Thomas Jefferson plays keep-away, stops Belle Vernon
BALDWIN – Thomas Jefferson showed why it is a perennial WPIAL: football power as it downed Belle Vernon, 27-0, Friday night in the Class 4A semifinals and held the Leopards to only one first down.
“I always say that TJ is TJ,” said Belle Vernon coach Matt Humbert. “Unfortunately, we picked the wrong time to play our worst game of the season.”
Justin Vigna rushed for 199 yards and two scores on 44 carries to pace the Jaguars (10-1) who finished with 313 yards on 61 plays while Belle Vernon was held to 21 yards on 28 plays for the game.
“I am disappointed in how we played offensively,” Humbert said. “I am happy to see TJ’s defensive line move on (to college).”
After forcing Belle Vernon into a three-and-out on the initial drive of the game, TJ went 70 yards in 16 plays as it took 8:37 off of the clock and forged a 7-0 lead on a one-yard quarterback keeper by Shane Stump.
By the time Belle Vernon got the ball back, there was only 1:21 left to play in the first quarter.
The Jaguars outgained Belle Vernon 70-12 in the first quarter.
After another BV three-and-out, Thomas Jefferson went into clock management mode again to take a 14-0 lead with 2:43 to play. The Jaguars went 80 yards in 13 plays as they took 8:25 off the clock with Justin Vigna scoring from 25 yards out.
Bell Vernon was forced into another three-and-out, and TJ took over at the Leopards’ 38 with 1:44 to play in the half. Two plays later, Stump hit Garret Fairman with a 23-yard touchdown pass to give TJ a 21-0 lead..
Thomas Jefferson gained 190 yards in the first half on 33 plays held the ball for 18:11, limiting Belle Vernon to seven yards on 10 plays.
Vigna carried the ball 26 times for 138 yards in the first half.
The Leopards recorded their only first down with 4:32 to play.
Humbert spoke about his senior class and pointed out Derek Thomas.
“These seniors have been selfless,” Humbert said. “They came in and did everything that was asked of them.
“And someone like Derek, while he wanted to play quarterback, he moved positions because it was what was best for the team.”
Humbert said his team came up short of their goal.
“TJ is moving on to play at the field on the river,” he said, referring to Heinz Field. “That is our goal and we came up short, but I am proud of these guys.”