The Jaguars in 1982 returned 11 lettermen, and the expectations of another playoff season to match the previous year's achievement was within their goals.  WIth players like linebacker/ running back Bill Stoffel, quarterback Bill Dosey, running back Ed Hannon, and center Tim Andrews the Jaguars were loaded and ready to secure the conference crown, and make a run in the WPIAL playoffs.

Under second year head coach Phil Reynolds, the 1982 team had one of the tougher non-conference schedules with games against Bethel Park and Ambridge.  The Ambridge game may have been one of the greatest games in TJ history.  

Thomas Jefferson coming off two straight playoff appearances and a 3-1-1 record faced a highly ranked and undefeated Ambridge team that had realistic aspirations of winning a WPIAL championship. The Jaguars pounced on their opposition early rolling up 222 yards of offense in the first half! The scoring was started with a 19 yard run by Bill Stoffel, and the a 24 yard pass play from Bill Dosey to Mike Krupitzer, and then Stoffel again on a 5 yard run. Before Ambridge could catch their breath, TJ was ahead 21-0 at half. In the second half the offense found the going rather rough as they could only amass 24 yards of offense, and it was the Jaguar defense who stepped up the plate. Ambridge continued to drive deep into Jaguar territory only to be turned back by the tough defensive play of Stoffell and company. With 6 minutes left in the game TJ held Ambridge at the one yard line on four successive plays in one of the great goal line stands in Thomas Jefferson's history. Ambridge would add a late touchdown, but too little too late. The Jaguars win 21-7, behind 93 yards rushing from Stoffell, 82 yards rushing by Ed Hannon, and of course the remarkable second half defensive efforts.

The rest of the season saw the Jaguars lose pivotal conference games to Keystone Oaks and Seton LaSalle ending their playoff aspirations finishing a respectable 6-3-1.   This would be the last winning season for TJ for another 10 years.

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

Season: 

(click on links for more information)

TJ 7 vs. Bethel Park 7: Video and articles

TJ 0 vs. Steel Valley 13:  Video and articles

TJ 14 vs.  Peters  6: Video and articles

TJ  7 vs.  EF 0: Video and articles

TJ 29 vs.  West Mifflin North 0: Video and articles

TJ 21 vs.  Ambridge 8: Video and articles

TJ 0 vs. KO 21: Video and articles

TJ 14 vs. Uniontown 6: Video and articles

TJ 6 vs. Seton LaSalle 24: Video and articles

TJ 35 vs. Belle Vernon 7:  Video and articles

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

Roster:

Seniors:

Bill Stoffell

Bill Dosey

Ed Hannon

Ted Hinsman

Ted Anderson

Mike Kruptizer

Gary Hallas

Butch Smith

Joe Dolata

Wayne Helster

Rick Fitzharris

Ron Gurocka

Juniors:

Mike Buckiso

Jeff Stork

Pete Starrett

Mike Miller

Rick Miller

Bill Baker

Ron Colaizzi

Jeff Popko

Rob Holloway

Mike O'Brien

Sophomores:

Mark Brubaker

Ricky Voss

Dave Holzworth

Tim Cusick

Joe Callahan

Mark Kenny

Frank Tiboni

Jeff Yannazzo

James Laux

Scott Buckiso

John Baldock

Tim Andrews

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