Jayhawks Aim to Finish Strong as They Take on Rough Riders

BY MARCUS KRANZ ’27

On Friday, October 23, Jericho will host the Roosevelt Rough Riders in the annual Play for Pink game. Jericho enters into this game after a heartbreaking eight-point loss, in which the offense combined for 323 total yards in a game that came down to the wire. Trying to put the tough loss behind them is key for success in this upcoming game, according to quarterback Max Spector ’26. “To start, we need to have a short memory. We need to get off blocks and stop the inside run, and we will win,” said Spector.

On the other side, the Rough Riders come to Jericho with a record of 1-5 and a three-game losing streak, having lost their last contest against Baldwin with a score of 24-14. This is an important game for the Jayhawks, as the teams are separated by just 1.6 power points in the standings, with Roosevelt holding the edge.

Keys to the Game: Jericho will have to stop Roosevelt’s running game, as the Jayhawks’ rush defense has struggled as of late—they gave up 285 rushing yards last week. If the Jericho defensive line can control the line of scrimmage, Roosevelt will be forced into passing situations. Offensively, the Jayhawks will need to continue the effort from last week and finish drives with six. For Roosevelt, they should look to establish the run early and get their ground game going.

Prediction: The offense erupts for 300 yards again. I expect Jericho will lean more on the ground game, as the Jayhawks’ running backs J.P. Wang ’26 and Jake Morgan ’27 find more success running the ball at home than away. Each of them should score a touchdown this game. Max Spector ’26 will account for a touchdown on the ground as well, and he will throw two touchdown passes: one to Michael Moskalev ’26 and the other to Brody Morgan ’27. Defensively, I think that the Jayhawks will have a better showing than last week. Jericho will secure the victory 35-21 with this strong showing.