Thomas Jefferson became the first team in WPIAL history to win five state titles when the Jaguars defeated Jersey Shore, 21-14 in the PIAA Class-4A championship game at Hersheypark Stadium on Saturday.
The Jaguars jumped out to a 14-0 lead on first-half scores from Conner Murga on a 3-yard plunge and a 28-yard touchdown pass from Jake Pugh to Preston Zandier.
Jersey Shore responded with a pick six late in the third quarter to close the gap, but Thomas Jefferson running back DeRon VanBibber scored with 5:48 to play to put the Jaguars back up two scores.
They needed the margin, as Jersey Shore refused to go down quietly. The Bulldogs scored with 34 seconds left and recovered their onside kick attempt, but Jersey Shore’s last-second heave was incomplete.
Thomas Jefferson will add its 2020 state title to championships won in Class-3A in 2004, 2007, 2008 and in Class-4A in 2019.
