Articles-2009

Thomas Jefferson evolves into a perennial state-title threat

Friday, September 4, 2009

It all started with a touchdown pass from former Thomas Jefferson quarterback Brad Dawson to Dom DeCicco five years ago.

With that play in the final minute of the 2004 WPIAL Class AAA semifinal, Thomas Jefferson overcame what was a 10-point deficit -- with eight minutes left -- to defeat Blackhawk.

Thomas Jefferson's dominance can be traced to that play, that game, that season.

"I think that was the turning point of our program," Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak said. "It was just a huge boost for us that propelled us through those playoffs, and we went on from there. That got us over the hump."

Thomas Jefferson, which was eliminated in the semifinals in the five previous seasons, went on to win WPIAL and PIAA titles that year.

That 2004 season was the start of dominance for the Thomas Jefferson football program. In the past five years, the Jaguars (70-6) won four WPIAL and three PIAA titles, including the past two. Entering the 2009 season -- which begins tonight at home against H.D. Woodson High School of Washington, D.C. -- Thomas Jefferson again is favored to win the Class AAA Big 7 Conference, if not the entire league.

"I think the mind-set of the kids and the confidence they have has a lot to do with (the success)," Cherpak said. "We feel like any time we step on the field, we can win."

Thomas Jefferson hasn't lost a conference game since 2005. The past three years in the Big 7, Thomas Jefferson has outscored its opponents, 692-91.

"It's a combination of good players, good coaches and its tradition," said Chartiers Valley coach Chris Saluga, who has yet to beat Thomas Jefferson in his eight seasons. "Put all those things together, you're going to find success."

Figuring out when Thomas Jefferson started its climb to the top was easy for Cherpak, but figuring out why or how they've been so dominant remains a question he can't answer.

"Wow, I don't know," he said. "There's nothing that I look at and say we do one thing better than everyone else."

A combination of factors has lifted Thomas Jefferson to this point, including the entire coaching staff remaining intact since Cherpak took over 13 years ago. Cherpak, formerly a Pitt lineman, didn't take over a winning program. He built it.

"He was a great athlete, but he's a great coach," said Woodland Hills coach George Novak, who coached Cherpak at Steel Valley. "He's a very hard worker. He knows the game offensively and defensively. He has a lot of charisma with players and parents."

The dedication from the players -- 75 participated in the summer conditioning workouts -- is huge. The tradition has neighborhood youngsters aspiring to play Jaguars football and current players inheriting a sense of obligation.

"It's a mind-set they have in the whole community," Montour coach Lou Cerro said. "You don't want to be that team that doesn't win a WPIAL title or that doesn't win a state title. You don't want to be that team, so you want to make sure you're on top of your game every week."

Cerro got a taste of a disciplined, dedicated and skilled Thomas Jefferson team in the 2007 WPIAL championship at Heinz Field. Montour was undefeated before its lost, 34-0.

"I thought we had a pretty good team two years ago, but we were terribly overmatched because they were that good," Cerro said.

"We want to be TJ, but it's gonna take some time to get there."

That Thomas Jefferson team was well-rounded, like most that Cherpak assembles. Thomas Jefferson produces Division I recruits, but the stars turn out to be team players. Zach DeCicco -- now at Washington & Jefferson -- volunteered to move from receiver during his senior season in '07 when TJ needed a quarterback at midseason and ended up winning WPIAL and PIAA titles.

"I think (Cherpak) has a knack for putting the kids in the right places on offense and defense," Novak said.

Cherpak had all the pieces in the right place the past two seasons. Winning back-to-back state titles is a rarity. It's only been done by two other Class AAA teams since 1988, the first year the PIAA held a tournament.

Central Catholic coach Terry Totten, particularly, can appreciate the accomplishment. His Vikings won the state title in 2007, but they lost in the WPIAL quarterfinals the next season. He credits Cherpak for Thomas Jefferson's ability to rise to the top and stay there.

"I do think it goes back to him," Totten said. "In the early years, he fought to get it that way. The support he has behind his program ... and the community has gotten to point where it's a tremendous honor to play at TJ. They got it going on. I can tell you that."

PG South: Powerhouse Thomas Jefferson looks to produce more of the same as it pursues another title

Thursday, August 27, 2009

By Ken Wunderley, Tri-State Sports & News Service

The Thomas Jefferson football program has reached dynasty status in the WPIAL.

The Jaguars have placed among the top four teams in Class AAA for 11 consecutive years. Bill Cherpak and his staff have led Thomas Jefferson to six consecutive appearances in the WPIAL title game, winning titles in 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008. The Jaguars have also won back-to-back PIAA titles. If they can win the WPIAL crown again this year, they'll match old Braddock High School as the only schools to win four in a row.

"Our expectations are high all the time," Cherpak said. "Our goal every year is to win WPIAL and PIAA titles. We lost 24 talented players to graduation, but expect the new kids to step in and take over where the graduates left off."

Thomas Jefferson has 10 starters back from last year's squad, including a pair of two-way starters: wide receiver/safety Jim Giansante (6-2, 195), and wide receiver/linebacker Ed Hasis (6-1, 185). Giansante caught 24 passes for 521 yards last season, while Hasis accumulated 156 yards on 12 receptions.

"We have a nice nucleus of returning starters back, and a hungry group of kids who have been waiting for their chance to start," Cherpak said. "The key is to stay healthy."

Cherpak must find a replacement for tailback Brian Baldrige (2,156 yards and 36 TDs), quarterback Tyler Wehner (2,493 yards and 30 TDs), and tight end Dan Virgin (37 catches and 15 TDs).

"We have four kids battling for the quarterback spot," said Cherpak. "Who we pick will also determine which offense we use, a pro-style or the spread."

Sophomore Ryan Ruffing (5-11, 185) will try to fill the shoes of Baldrige.

"We're looking for big things from Ryan," Cherpak said.

The other two starters returning on offense are linemen, tackles Shane McNally (6-3, 235) and Dustin Vissari (5-11, 275). Placekicker Matt Sauter (6-1, 160) is also back.

"Our offensive and defensive lines will be solid," Cherpak said. "We have two starters back on each line and a strong group of linemen to fill holes."

Hasis and Giansante are two of six returing starters on defense. Dan Pastore (6-4, 245) and Chris Heim (6-1, 230) are back at the tackle spots. Anthony Greives (6-1, 205) returns at linebacker and Steve Licht (6-2, 180) is back at cornerback.

Jim Giansante will return at receiver again this season for three-time defending WPIAL Class AAA champion Thomas Jefferson.

Matt Freed/Post-Gazette