TJ  48 vs. South Park 7

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SOUTH PARK at THOMAS JEFFERSON

Friday, at 7:30 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson, after a rough trip to the Wolvarena in Turtle Creek last week, returns to the friendly confines of TJ Stadium.

The Jaguars host South Park in their home and conference opener. Both teams bring 0-1 slates into the matchup.

Thomas Jefferson was clipped by Woodland Hills last week, 31-7, in a game that brought together two of the WPIAL's marquee programs.

The Jaguars, who are ranked No. 6 in Class AAA by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, have won five WPIAL titles and three state championships.

Woodland Hills, which is ranked fifth in Class AAAA, has earned five WPIAL championships.

South Park, meanwhile, was shut out at West Allegheny last week, 38-0, as the Eagles managed only 26 total yards. 

Thomas Jefferson will begin its quest to win a sixth straight conference title, along with its 11th in 12 years. The local squad blanked South Park last year, 38-0.

The Eagles, who ended up 3-6 overall in 2010 after stepping up from the Class AA ranks, have a veteran defensive unit led by senior linebackers Zack May (6-3, 240), Tyler Albitz and Ryan Tucker.

Three of the team's four starters in last year's secondary also have returned in senior safeties Cody Stolar, an all-conference pick a year ago, and Zach Kuhn, plus junior cornerback Carter Grote.

Nick Yobbi, a junior, is a returning starter at the quarterback position.