Clairton ready to hit new gear, return to top of WPIAL mountain

By: Josh Rizzo
Monday, August 18, 2025 | 6:01 AM

Clairton senior quarterback Jeffrey Thompson wants to carve out his own space in the football program’s long record book. He thought last season was going to be the moment when the Bears climbed back on top of the WPIAL mountain.

However, Thompson suffered a shoulder injury in the playoffs and wasn’t able to throw the ball. Clairton ended up losing a close game, 21-20, to Fort Cherry in the WPIAL Class A finals at Acrisure Stadium.

The Bears return plenty of experienced players from last season and are eager to again compete for a WPIAL championship.

“I have no choice but to win a trophy this year,” Thompson said. “That would be a big part of my life. I want to put on for my city. I love it.”

Thompson threw for 1,882 yards and 27 touchdowns last season. After Thompson got hurt during a 56-0 first-round win over Rochester, he had to run the offense without throwing the ball.

“It was heartbreaking,” Thompson said. “Everything went downhill. I tried to put it to the side and run the offense without passing.”

Fortunately for Thompson, he will have plenty of help in his quest for a title in what should be a special year for Clairton. After a year playing at Thomas Jefferson while its field was constructed, the Bears will have their first season on the turf at Tyler Boyd Stadium.

Clairton will host Imani Christian in a nonconference game to open the season.

“We are going to be even faster on turf,” Clairton coach Wayne Wade said. “We were already fast. It’s going to be exciting.”

Clairton’s defense will drive the show again this year. The Bears will return eight starters on defense. During Clairton’s 13-1 season last year, the Bears recorded 10 shutouts, including all three of their playoff wins.

“We are only looking to plug a couple of holes,” Wade said. “We are looking to do the same thing: play fast and dominate. It gives us a better chance to win. The kids are excited about it this year. Everyone knows what we want to do and understands the scene.”

Sophomore linebacker/wide receiver Brandon Murphy turned heads last season. He finished with 102 total tackles and nine sacks.

Mike Ruffin (linebacker), Taris Wooding (cornerback), Tahvaz Armstrong (defensive end), Darren Pinson (linebacker), Deon Pompey (linebacker), Avaughn Pompey (defensive tackle) and Donte Wright (cornerback) are the other returning starters on defense.

Defensive lineman Chad Carpenter and cornerback Jaece Booker will also be key contributors.

Murphy, Ruffin and Wooding will both be top targets for Thompson in the passing game. Deon Pompey will be counted on to play a major role in the running game.

Thompson is excited to see what this group of 10 seniors can do. They feel they have unfinished business.

“We have been playing for each other since we were 5 years old,” Thompson said. “We bond together well. Our team is stronger and we play together. We aren’t worried about other teams.”

Clairton

Coach: Wayne Wade

2024 record: 13-1, 7-0 in Class A Eastern Conference

All-time record: 738-364-41

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.22 Imani Christian Academy, 7

8.29 Serra Catholic, 7

9.5 Shady Side Academy, 7

9.12 at Greensburg Central Catholic*, 7

9.19 Frazier*, 7

9.26 at Jeannette*, 7

10.3 Springdale*, 7

10.10 Leechburg*, 7

10.18 at Riverview*, noon

10.24 at Brentwood*, 7

*Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Jeffrey Thompson

94-148, 1,882 yards, 27 TDs

Rushing: Drahcir Jones*

142-1,421 yards, 24 TDs

Receiving: Taris Wooding

25-560 yards, 6 TDs

*Graduated

FAST FACTS

• Clairton will debut its new turf at Tyler Boyd Stadium this season.

• The Bears won the most recent of their 19 WPIAL football championships in 2019.

• Clairton lost to Fort Cherry, 21-20, in the WPIAL Class A championship game last season.

Tags: Clairton