HERSHEY – Thursday’s 46-point effort in the state championship game was nothing new for Thomas Jefferson.
The 46-7 victory over Dallas left the Jaguars with a final combined margin of victory of 733-69 in their 16-0 season or an average score of 45.8-4.3.
Only Erie Cathedral Prep and Central Valley, the team Wyoming Area will play for the PIAA Class 3A title Saturday, held Thomas Jefferson below 34 points, each giving up 28.
Dallas came into the state final having outscored opponents 659-181, an average of 43.9-12.1.
Thomas Jefferson had championship game team statistical advantages of 19-7 in first downs, 293-60 in rushing yards, 104-59 in passing yards and 397-119 in total offense.
The total offense advantage was 363-61 through three quarters and first downs were at 18-4.
Luke DelGaudio averaged 25.4 yards on his five kickoff returns for Dallas and also led the Mountaineers in receiving with three catches for 32 yards.
Danny Meuser’s 26-yard touchdown on the final Dallas offensive play made him the team’s leading rusher with 43 yards on six carries.
Lenny Kelley had a 10-yard run on his second carry, but was limited to 34 yards on 14 tries.
Thomas Jefferson intercepted Michael Starbuck three times, sacked him twice and made him hurry most of his throws.
Starbuck wound up 7-for-18 for 59 yards after going 3-for-6 in the final drive.
Kelley and Dylan Schuster led the Dallas defense. Kelley had seven tackles and an assist. Schuster had four tackles in the scoreless first quarter and finished with five tackles and two assists.
Meuser and Jack Farrell had tackles for losses.
