Thomas Jefferson hopes to break through against Cathedral Prep this time

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, November 21, 2017 | 8:06 PM

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Winning WPIAL football championships is part of Thomas Jefferson's tradition.

So is playing Cathedral Prep in the PIAA playoffs.

The two teams will meet for the third straight postseason. The Jaguars (11-1) trek to Erie at 7:30 p.m. Friday to play the Ramblers (11-0) in a PIAA Class 4A quarterfinal at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

There's one tradition Thomas Jefferson wants to end — Cathedral Prep victories. The Ramblers beat the Jaguars, 28-21, in 2015 and 30-13 last fall en route to the PIAA championship.

“It's great to be in the state playoffs, in terms of moving on. That part of it is always rewarding. I always say that if we're practicing at Thanksgiving, we're doing well,” said Jaguars coach Bill Cherpak, who became the third football coach to win seven WPIAL titles on Saturday. “They have beaten us the last two years and they are better this year than in any of the previous ones. They are extremely talented. They are good. I think they are probably the best team in the state in any class.”

Cathedral Prep has been ranked first in the state all season. The Ramblers are riding a 25-game winning streak, too.

“We have a ton of respect for their program and the success they've had year in and year out in the WPIAL. I've known Coach Cherpak for a long time, and he's a great coach. To us, this is a great game and a very challenging one every year,” Cathedral Prep coach Mike Mischler said. “We've had a lot of kids who have started since their sophomore year. We were pretty junior laden last year and had success. We have high expectations for this year.

“So far, things have come together pretty well for us. But, this is the second season and you don't get any free passes now. You get only great teams, and you have to be on top of your game every single week.”

The Jaguars' defense has been dominant in the postseason. The unit has yet to allow a point in three games. The squad shut out Montour, 27-0, for the program's eighth WPIAL title. The defense faces a challenge in the Ramblers, who average 49 points per game.

Senior quarterback Joe Mischler leads the Ramblers. The Ohio commit has thrown for 2,772 yards and 35 touchdowns on the season. Seniors Terry Roberts (1,029 yards) and Tyler Oedekoven (962) are his top two targets. Senior Matt Lupo (821) and junior Billy Lucas (626) lead the ground game.

“There's no doubt this will be, by far, the best team we've played all year. There's tons of talent on that team, and they are a well-coached team. They do everything well — they run and throw and play defense. Their special teams are incredible. They are just very good,” Cherpak said. “Our goal, ideally, would be to keep their offense off the field because they are so explosive. We're going to have to pull out all the stops. We need to make some plays in the running game and throwing game.”

Senior running back Justin Vigna (1,823) leads Thomas Jefferson. He had 123 yards against Montour. Sophomore quarterback Shane Stump has passed for 1,496 yards and 24 touchdowns. Senior Garret Fairman is the top receiver with 46 catches for 880 yards.

“I think they have some good athletes. Their running back is very good,” Mike Mischler said. “I think the strength of their team is on the offensive and defensive lines. They get off the ball; they are explosive and they are coached well. They are tough kids. To me, this game is going to be decided in the trenches. I think they have some big dudes on their line.”

Thomas Jefferson hopes it can play an efficient game against Cathedral Prep.

“I think the big thing for us is that we can't make any mistakes,” Cherpak said. “When you make mistakes against a team like that, you can't overcome them. Last year, we had some great opportunities we didn't capitalize on. We have to take advantage of every opportunity. We need to make plays on offense, defense and in the kicking game. We have to make them work for it.

“Our kids are not going to be intimidated. They know that's a good team, and they respect them. It's a tough task, but we're going up there to win. We're not going up there just to show up,” he continued. “There's no pressure on us. They are the reigning state champs, and they are No. 1 in the state and are playing at home. We're throwing everything out there we have.”

Joe Sager is a freelance writer.

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