BY MARCUS KRANZ ’27
The end of the Jericho Jayhawks’ football season was one that nobody could foresee: forfeiture. The 2026-2027 team looked forward to spending another season together, but unfortunately, injuries and the unavailability of eligible players meant the season would be cancelled after 2 played games.
Forfeiting the season required a great deal of deliberation. Jericho’s Athletic Director Mr. Brett Kornblum explained that ending the season was difficult. “This was definitely not an easy decision,” said Mr. Kornblum. “We were hoping that we could make it through the season, as it’s the last time [seniors] were going to wear the Jericho football uniform.”
The Jayhawks’ season got off to a difficult start when Jericho had to forfeit their season opener against New Hyde Park due to being unable to field a full roster of eligible players cleared for contact. Jericho then fell to Roosevelt 29-6. During this game, Quarterback Austin Weiss ’27 tore his ACL, rendering him ineligible for the remainder of the season. Jericho then played Hicksville during the Jayhawks’ Homecoming and Senior Night game. The Jayhawks fell to Hicksville 35-8, with Jake Morgan ’27 sustaining a season-ending concussion. Ultimately, after the Hicksville game, the team could not continue the season safely.
Mr. Kornblum emphasized that player safety is of the utmost priority at Jericho, adding that the district hopes to rebuild the program and bring football back to Jericho in the future. “There are many teams in Long Island that currently have low numbers,” said Mr. Kornblum. “There are other schools that combine to keep programs alive. We are not alone.”
The district is actively considering options to revive its football program, including ways to increase participation and potentially combining teams with other schools. Reaching out to younger students through events such as the elementary school pep rallies, as well as youth football clinics, could also introduce more students to the sport, encouraging them to join the team in the future.
For this year’s senior players, the season’s early end meant losing the opportunity to play one last game alongside teammates they had grown up with. The cancellation also left players wondering what the end of their high school football careers would have looked like. Zach Spivak ’27 said he never expected his final season to end prematurely. “It’s honestly really upsetting to know that I’ll never be able to put on the uniform again,” said Spivak, “I always knew my senior season would have to come to an end. I never expected it to be like this. It’s hard knowing that I’ll never be able to get out on that field again, but I’m proud of all the memories I’ve made and all the fun I’ve had throughout the years.”
While the players are disappointed, Coach Brendan Lahti believes that the program can still move forward with support from the district, coaches, players, parents, and the community. Coach Lahti said, “Rebuilding Jericho football will take time, commitment, accountability, and a collective effort from everyone involved.” He also said that the goal in rebuilding is to create a sustainable program. “The goal should be to establish a sustainable program that young athletes want to be part of, where players develop not only as football players but also as teammates and individuals,” said Coach Lahti. “Success should ultimately be measured by more than wins and losses. It should include participation, commitment, sportsmanship, team unity, and the pride that comes with wearing the Jericho uniform.”
The 2026 season did not end how anyone would have hoped. But now, the focus shifts to what comes next, and the Athletic Department, under Mr. Kornblum’s leadership is already planting the seeds for rebuilding.
As Coach Lahti reiterated, rebuilding won’t happen overnight, but with honest reflection, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to improvement, Jericho football can work toward a stronger future. While the community works toward bringing the program back, Jericho certainly hopes that the Jayhawks football program won’t fly away forever.
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