TJ 24 vs Franklin Regional 6

Thomas Jefferson beats Franklin Regional, remains undefeated

Thomas Jefferson and Franklin Regional met in the playoffs four times between 2005 and 2012, and Jaguars coach Bill Cherpak said Friday's nonconference game had that playoff feel.

TJ led 21-0 at halftime and went on to earn a 24-6 victory in a matchup of teams third and eighth, respectively, in Class AAA

“This was the type of game we needed going into the playoffs,” said Cherpak, who saw his Jaguars improve to 8-0. “It was a pretty physical game, and we expected that. It was a nice win for us.”

Franklin Regional fell to 5-3.

“There were times where we thought we were getting things going, but we just didn't make enough plays to finish what we had started,” Panthers coach Greg Botta said. “I give the guys credit. They played tough against an extremely good football team. We both realized how physical each other was.”

The Jaguars, which outgained the Panthers, 266-50, in the first half, drove down to the Franklin Regional 2-yard line on their opening drive but were turned away on downs.

The Franklin Regional offense got out to the 9 but had to punt.

Thomas Jefferson cashed in on its ensuing drive.

Austin Kemp, who finished with 13 carries for 107 yards, took a direct snap and found the end zone from 8 yards out with 2:56 left in the first quarter. Kemp injured a shoulder on the drive and didn't return to the game.

Ryan Scanlon got the bulk of the carries after Kemp left and finished with 26 for 122 yards.

A 55-yard run by Braden Pahanish (six carries, 79 yards) on the first play of the second quarter helped set up a 1-yard TD run by Scanlon for a 14-0 Jaguars' lead.

Late in the second quarter, Thomas Jefferson faced a third-and-16 from its own 28, but quarterback Robert Kelley connected with Francis Langan for a 72-yard touchdown. Kelley finished 3 of 5 passing for 124 yards.

“That touchdown was a backbreaker,” Botta said.

Derek Rothey booted a 32-yard field goal to make it 24-0 with 3:43 to go in the third.

Franklin Regional answered with a five-play drive capped by a 2-yard touchdown pass from Santino Birty to Vinny Farina. Birty finished 7 of 15 for 101 yards.

Jacob Ross led the Panthers' ground attack with 58 yards on 10 carries.

“(Franklin Regional) does so many good things on offense,” Cherpak said. “They keep you on your toes. For the most part, I was pleased with how the defense played.”