Thomas Jefferson offense clicking on all cylinders

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, October 6, 2018 | 10:36 PM

Thomas Jefferson senior running back Max Shaw attempted only seven rushing plays in his team’s 56-14 nonconference win at Connellsville.

But Shaw reached the end zone five times — on runs of 23, 6, 1, 24 and 5 yards — and all in the first half. The 6-foot, 190-pound running back/linebacker may have set a team record for most touchdowns scored in one half by one player.

The team record for touchdowns scored in a game is seven, set by Austin Kemp in 2014.

Shaw boosted his season rushing totals to 611 yards on 54 carries (11.3 yards per carry) and 15 touchdowns. He has scored a TD on an average of every third or fourth time he’s carried the football.

Two other offensive highlights against Connellsville were the performances of junior QB/DB Shane Stump, who hit on 7 of 11 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown with one interception; and junior WR/DB Dan Deabner, who caught five passes for 184 yards and one touchdown. Stump was intercepted for the first time this season.

Through five games, the TJ signal caller completed 35 of 54 passes for 849 yards, 12 touchdowns and the one interception.

“The season is going pretty good so far,” Stump said. “We have lots of improvements to make, but overall we’ve started pretty efficient on offense. It’s easy when you have the running capability, receivers, and line that we have. Defensively, we’ve been improving but still need to get a lot better to be able to compete in the playoffs.

“We’re focusing on improving every game, and playing every game like it’s a playoff or championship game.”

Not only is Stump at the helm of the TJ offense, he is the quarterback on defense from his safety position in the Jaguars’ secondary.

“Playing defense is something I’ve wanted to do,” he said, “and getting the opportunity is obviously something that I’m happy about.”

Deabner reeled in 25 passes for 671 yards and 10 touchdowns through five games, averaging a sensational 26.4 yards per catch.

Thomas Jefferson (5-0), ranked No. 1 in Class 4A, was led defensively against the Falcons by the likes of junior linebackers James Martinis and Nathan Werderber, sophomore cornerback DeRon VanBibber, senior end Sean Barrett (two sacks) and Shaw.

Deabner and junior DB Dylan Mallozzi had an interception apiece.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

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