1966

Jaguars Join Big 9 Conference

The Jaguars are improving under second year coach Bap Manzini, as they look to improve upon the previous season with many returning lettermen the expectations were high. The offensive line returned almost completely intact with players like Jim Buches and Denny Peterson. The 1966 season marked their inclusion into one of the toughest conference in the WPIAL in the Big 9. The Jaguars proved to be a force to reckon with from the start.

The team opened the season against a tough Baldwin squad, and with a tremendous second half rally they fell short losing 25-20. TJ's first Big 9 conference game in its history came at the expense of the Brownsville Falcons. The Jaguars exploded into the conference by dismantling Brownsville 26-7. Rival Clairton was next on the card, and again slipped by the Jaguars 7-6. The following week offered the Elizabeth Forward Warriors who offered all the Jaguars could manage, and set the team back a bit with a 19-12 loss.

However, the 1966 Jaguar team had pride and spirit and showed it by whipping their next four opponents; Donora 33-6, Monongehela 20-0, Churchill 14-6, and rival Belle Vernon 6-0. An overpowering team, Charleroi, ended Thomas Jefferson's streak of four straight wins. The season ended against Monessen and a hard fought 20-13 loss.

The Jaguars were much improved and finished a respectable record of 5-5 and 4-4 in the conference in their first year of play. The stage has been set for years of successful seasons in the Big 9 Conference that was only getting started.

Season:

TJ 20 vs Baldwin 25: (Pictures, articles)

TJ 26 vs Brownsville 7: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 6 vs Clairton 7: (Pictures, articles)

TJ 12 vs EF 19: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 33 vs Donora 6: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 20 vs Monongehela 0: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 14 vs Churchill 6: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 6 vs Belle Vernon 0: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 0 vs Charleroi 27: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 13 vs Monessen 20: (Pictures, articles, video)

Roster: