The 1998 Jaguars were primed and ready to make a dent in the WPIAL AAA race.  Returning many of their skill positions, including Brian Dawson at quarterback, they were ranked number #3 in the pre-season rankings.

Returning two strong runners in Ryan Kenny and Kasey Kartman, linebacker Tom Bost, and sure handed receiver Mike Mitruski the stakes were high as usual, and Coach Cherpak would have it no other way.  

Offensively the line was relatively inexperienced and young, but like Jaguar lines in the past, rose to the challenge.  The key was a first year player who had never played a down of organized football, Ryan Monohan at receiver, who brought the big play threat into the offense.  But the offense went through the arm of Brian Dawson who set a new school record in completions for a season.

Defensively they played their usual brand of George Wilson defense.  Lined up in a 4-4, rarely out of position, and ready to lay a devastating hit on someone.  The defense was a team effort led by Ben Hritz, Tom Bost, and sophomore Tyler Reed.

The team was able to tie Belle Vernon for the Keystone Conference Crown and secure a bye in the first week of the playoffs finishing 7-2 in the regular season.  They beat Valley in a rematch in the quarterfinals, but ended up losing to a tough Blackhawk team in the semi-finals.

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

Season:

TJ 34 vs. Southmoreland 0: Video and articles

TJ 48 vs. Peters 10: Video and articles

TJ 20 vs. West Mifflin 3: Video and articles

TJ 42 vs. Yough 7: Video and articles

TJ 17 vs. EF 7: Video and articles

TJ 39 vs. Mount Pleasant 38: Video and articles

TJ  7 vs. Valley 21: Video and articles

TJ 35 vs. McGuffey 15: Video and articles

TJ 9 vs. Belle Vernon 21: Video and articles

Playoffs:

TJ 30 vs. Valley 14: Video and articles

TJ 7 vs. Blackhawk 28: Video and articles

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

Roster:

Seniors:

Brian Dawson

Kasey Kartman

Ryan Kenney

Tom Bost

Ben Hritz

Mike Mitruski

Mike Jura

Brian Owens

John Sedor

Brian Coleman

Ryan Monohan

Mike Tomich

Joe Wagner

Gary Pritchard

Matt Cornacchion

Juniors:

Steve Scott

Mike Virgin

Tom Chapman

Matt Perkins

Jordan Roth

Jesse Sallinger

Brandon D'Alessandro

Rob Guido

Pedriac Finnegan

Sophomores:

Andy Cain

Ben Shaulis

Tyler Reed

Pat Oster

Tom Jura

Matt Rehak

John Zeiler

Brendan Kelly

Keith Malley

Joe Kelso

JD Achtinson

Derek Bachman

Mark McKinney

Jordan Roth

Jason Stapiro