Jeannette prepares to stymie Farrell’s passing attack

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, November 30, 2017 | 6:00 PM

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Two proud and proven football programs will meet Friday night for the right to play in the state championship.

Jeannette (13-1), fresh off its ninth WPIAL championship, is set to face District 10 power Farrell (11-2) in the PIAA Class A semifinals at 7 p.m. at Seneca Valley's NexTier Stadium.

Combined, they have 1,315 wins.

Farrell has seven District 10 titles and two PIAA titles (1995, '96). The Steelers lost in the state final in 1990 and 2015.

Jeannette's lone state championship came in 2007, a year after the Jayhawks lost in the PIAA finals.

Jeannette's WPIAL-record-tying 734th win came Saturday in the WPIAL title game, a 35-34 thriller over Imani Christian at Robert Morris.

Farrell followed another district title with a 36-0 win over Ridgway/Johnsonburg in the state quarterfinals for win No. 581 all-time.

The Steelers have six WPIAL championships.

History aside, Jeannette is focusing on stopping the latest Farrell team, one with a dynamic passing offense, a big line and playmakers.

“They average about 260 (pounds) up front, and they have some nice skill, a nice QB,” Jeannette coach Roy Hall said. “They are similar to Imani (Christian). Hopefully, we'll be up for the challenge.”

Farrell receiver Jourdan Townsend is one of the top pass-catching threats in the state. He has 66 catches for a District 10-record 1,509 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Quarterback Isaac Clarke has thrown for 2,176 yards and 30 touchdowns against only one interception.

Jeannette has 22 interceptions as a team, 10 by senior Robert Kennedy, who could help make for a fun-to-watch matchup if he shadows Townsend.

“ ‘Poogie' can follow him around, and we have faith in him,” Jeannette junior defensive end Anthony Johnson said of Kennedy.

A dual threat, who has passed for 1,294 yards and rushed for 1,113 yards and 19 scores, Kennedy has shared time at quarterback in recent weeks with junior Seth Howard.

“It's going to take a lot of heart and discipline going up against another team that's full of talent like us,” Kennedy said of Farrell. “It will come down to who's the most well-coached team and who wants it more.”

Kennedy ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns in the WPIAL final, and Howard threw for 185 yards and two scores.

“Seth does a great job for us,” Hall said. “Using him and (Kennedy) keeps defenses off balance. I think the two complement each other.”

Farrell also has a 1,000-yard rusher in Christian Lewis, who has 1,330 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Jeannette pressured Imani quarterbacks Tawan Wesley and Israel Reed, and that blitzing game plan likely will continue Friday.

“They're big and physical,” Johnson said. “They use a fullback. We know if we play hard, we can win any game.”

Jeannette has taken advantage of one its tallest receiving corps in years. Marcus Barnes has 28 catches for 498 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Tre Cunningham has 24 receptions for 373 yards and six scores.

Farrell's Division I prospect, Kyi Wright, has missed most of the season with an injury.

Farrell does kick extra points, but also has 40 2-point conversions.

Friday's winner moves on to the state final set for 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at Hersheypark Stadium.

Homer-Center (12-1) plays Steelton-Highspire (12-2) in the other semifinal.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at bbeckner@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BillBeckner.

Tags: Jeannette