By Jarrett Becoate

December 2025

The crowd buzzed with energy all season long as the Thomas Jefferson Football team took the field under the Friday night lights. With exciting games and close wins, TJ's football team gave the fans something to look forward to every Friday. Senior captains - Zach Villa, Emmett Forte, Zane Sabel, and Dom Volomino - took the lead on and off the field. And students played a mighty roll in the team's success with their great participation in “The Jungle,” TJ’s student-led sports fan section.

This season, the Jaguars really proved how much they have grown as athletes. Coaches, including George Souders, who focuses on special teams, praised the team's effort, saying the players really stepped up, improved in most areas, and showed the toughness TJ football is known for. Goals for next season will stay the same, as winning is the standard for this program.

The hard work paid off as the Jaguars stayed competitive all season, battling through close games and very challenging opponents. Senior wide receiver Carson Dusak credited the brotherhood between the team members, explaining how "every teammate is part of the family which pushes the team to work harder and focus more."

That effort and focus didn’t go unnoticed by those around the program. TJ’s Assistant Principal, Adam Knaresborough, noted that the team’s growth, both on and off the field, set a strong foundation for the future of the team. Knaresborough also noted that he appreciates how respectful the players are to staff members within the building, showcasing their respect for authority figures and representing their team with pride. With many players returning next year, TJ Football looks ready to build off of this season’s momentum.

According to Knaresborough, perseverance defined the Jaguars this season. Despite injuries and position changes, the team “came out and gave it their all every Friday night.” One moment that stood out was a comeback win at McKeesport, when multiple players stepped into new roles and helped the team rally from a deficit, proving the Jaguars could handle adversity on the road.

Dusak regarded that one of the team’s biggest improvements came during practice, as the team became more focused and worked harder to achieve their goals as the season went on. He explained that the team started off slow but continued to improve each week. Injuries were the biggest challenge the team faced, but Dusak commented that the players “stayed close and came together” when it mattered most. As the season went on, team chemistry improved, and the Jags showed they could keep fighting together.

The 2025 season concluded with 9 wins and 3 losses, going 4 and 1 in the conference. The Jaguars defeated Mars in the first round of playoffs (quarterfinals) and fell to McKeesport in the semifinals. Junior Tyler Eber (running back) and junior Kane Eggerton (receiver) both had a standout performances. 

There is already a lot of talk about Thomas Jefferson's move up to a 5A WPIAL division for next year. Playing tougher opponents like Pine Richland and Upper St. Clair will be a big challenge, but it’s also a great chance for the Jags to show how much they have grown. With the hard work, toughness, and the chemistry the team has built, TJ Football is ready to compete at a higher level. Watching our Jaguars take on new competition in 5A should make Friday nights even more exciting for players, students, and fans.

By Tiago Ochoa

January 2026

When the final whistle of the most important game of the season was heard, players rushed the field, marking the grand finale of an underdog story. For the first time in seven years, the 2025 TJ Varsity Soccer Team earned a spot in the PIAA state playoffs.

For the players, coaches, and families of those on the field, this was a nail-biting win. From injured players, to losing players, the program has faced many challenges over the course of the last 7 seasons.

The 2025 season concluded with the first round of state playoffs in Berks County, PA. Assistant Coach Mike Kulish noted that all “the hard work that we put in the offseason, the preseason, and throughout the season paid off” as the team headed into playoffs.  The team put up a good run with a record of 18 wins, 4 losses, and 1 tie.

Prior to 2025, TJ soccer found it difficult to make playoff runs past the quarter-finals. The team called it the “2nd Round Curse,” alluding to not advancing past the second round of the WPIAL’s State qualifying rounds. Kulish said that the road to states took “patience” and “time.” The team needed to build chemistry that couldn’t be found previously. Kulish believes this season “set a new standard” in the TJ soccer program. He further explains that the high skill level of players experienced in playoffs served to “give younger players exposure” to high levels of soccer. 

There were several moments during the season where the team’s confidence skyrocketed, including the 2nd round of playoffs where they broke the “2nd round curse” and the defeat of Bethel Park to qualify for the state playoffs. Both of these highly entertaining victories proved that this underdog team could compete with the best in state.

For one of the seniors, center back Enrique Ochoa, the season meant a lot due to it being his last year playing for TJ. He described the end of the season and goodbye as “bittersweet.” Since this was his last year, he appreciated being able to play with his friends one last time.

Ochoa said that the season “taught him to be patient and communicate” due to playing with younger players. He couldn’t expect everyone to be the same level; however, he still did his best to help others improve. This simple act aided the team’s growth mindset.

Leadership made a huge impact on developing chemistry. Senior team captains Owen Housholder, Will Moser, and Andrew Callighan, alongside Junior Captain Benjamin Powell, helped with focus and motivation throughout the season. Powell explains that they “set a high standard for the games and effort,” especially during big games against Moon, Bethel Park, and Conrad Weiser.

Powell is excited for next season and is looking forward to seeing the younger players improve. He believes that hard work defines TJ soccer, and that the team will continue to utilize this work ethic in the 2026 season.

Students interested in soccer are welcomed to come and try out for the team next August or support the team as a fan!