Imani Christian, Jeannette to battle for top spot in Class A

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 | 9:03 AM

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There are a lot of big football games this weekend around Western Pennsylvania.

Pitt-Penn State, Steelers- Browns, Belle Vernon-Thomas Jefferson, Norwin-Hempfield, Yough-Mt. Pleasant and Central Catholic-North Allegheny to name a few.

But the biggest game in central Westmoreland County on Friday will be played at McKee Stadium in Jeannette, where the top teams in Class A will square off — No. 2 Imani Christian and No. 1 Jeannette.

While first place in the Eastern Conference and Class A overall will be on the line, Imani Christian coach Ronnell Heard and Jeannette coach Roy Hall know the bigger prize will be up for grabs in November.

Jeannette (2-0, 1-0) defeated Imani Christian (2-0, 1-0) twice in 2017 — 54-36 during the regular season and 35-34 in the WPIAL final.

“I have all the respect for Coach Hall and what he’s done at Jeannette,” Heard said. “They have a rich and deep tradition and they always have a great group of athletes.

“It’s going to be a test for both teams to see how we are at this time of the season. Obviously, this would be a better game later in the season when both teams have worked out the kinks.”

Imani has looked impressive in its two games: an 80-6 win against Richard Wright Charter of Washington, D.C. and a 38-0 heat-shortened win against Springdale on Saturday.

Jeannette also posted a couple of satisfying wins — a 32-12 victory against East Allegheny and a 38-0 beating of Leechburg on Friday.

“No matter what happens Friday, both teams want the bigger prize in November,” Heard said. “But no doubt, a win on Friday is big.”

Jeannette linebacker Zach Berginc said the Jayhawks have to start better than in the first two games. More than 100 yards in penalties in Week 1 also slowed the Jayhawks.

“We have to touch up on some things,” Berginc said. “Things we have been doing wrong, we have to do them right. We can’t have any mistakes against them because they’re a real good football team.”

Imani has some dangerous offensive weapons who will test the mettle of the Jeannette defense. Quarterback Israel Reed has completed 20 of 34 passes for 575 yards and nine touchdowns.

His main target is Ball State recruit R.J. Hart, who has 11 catches for 324 yards and six touchdowns. Dashaun Wright has six catches for 202 yards and six touchdowns. Jaron Thompson is the leading rusher with 143 yards and two scores.

“They have an oversized line and a lot of skill on their team,” Hall said. “They feel they have a chip on their shoulder because they lost to us by a point in the championship game, and they feel like they should have won.

“As a coach, you’re happy with a victory but you’re never satisfied. We still have a lot of work to do. This is the third game, and sometimes the third time is the charm.”

Both coaches, barring any injuries in practice this week, said the teams are healthy and will be ready to go.

Heard said he’s excited to play on a Friday night after back-to-back Saturday contests and hopes the temperature is a little cooler. The Saints game last weekend was stopped at halftime because of unbearable temperatures.

“McKee Stadium is a great place, and I’m sure their fans from the town will pack it,” Heard said. “We’re excited about playing them. Even though our game was stopped because of the temperatures, I felt we got good work in.

“My worry is about all the talented players at Jeannette: Marcus Barnes and Seth Howard. I’m sure it’s going to be a great game.”

Barnes said everyone has to step up to beat Imani.

“The captains have to be leaders, and everyone has to contribute,” Barnes said. “We have to work hard and correct our mistakes.”

Junior linebacker Justin Cramer added: “We have to get better at every practice. We have to keep working so we can meet our goals.”

Howard has completed 14 of 30 passes for 238 yards and four touchdowns this season. He has connected with five receivers, with Jackson Pruitt leading the way with five catches for 132 yards. Isaiah Winters has four catches for 43 yards and Barnes has two catches for 42 yards.

Imani Sanders leads the ground attack with 139 yards.

As Hall addressed his players before Tuesday’s practice, he told them one team will walk out of McKee Stadium with its first loss of the season. He doesn’t want it to be the Jayhawks.

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib.

Tags: Imani Christian, Jeannette