Chartiers Valley is off to the best start in school history. Three days from now, the Colts will meet a team that is on one of the most impressive streaks in WPIAL history.

Chartiers Valley (6-0) will play host to Thomas Jefferson (6-0) in FSN Pittsburgh's Thursday game of the week. Thomas Jefferson has won 43 consecutive games against WPIAL teams. The last time the Jaguars lost a WPIAL game was the 2005 Class AAA championship against Franklin Regional.

Since then, Thomas Jefferson's only two losses are to General McLane in the 2006 PIAA Class AAA semifinals and to Lakeland, Fla., in the 2008 season opener.

Overall, Thomas Jefferson has a 21-game winning streak, no matter the opponent. The Jaguars also are trying to become only the second team in WPIAL history to win four consecutive titles.

"We know we're the underdog in this game," Chartiers Valley coach Chris Saluga said. "They're the two-time defending [PIAA] champions. I think everyone is the underdog against them, until proven otherwise."

Saluga is well aware of Thomas Jefferson's streak against WPIAL teams -- and he'll make sure his team knows it.

"Coming into the season, we talked about building our program more and taking steps ahead," Saluga said. "We've been knocking on that door the last two years. We've been second to Thomas Jefferson in the conference the last two years, so that's sort of some motivation, I think."

The winner of the game likely will win the Big Seven Conference championship. Thomas Jefferson has won or tied for a conference championship eight of the past nine years.

"The only time this school won a conference was 1972 and they tied two other teams," Saluga said. "I don't want to disrespect the alumni and the guys who played before. But this is certainly one of the biggest regular-season games we've had here. A win would arguably be the greatest in the history of the school."

It will be the second game Chartiers Valley will play without starting quarterback Wayne Capers, who likely is out for the season with a foot injury.

"We're going to have to play a near-perfect game to win," Saluga said.

Avella's 22-21 victory Friday against Fort Cherry snapped a 42-game conference losing streak. Avella's last conference win was, coincidentally, against Fort Cherry in 2003.

The Eagles now have a 2-4 record. This is the first time Avella has won two games in a season since 2002.

Pitt quarterback recruit Anthony Gonzalez of Bethlehem Liberty and Penn State offensive lineman recruit Tom Ricketts of North Allegheny have returned from knee injuries and are playing again.

Gonzalez played his second game after missing two contests because of knee surgery. On Friday, in a 30-16 win against Bethlehem Catholic, Gonzalez was 10 of 15 for 147 yards. He also ran for 83 yards on nine carries and intercepted a pass on defense.

Ricketts played Friday against Shaler for the first time since the season opener because of a sprained knee. He played the entire game on offense and also played some on defense.

"We were a little worried about his conditioning, but we played him on defense more in the second half. He made some big stops in the third quarter," North Allegheny coach Art Walker said. "We're just hoping every week his conditioning gets better."

An outbreak of the swine flu prompted Archbishop Carroll to close school Thursday and Friday and to postpone all athletic events, including Saturday's football game against Philadelphia North Catholic.

• After starting the season 4-0, things were looking up for Peters Township. But all of a sudden, a playoff berth seems highly unlikely after the Indians lost two in a row and are in last place in the Great Southern Conference.

• West Shamokin still doesn't have a touchdown after six games. The Wolves, after being shut out by Summit Academy, 37-0, have been outscored, 387-3.

• Rochester quarterback Jasson Adamson continued his accurate season by completing 5 of 7 passes Saturday night against Shenango. He has thrown only 55 times in six games but has completed 40, a 73 percent performance.

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