Jayhawks Hope to Close Out 2025 Season on a High Note

BY MARCUS KRANZ ’27

On Thursday, November 6, the Jayhawks will take the field for one final time this season against the Valley Stream North Spartans in their bowl game. The Jayhawks will look to improve to 5-4 on the season, which would be remarkable for this rebuilding program.

The Jayhawks come into this game after a great performance on Halloween night, during which time they beat Glen Cove 33-24. This win included a successful onside kick by kicker Zachary Spivak ’27. Spivak emphasized the significance of maintaining mental toughness and discipline going into this final bowl game. “It is clear that VSN is a tough team to beat, but I believe that this Jericho offense and defense definitely have the ability to make game-changing plays,” he said. “We will need to be smart, focused, and disciplined in order to finish the game on top.”

Meanwhile, Valley Stream North enters into this game coming off a win in a nail-biting 20-14 game against Manhasset. Having barely missed the playoffs, VSN also comes in with a 4-4 record.

Keys to the Game: Jericho needs to start fast and has to convert on every opportunity, cashing in on VSN mistakes, as every possession will matter in this game. Look for a balanced offensive attack. Defensively, the Jayhawks need to stop the run game. The Spartans should lean on running back Izaiah Hill and try to make the Jayhawks’ offense one-dimensional.

Prediction: Jericho wins in a close one, 28-27, as Max Spector ’26 accounts for two rushing touchdowns, Brody Morgan ’27 goes for 80+ yards, Michael Moskalev ’26 has a touchdown, and running backs J.P. Wang ’26 and Jake Morgan ’27 combine for over 115 yards. The Jayhawks’ defense forces a few turnovers and closes out the 2025 season with a victory to cap off one of the best seasons in recent Jayhawks memory.