Articles 2008

PG South: Early wake-up call put TJ on path to state championship

Thursday, December 18, 2008

By Ken Wunderley, Tri-State Sports & News Service

The Thomas Jefferson High School football team opened the 2008 season with a loss, but most importantly ended with a victory.

After losing to Glenville, Ohio, 34-13 in their season opener, the Jaguars won 15 consecutive games en route to their third consecutive WPIAL title and third PIAA title in five years.

"Losing to Glenville in the opener was the best thing that could have happened to us," Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak said. "That loss got us more focused. It showed the coaching staff where we needed to improve. It showed the kids that defending our [WPIAL and PIAA] titles would not be easy."

After losing to Glenville, Thomas Jefferson won its remaining eight regular-season games to earn their 14th consecutive WPIAL playoff berth. The Jaguars dominated the WPIAL playoffs with impressive performances against Uniontown, 45-7, Hopewell. 35-16, New Castle, 47-20, and Blackhawk, 34-14, in the title game.

Thomas Jefferson took its show on the road in the PIAA playoffs and continued its dominance with victories at Erie's Memorial Stadium, Altoona's Mansion Park and Hersheypark Stadium. The Jaguars posted a 35-21 victory against District 10 champion Erie Strong Vincent in the quarterfinals, then registered its most impressive offensive performance of the season in a 49-21 semifinal against District 3 champion West York.

That set up Friday's title game showdown with District 12 champion Archbishop Wood. The Vikings had the distinction of being the first team from District 12 to appear in a PIAA title game, but were no match for the defending champions.

"After our loss to Glenville, I was sure of one thing," Cherpak said. "I told the kids that we wouldn't face another team as big and as athletic as Glenville."

Cherpak's prediction was correct, as Thomas Jefferson concluded its dominance of Class AAA with an impressive 34-7 win against Archbishop Wood on Saturday.

"I'm so happy for the seniors," Cherpak said. "They have worked so hard. This group has won three WPIAL titles and two PIAA crowns. Not many senior classes can claim that."

Twenty-four members of Cherpak's squad are seniors.

"We have eight to 10 kids who will be playing at the college level next year," said Cherpak. "We already have two Division I recruits."

Tight end/defensive end Brock DeCicco will join his brother, Dom, at the University of Pittsburgh. Two-way tackle Pat Eger has accepted an offer from West Virginia University. DeCicco caught two touchdown passes in the title game.

"We came back from Hershey on Saturday," Cherpak said. "When we came across the Elizabeth Bridge [while driving on Route 51], they had a police and fire department escort for us. There were 10 to 15 trucks with their lights flashing. They escorted us to the high school, where we were greeted by a couple hundred fans.

"It was great to have the community honor the team that way. The kids and coaches really appreciated it."

Cherpak said he was glad to have receivers coach John "Hoppy" Mitruski on the sideline for the championship game. Mitruski spent Wednesday night in the hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack.

"It may have been another heart attack. He's not sure," Cherpak said. "But Hoppy didn't want to miss the game. He was released from the hospital Thursday afternoon and was on his way to Hershey by 2:30 (p.m.). I was really surprised he made it.

"It was very inspirational for the team to have Hoppy on the sideline. He was very emotional at our team meeting Thursday night in Hershey."

Thomas Jefferson (15-1) scored 616 points in 16 games, 38.5 per game. Seven members of the offense are graduating. The only returning starters are: sophomore left guard Dustin Vissari, junior right tackle Shane McNally and junior recievers Jim Giansante and Ed Hasis.

Giansante and Hasis also return on defense, at linebacker and defensive back, respectively. Also returning on defense for the Jaguars are tackles Chris Heim and Dan Pastor, defensive back Steve Licht and outside linebacker Anthony Greives.

"It was very exciting to win another state title, but I'm a little disappointed it's over," said Cherpak, as he began to go into football withdrawal. "I look forward to getting together with the coaches on Sunday to put together the gameplan. I already miss getting together with the kids for practice."

The Jaguars involved in other sports have no time for a break.

"We have some kids who played Saturday and had practice with our basketball team on Sunday," Cherpak said. "They are leaving Wednesday [yesterday] for a tournament in Orlando, Fla."

High School Football Notebook: Thomas Jefferson expects to continue winning

Monday, December 15, 2008

By Mike White, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

HERSHEY, Pa. -- Thomas Jefferson can lay claim to one of the best five-year runs in WPIAL history. The Jaguars won four WPIAL titles, three PIAA championships and 70 games during the past five seasons.

Although Thomas Jefferson has only four starters back on both offense and defense next year, don't look for the success to stop. At least that's what the Jaguars' coach and players say.

The dynasty might continue.

"I don't care what you are as a coach. You're not a magician," said Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak. "If you don't have good players then you're not going to do much. ... We've had some great players coming through here and we have some coming up. We have some good young kids we're excited about. We'll be back at it."

Tight end-linebacker Brock DeCicco, a Pitt recruit, won't wear the black and gold again because he's a senior. But he believes the winning will continue.

"Every year some people say we're going to be down the next year. But every single year we keep winning," DeCicco said. "I think they can be good again because they have some young players who can step into a lot of different positions."

But Cherpak isn't one of those high school coaches who believes a team must start getting ready for next year a few days after the previous season ends.

"We're not going to start lifting already, that's for sure," Cherpak said. "We take the whole winter off and let the kids be high school kids. They need to have fun, enjoy it, play other sports and do all the things they're supposed to do in high school."