Jeannette, Imani to face off in early-season Eastern Conference clash

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 20, 2017 | 5:24 PM

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There was one good thing about Imani Christian's first loss of the season last week to California, according to Saints coach Ronnell Heard. It was nonconference game.

“We still have our sights set on winning the conference title,” Heard said. “The loss humbled us. We just have to come back and get ready for our next game.”

That next game happens to be against No. 2 Jeannette (4-0, 2-0) in a WPIAL Class A Eastern Conference contest at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Graham Field in Wilkinsburg. Imani Christian (3-1, 2-0) was ranked No. 3 before its 41-26 loss to California, a game where the Saints raced to a 20-8 lead.

“California's offense is tough to prepare for,” Heard said. “But seven turnovers did us in. We have to take care of the ball better and pass protect better.”

Starting quarterback Tawan Wesley was benched in the second half after he threw his fourth interception. Wesley has completed 56 of 100 passes for 1,079 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.

Imani faces a Jeannette defense that has allowed six points in its past three games.

Jeannette coach Roy Hall talked to his players about facing their toughest test since the opener, a 28-26 win over East Allegheny.

“They have a lot great athletes in the skill positions,” Hall said. “At any time they can break a long one. They have a nice quarterback who is mobile and can run, and they have a lot of speed.”

Imani has three players who have caught at least 17 passes: Sam Fairly (413 yards and 10 touchdowns), Rahmon Hart (312, four) and Ray Jackson (310, three). Running back Asante Watkins has rushed for 496 yards and scored eight touchdowns. He also has caught 10 passes for 136 yards.

Jeannette quarterback Robert Kennedy is having an impressive season as a dual-threat quarterback. He has completed 32 of 47 passes for 516 yards and 12 touchdowns and has rushed for 318 yards and six scores.

“The season has gone well with a good win against East Allegheny,” Kennedy said. “This week is a very big game for us.”

Kennedy said the play of the offensive and defensive lines have been a big reason for the Jayhawks' success.

Said Hall: “I think our offensive line has to continue to do what they've been doing. They've gotten better as a unit.

“Our defense line (Jaylen Jones, Jordan Sullivan and Anthony Johnson), I'll put them up against anyone in the conference. Anthony has been a great addition to the team. His motor never stops.”

Kennedy's main targets are Marcus Barnes (nine catches, 136 yards, five TDs) and Tre Cunningham (eight catches, 88 yards).

“They have a lot of talent, too,” Heard said of Jeannette. “It could turn into a high-scoring contest. I believe we'll be up for the challenge.”

Jeannette players said they were hoping for a battle of unbeatens on Saturday.

“You can't be real disappointed, but we were looking forward to playing them (undefeated),” Kennedy said. “They have some great Division I talent.”

Barnes said the team has to stay focused and practice hard to prepare for the Saints' attack.

“We've been focused on them and (No. 1) Clairton all year,” Barnes said. “We just have to play hard the entire game. It's going to be talent versus talent, and I'm looking forward to it.”

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib.

Tags: Imani Christian, Jeannette