ROSTRAVER TWP., Pa. — Splitting time with another player is always a tough thing to do but as a quarterback where only one can be on the field, it can be especially tough. For Thomas Jefferson’s Luke Kosko, it is no big deal as he just helped the Jaguars lead a comeback victory over their rival Belle Vernon on Friday night, 24-19.
The Jaguars found themselves in a hole at the half as they trailed 19-10 but once the team committed to Kosko as the quarterback in the second half, the offense found some rhythm. On the first three offensive drives of the second half, the Jaguars moved the ball down the field but failed to cash in. On the fourth chance, the Jaguars struck gold, and then later in the fourth quarter, Kosko threw the game-winning touchdown.
“At halftime, we all just wanted to keep our composure, stay focused, [and] come out in the second half better than what we came out in the first half,” Kosko said to Pittsburgh Sports Now after the game.
Kosko’s fourth-quarter 40-yard touchdown pass to Jason Salman completed the Jaguars’ thrilling comeback against the Leopards, but he did not start the game as the starting quarterback as the start went to senior Brody Evans. While it is hard to watch from the sidelines as your team is down, Kosko stood tall and offered all of the help he could to his wingman, Evans.
“I’m reading through defenses,” said Kosko about what he does while Evans is in the game. “I am trying to pick him up and I am trying to make him the best quarterback that he can be while I am making myself better too.”
The Jaguars now move to 5-0 on the season which is the best start for the Jaguars since the 2020 season when the team also started 5-0. The win against Belle Vernon, who was undefeated entering the night, is a quality win that will go a long way for this Jaguars team.
“This win is incredible,” said Kosko. “It gives our guys so much confidence. It’s going to help us so much throughout the year.”
Kosko currently holds offers from two Division 1 programs in Marshall and Charlotte and stated that he has strong connections with both programs. While he does not have anything planned in terms of visits anytime soon, Kosko will continue working in the meantime to become the best player that he can be.
“Marshall and Charlotte are great schools [with] some great coaches,” Kosko said. “I have good relationships with both of them. I visited both of them a couple of times. I’m not taking any visits right now but I am going to be [later.]”
Whether Thomas Jefferson decides to fully commit to Kosko as the full-time starting quarterback or not, he will be there every step of the way as the Jaguars look to contend for the WPIAL title in Class-4A.
