The Thomas Jefferson (Jefferson Hills, PA) varsity football team will host Central Valley (Monaca, PA) in a home non-conference matchup tonight at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: Thomas Jefferson vs Central Valley
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Central Valley vs. Thomas Jefferson: Non-Conference Clash Set for Friday Night

Two Pennsylvania powerhouses are set to square off this Friday night as Central Valley (0-1) travels to Jefferson Hills to take on Thomas Jefferson (1-0) in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup. Both teams are looking to make early-season statements, but they enter the contest with very different trajectories after Week 1.

Team Overview

Central Valley dropped its opener in a 27-20 road loss, leaving the Warriors eager to bounce back. Despite the defeat, the team showcased offensive potential with 204 total yards and a balanced attack between the ground and air.

Thomas Jefferson, meanwhile, came out swinging in its opener, dominating with a 69-6 blowout victory at home. The Jaguars wasted no time establishing themselves as an offensive force, piling up 253 total yards and scoring 27 points in the first quarter alone.

Rankings Snapshot

• Central Valley (0-1): National Rank 1,493 | Pennsylvania Rank 49 | Class 2

• Thomas Jefferson (1-0): National Rank 955 | Pennsylvania Rank 24 | Class 3

The Jaguars currently hold the edge both statistically and in early-season momentum.

By the Numbers: Scoring Averages

• Central Valley: 20.0 points per game (7 in Q1, 10 in Q2, 3 in Q3)

• Thomas Jefferson: 69.0 points per game (27 in Q1, 28 in Q2, 14 in Q3)

While Central Valley has struggled to finish games, Thomas Jefferson’s high-powered offense has proven it can put contests out of reach early.

Key Statistical Comparisons

• Rushing Yards Per Game: TJ 165.0 | CV 124.0

• Passing Yards Per Game: TJ 88.0 | CV 80.0

• Total Yards Per Game: TJ 253.0 | CV 204.0

• Tackles Per Game: CV 103.0 | TJ 38.0

• Sacks Per Game: CV 5.0 | TJ 2.0

Central Valley’s defense has shown it can pressure quarterbacks, averaging five sacks per game. However, Thomas Jefferson’s balanced offense and ability to score quickly will be a major test.

Players to Watch

Central Valley Warriors

• Ethan Ondrusek (#21, RB) – 44 rushing yards per game

• Braddock Ambrose (#8, QB) – 80 passing yards, 99 total yards per game

• Aaron Lawson (#9, WR) – 43 receiving yards per game

• Timothy McElhaney (#51, LB) – 8.0 tackles per game

Thomas Jefferson Jaguars

• Tyler Eber (#30, RB) – 123 rushing yards, 142 total yards per game

• Harrison Kolling (#11, QB) – 76 passing yards per game

• Jaxon Kolling (#23, WR) – 28 receiving yards per game

• Zach Villa (#6, LB) – 4 tackles per game

• Ty Betler (#24, DL) – 1 sack per game

What’s at Stake

For Central Valley, this game is about proving they can compete with one of the top Class 3 programs in the state after a tough opening loss. Limiting mistakes and sustaining drives will be crucial if they want to keep pace with the Jaguars.

For Thomas Jefferson, the challenge is maintaining its explosive offensive rhythm against a defense that racks up tackles and can collapse the pocket. Another big win could push the Jaguars further up the state rankings and solidify them as early contenders.

The Bottom Line

This matchup pits Central Valley’s grit and defensive pressure against Thomas Jefferson’s firepower and efficiency. If the Warriors can slow down the Jaguars’ first-half scoring surge, this could turn into a competitive battle. Otherwise, Thomas Jefferson has the tools to pull away quickly once again.