Class of 2017 - ATH Zane Zandier (PA) Verbal to UVA | Syracusefan.com

Class of 2017 ATH Zane Zandier (PA) Verbal to UVA

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Thomas Jefferson’s Zane Zandier (23) celebrates his team's 34-21 victory over Franklin Regional in their WPIAL Class AAA semifinal game Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, at Hempfield's Spartan Stadium.
Photo by Barry Reeger | Trib Total Media


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By Kevin Gorman | Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, 9:36 p.m.

Zane Zandier has played many starring roles for Thomas Jefferson this season, from wildcat quarterback to sure-handed receiver.

The one that helped the Jaguars win their first WPIAL Class AAA title since 2008 came on the other side of the ball.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound junior free safety made a team-high seven tackles (six solo) in the 20-7 victory over defending champion Central Valley at Heinz Field.

His coverage against the Warriors' pass game was priceless.

“The biggest thing that stood out is we were not able to get anything over the top,” Central Valley coach Mark Lyons said. “Their free safety played a significant game, as far as getting over the top.”

Central Valley's 1,000-yard receiver, Kurt Reinstadtler, was averaging 24.8 yards per catch and had scored 12 touchdowns. He finished with eight catches for 88 yards, only two longer than 10 yards.

“A lot of their touchdowns were big plays,” Zandier said. “Playing over the top, I knew if I reduced the big play we'd have a good chance of winning.”

While Zandier also had three catches for 43 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown, and returned six punts for 71 yards, he was dominant on defense.

Zandier is the best player the Jaguars have had at free safety since Dom DeCicco, who went on to play at Pitt and in the NFL.

And Zandier proved it by preventing big plays against a passing attack that accounted for 2,300 yards this fall.

“We did not want to let them have a big play in the passing game,” Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak said. “Zane's physical, can play the run, is athletic enough to run and cover. That's a huge luxury to have as a coach.”
 

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