By Chris Harlan
TTM News Wire Services
The referee held his hands a few inches apart.
Facing fourth and inches at its own 40, that’s the distance Thomas Jefferson needed for a first down late in Friday night’s fourth quarter. It’s also exactly how close the Jaguars were to finally defeating three-time state champion Erie Cathedral Prep.
Thomas Jefferson had an eight-point lead and punting wasn’t an option.
“There was nothing to really think about at all,” TJ coach Bill Cherpak said. “I was on the phones with my offensive coordinator and he said, ‘We’re here to win. We’re not here for a tie. We’re here to win.’ And the kids said the same thing.”
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