By AAHANA ARYA, EVA BROWN, ALEX EDELMAN, HENRY ELKOWITZ, LIAM FELDMAN, ALEEZA GANI, ANTHONY HIRTZEL, ACHINT KAUR, JACK KOMSON, JOANNA KWAK, NICOLE LI, JED LIN, JACK PERSON, SAM TAUBES
The Sports Journalism class held its very own high school game day modeled after ESPN’s College Game Day to celebrate and promote Jericho High School varsity football being back as its own team, no longer combined with other schools’ programs.
Accompanied by seniors Allie Lefkowitz, Justin Worst, Austin Reiss and Isabella Martinez, Sports Journalism staffer Jack Komson hosted this new program during Jericho’s Friday Night Lights Homecoming game.
Fans and athletes expressed their excitement about having our own team after 5 years. Quarterback and senior Jack Person said, “It brings a great sense of pride to represent our school and football team and show everyone what we’ve got.”
Tight end and senior Dhruv Modi commented on the strength of this year’s team. He said, “We are a family and we need all that support. That’s really it.”
Head Coach Lahti was inspired by the team’s attitude and the fans’ support. He said, ”It’s definitely something special to have all the fans in the Nest representing tonight.”
The Jayhawks made their entrance with spirit and enthusiasm.
The Jericho community displayed unity when they showed up in big numbers wearing blue and gold and displaying signs of support for Jericho’s varsity football team.
Jericho parent and district trustee Mr. Sam Perlman was very excited about the game. “We are feeling pumped up and ready to go,” he said.
Despite a slow start and a final score of 42 to 22, Jericho had a strong second half. They scored three consecutive touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters without response from the opposing Herricks High School team. Wide Receiver Isaac Raphel took a 26-yard pass from quarterback Jack Person and ran it another 50 yards to the house. Kicker Jordan Perlman followed with the extra point.
The second touchdown was a 23-yard run scored by Brandon “Bubby” Klein, followed by a successful 2-point conversion by quarterback Jack Person.
Jericho defense was much stronger in the second half, holding Herricks scoreless.
Dhruv Modi turned on the jets in the 4th quarter for a 91-yard touchdown that included catching a 30-yard pass from quarterback Jack Person. Jordan Perlman continued his perfect game by kicking the extra point straight through the irons.
Quarterback Jack Person acknowledged the difference in play during the two halves. He said, “The second half was good. Although we didn’t play like we wanted to in the first half, we came out strong in the second half. We threw for two touchdowns and ran for one.”
No matter win or lose, Jericho is proud to have its very own football team back again.