TJ 42 vs Trinity 7

Kemp scores 5 more TDs as Thomas Jefferson cruises

By David Whipkey

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, 12:27 a.m.

Updated 9 hours ago

Even though they were held to their lowest point total this season, Thomas Jefferson made it evident there are few schools in its class in Class AAA.

Coach Bill Cherpak's Jaguars made it clear Friday night at Trinity's Hiller Field that they will be a force as the weather cools with a convincing 42-7 win over the overmatched Hillers in a Big 9 game.

The Jaguars entered the contest averaging 48 points per game.

No. 3 Thomas Jefferson (5-0, 5-0) scored an early knockout while the Hillers (1-4, 1-4) were left to ponder how they could have slowed the Jaguars' assault.

“We wanted to get out early and jump on them and do our thing,” Cherpak said. “We did a lot of good things, and I am very happy with how we prepared and how we executed.”

After the Jaguars defense forced a quick three-and-out, it was time for the Austin Kemp show to begin. The senior running back scored five touchdowns, giving him 25 through the season's first five weeks.

Kemp made his presence known with a 9-yard sweep into the end zone after taking a direct snap from center Jake Quinn. Even though Derek Rothey's kick sailed wide left, the rout was already on.

Thomas Jefferson's pass rush gobbled up Trinity quarterback Forrest Cullings on third-and-long on the Hiller's next possession, forcing another punt. Five plays later, Kemp scored from 2 yards, pushing the Jaguars lead to 13-0.

Kemp showed he can star at linebacker when he intercepted a hurried Cullings pass and raced 22 yards into the end zone, giving TJ a 20-0 lead late in the first quarter.

“That turnover really hurt them,” Cherpak added. “Anytime you can get a play like that, it just sent them reeling.”

As it was on full display all evening, Thomas Jefferson simply bullied the young Hillers from snap to whistle. Kemp would finish with 162 yards rushing on 16 first-half carries, and the TJ defense swarmed Trinity, holding the Hillers (1-4) to two first downs in the first half.

Thomas Jefferson 42, Trinity 7

Austin Kemp rushed for 218 yards on 18 carries and scored on runs of 13, 3, 21, 15 and 65 yards to lead the No. 2 Jaguars (5-0, 5-0) to a convincing road victory against the Hillers (1-4, 1-4). Kemp leads the WPIAL with 1,272 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns. The Jaguars led, 35-0, at halftime.