, extending the lead to 21-7. The Jaguars got the ball back but didn’t hold onto it for long, as Anthony Cromerdie intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, putting the Tigers up 28-7 with 5:24 left in the first half.

Both teams had possessions after that, but neither could score, leaving the halftime score at 28-7 in favor of the Tigers.

The third quarter started just like the first, with a touchdown from the Jaguars. Running back Tyler Eber punched it in, cutting the deficit to 28-14 with 4:15 left in the quarter. The Tigers’ offense was shut down, giving the ball back to Thomas Jefferson.

TJ capitalized again, this time with a bootleg pass caught by Kooper Kamberis, making it 28-21 with 2:24 left in the third. Suddenly, TJ had made it a ball game again as they headed into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, there was only one score, but it was a crucial one for the Jaguars. Tyler Eber found the end zone again with a rushing touchdown, tying the game at 28-28 with 2:51 left. After both offenses stalled against strong defensive stands, the game headed into overtime.

In overtime, the Tigers won the coin flip and started with the ball. The Jaguars’ defense bent but didn’t break, holding the Tigers to a field goal and making the score 31-28 in favor of McKeesport.

Drama unfolded on the Jaguars’ possession as the Tigers’ defense forced a fourth down at the 1-yard line. On the final play of the drive, quarterback Luke Kosko sneaked it in, securing the walk-off touchdown and a 34-31 victory for the Jaguars, propelling them to a 3-0 record.

The Thomas Jefferson Jaguars will now take on Avonworth at home, following Avonworth’s loss to Aliquippa. The McKeesport Tigers, now 0-3, will look for their first win at home against Belle Vernon, who picked up a victory this week against Central Valley.

For more WPIAL/Pitt football news and recaps follow @gingeryinzer09 and @Pafootballnews on X

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews

 
 
QwikCut
 
GoRout
 
Sports Paradise
 
Football Legends board game
 
 
x