Penn-Trafford advances to Class 5A semifinals with shutout win

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 10:01 · Archive

Penn-Trafford defeated Thomas Jefferson 30-0 in a WPIAL Class 5A playoff quarterfinal to advance to the semifinals.

Unbeaten Penn-Trafford advanced to the WPIAL Class 5A semifinals with a dominant 30-0 shutout of seventh-seeded Thomas Jefferson on Friday night at Warrior Stadium. The second-seeded Warriors, playing their first-ever meeting with the Jaguars, were hardly challenged and looked sharp after a first-round bye.

The Penn-Trafford offence was propelled by running back-quarterback combinations that produced three hefty touchdown runs of 76, 74 and 85 yards, along with a late defensive touchdown. Running back Cody Yacamelli led the attack with a career-high 223 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, while quarterback Ben Grabowski added 107 yards and a score on 12 attempts.

Penn-Trafford's defence proved particularly dominant. The Warriors' three-man defensive line controlled the game, limiting big plays and containing Thomas Jefferson's attack. Thomas Jefferson had not been shut out since a 19-0 loss to Central Valley in the 2022 4A semifinals.

Yacamelli said after the game: 'I feel like no one really gives us respect. We wanted to come out with a certain attitude, and we dominated them.' Penn-Trafford (11-0) advances to the semifinals for the first time since 2021, when it won WPIAL and PIAA championships.

Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak acknowledged his team's struggles, saying: 'We couldn't block their D-line. Their three-man D-line controlled the game. Everything we did was wrong. Everything they did was right. We couldn't get any separation at receiver. We couldn't throw the ball. When he did go to throw, he has those guys sitting in his lap.'

The Warriors will face third-seeded Upper St. Clair (11-0) in the next round. The Jaguars finished their season at 8-3.

Penn-Trafford advances to Class 5A semifinals with shutout win — Image: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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How it is being reported

Penn-Trafford leaves zero doubt with shutout of Thomas Jefferson in WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinalsUnbeaten Penn-Trafford had some concerns about Thomas Jefferson’s defensive line.TribLIVE · 14 Nov, 04:08
WPIAL Class 5A football playoff roundup: Penn-Trafford shuts down Thomas JeffersonPittsburgh Post-Gazette · 14 Nov, 03:34
Penn-Trafford advances to 5A semifinals behind dominant defensive performance, three key touchdown runsPenn-Trafford's defense shut out Thomas Jefferson 30-0, limiting star rusher Tyler Eber while three long touchdown runs sealed a semifinal berth.PennLive · 14 Nov, 03:32

In this story: Penn-Trafford · Thomas Jefferson · Cody Yacamelli · Ben Grabowski · Upper St. Clair · Bill Cherpak · Central Valley

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