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By Josh Taylor, School Coordinator
When a team wins back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA Class AAA titles, it is safe to say they have become the cream of the crop. With four league titles (including the last three in a row) and three state titles in the last five years, the word "dynasty" becomes dangerous territory.
But don't tell that to the Thomas Jefferson Jaguars because they don't mind it at all. In fact, Head Coach Bill Cherpak is the only WPIAL coach ever to win three state titles, and he says his team sees success not just as a goal, but now as a standard.
(Head Coach Bill Cherpak)
"It hasn't been a problem," Cherpak said of players getting complacent. "They're very self-motivated. My job is just to keep them together, get everybody on the same page and let the coaches coach and the players play."
After dropping the first game of the 2008 season to Glenville (Oh.) at Wheeling Island, the Jaguars came back home and rattled off 15 wins in a row, scoring an average of over 40 points per game, and allowing an average of just above nine.
In their seven postseason games, their average margin of victory was just shy of 25 points, as they steamrolled Blackhawk, 34-14, in the WPIAL title game at Heinz Field and Archbishop Wood, 34-7, in the state final at Hershey.
Saying this team is dominant is an understatement: the last time they lost a game in Pennsylvania was to General McLane in the PIAA semifinals in 2006.
Some of the key players from last season's championship squad have moved on, including quarterback Tyler Wehner, tight end/defensive end Brock DeCicco, running back Brian Baldridge, and wide receiver/defensive back Dan Virgin. This year's position battles are at quarterback -- where four players are competing -- and at tailback.
(The Jaguars run sprints during their afternoon practice)
"I've been impressed with all the guys so far," Cherpak said. "They've come ready to play, their minds are in the game and they're competing, and that's all I ask for."
But returning seniors Jim Giansante and Ed Hasis are ready to take up the veteran leadership mantle and move forward. They say that Cherpak and the rest of the coaching staff have done a good job of preparing them for the role.
"I think it's just his motivation and the coaching all around," Hasis said. "He's pretty enthusiastic and put a lot of responsibility on the seniors. Every year the seniors seem to step up and that's pretty much what keeps it rolling."
(Senior DB Ed Hasis)
Veteran contributions are one of the critical components of a dynasty. The players say the winning culture starts at an early age and carries on into their high school years.
"Whenever I was younger I always looked up to the kids," said Giansante, whose father suited up in the TJ black and gold 30 years ago. "Now I'm that person, so it's a good responsibility and fun."
Of course, another part of being a dynasty means the attention from other teams looking to end it. It has become a common occurance with the Jaguars, but they welcome it as a positive motivator.
(Senior WR Jim Giansante)
"I think we're really eager to get out there," Hasis said. "A lot of teams think that maybe this year is their year to catch up to us and get back on our level."
With such a big senior class turnover, the task to stay on top may be as hard as ever, but the players say they are ready for the challenge. Giansante says it helps keep them focused and ready to play.
"Everyone loves having that [target] on their back because every game we go to everyone's going to bring their best," he said. "We know if we win, we beat them at their best."
Thomas Jefferson Two-A-Days Video:
One-On-One with Head Coach Bill Cherpak
One-On-One with Jim Giansante
One-On-One with Ed Hasis
2009 Schedule:
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