McKEESPORT, Pa. — The Thomas Jefferson Jaguars ended the McKeesport Tigers’ bid at an undefeated season with a 20-10 road victory on Friday, Oct 28.
McKeesport’s offense sputtered after an early touchdown, allowing the Jaguars to take control.
Thomas Jefferson won the coin toss and deferred. McKeesport cashed in a 7-0 lead soon after with a 62 yard touchdown run by Jahmil Perryman.
The Jaguars’ defense fared better on the next drive, as they forced a turnover on downs.
Thomas Jefferson’s offense picked it up thanks to a trio of passes from quarterback Brody Evans to wide receiver Sean Sullivan, including two third-down conversions and a 32-yard touchdown grab. A blocked extra point held the score to 7-6.
The Jaguars got the ball back after a three-and-out, but their drive ended deep in Tigers’ territory when free safety Bobbie Boyd picked off a pass at the 5-yard line.
McKeesport nearly went the distance, killing 7:54 of clock on a 17-play ensuing drive. The Tigers drove to the 1-yard line before settling for a field goal with .7 seconds left in the half that made it 10-6.
Thomas Jefferson took a 13-10 lead 50 seconds into the third quarter on a 75-yard touchdown catch by Sullivan, who ran to the end zone untouched.
The next three drives ended with fumbles. The Jaguars returned a McKeesport fumble to the 14 before coughing the ball up themselves at the 6. McKeesport managed just three yards before returning the favor, giving Thomas Jefferson a chance to blow the game open with the ball at the Tigers’ 9.
The Tigers forced a turnover on downs before another three-and-out. A short punt to their own 27 put the Jaguars in striking distance once again.
Boyd picked off another fourth down pass at the 5, returning it near midfield.
After a third down sack and a blocked punt, the Jaguars got the ball at the McKeesport 30. McKeesport stood Thomas Jefferson up at the goal line to get the ball back, but a mishandled exchange in the end zone resulted in a touchdown for junior linebacker Elias Lippincott that made it 20-10 with 4:33 to play.
Thomas Jefferson (7-3) and McKeesport (9-1) each get a share of the conference title. Both teams will advance into the WPIAL playoffs.
