Adelphi University Quill Awards 2022 — 1st Place for Best Sports Story or Column
By FARRAH PARK, RAGHAV PATEL, JACOB SOLOMON and ALEX TANNEY
Despite a tough loss and multiple devastating injuries, the atmosphere of Jericho High School’s first ever football game under the lights was very spirited.
Jericho had a strong start, scoring the first touchdown early in the beginning of the quarter. However, by halftime and after two Jericho injuries, East Meadow led 14-6. East Meadow dominated the second half of the game which ended with a final score of 31-6.
According to Jericho senior and Hawks receiver Renuka K. the team watched film of Friday’s game to learn from their errors and validate what they did well. “We could see where the mistakes were and then we really focused on them in practices that week,” she said.
Though the loss was tough, the fans cheered and the coaches engaged with their players. Jericho’s football assistant coach Mr. Lahti said, “We were a tough team. Unfortunately, we didn’t execute at a high enough level to win the game, but it’s really just about getting our team in the right position to try and win.”
Unfortunately, two of the four Hawks injuries were serious. The first occurred after the Hawks only touchdown. Hawks quarterback Jack Person fractured his fibula while celebrating his touchdown play. Soon after Person’s injury, wide receiver and corner Issac Raphel broke his fibula and tibia. He was escorted off the field in an ambulance and was rushed to the hospital for surgery. The third injury of the night was Hawks center Cooper Kelly who suffered a minor injury and was assisted off the field by Jericho’s Athletic Trainer Ms. Pembroke. Hawks defensive and offensive lineman Roni Mostafa tore his MCL and retired for the remainder of the game, although this injury was not diagnosed until afterwards.
Regardless of these injuries, and even as the lead increased for East Meadow, the home fans’ spirits never waivered. According to Co-principal David Cohen, “It was absolutely an electric night. To be able to host our first game under the lights was really amazing.”
The Hawks had another tough loss at Hempstead a week later, but going forward they will continue training for their next home game against Oceanside this weekend. Jericho senior and quarterback Brandt Morgan said, “We plan to watch film and study Oceanside’s game plan to prepare ourselves. We will keep our spirits up and bring everything we have out on the field for the injured players that are out.”
The first game of the season may have been a loss, but the turnout of supporting community members, students, teachers and parents made the night energetic and fun for everyone. Fortunately, there is still a full season left, and a big game coming up this Saturday at 2 p.m. against an 0-2 Oceanside.
Photo essay by Jonothan Fortunoff, Musa Ma and Ryan Sanders
The Hawks line up for their initial offensive possession of the game which led to their first touchdown. 
Hawks quarterback Jack Person strikes with a rushing touchdown late in the first quarter. 
The Hawks celebrate after their touchdown. 
The Hawks take a knee after a devastating injury to Issac Raphel, who broke his tibia and fibula. He was rushed to the hospital for surgery. 
At halftime, the Hawks were down by one touchdown. 
Quarterback Brandt Morgan takes the snap on a second down trying to gain momentum during the second half. 
Defensive back Cody Whalen makes a tackle on the East Meadow running back. 
The fans still cheer on the Hawks even after devastating injuries and the opposing team’s touchdowns.
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SO EXCITING!! so glad we had such a great turnout 🙂