1968

Jaguars Win Second Straight Conference Crown

Another season, another conference title for Coach Bap Manzini and the Thomas Jefferson Jaguars. The Jaguars were led by a strong offensive line and tough defensive play that was quickly becoming a corner stone of TJ football. The team was looking to continue the successful budding tradition Coach Manzini and his assistants has instilled at the school by matching the previous year's accomplishments and hopefully earn that lucrative spot in the WPIAL championship game.

Behind the blocking of Rob Morini and Howard Cochran, the leadership of Center Steve Snavely, and the talent of Jim Griffiths, John “Hoppy” Mitruski, Tom Coles, Tom Fisher, and quarterback Harry Phillips. The Jaguars took over where last year's team left off.

The 1968 Jaguars were told they were too slow, small, and inexperienced to win the conference, and papers cited a rebuilding year was on the horizon.

What happened told a very different story. The 12th man, band, and all that were associated with the team pulled together as one. The team against the odds pulled off the unthinkable and proved they belonged in TJ lore.

Reeling off close wins behind a tough defense who let up a paltry 8.5 points per game, and an offense that seemingly made the big plays when they needed them. The Jaguars climbed to 8 wins with 2 set backs, and secured the Big 10 Championship.

**Please add to the story by emailing pictures, videos, and stories to thomasjeffersonhistory@gmail.com

Season:

TJ 0 vs Baldwin 12: (Pictures, articles)

TJ 13 vs Brownsville 6: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 20 vs South Allegheny 0: (Pictures, articles)

TJ 20 vs Charleroi 12: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 6 vs Clairton 18: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 21 vs EF 6: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 26 vs Monesen 6: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 25 vs Mononghela 13: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 18 vs Laurel Highlands 6: (Pictures, articles, video)

TJ 14 vs Belle Vernon 6: (Pictures, articles, video)