Valley West .500 heading into the playoffs after defeating Crestwood 17-16 (Video Highlights)

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Jake Mills | October 31, 2026

The Wyoming Valley West Spartans and first year head coach Brydon Rukstalis are .500 for the first time since 2018 after a 17-16 win over Crestwood. The Spartans finish 5-5 and will be home for the playoffs against Hazleton next week. The Comets struck first in this one with a Nathan Ciocco field goal after a very quick first quarter to make it 3-0. Valley West got on the board as Malique Campbell found the endzone from five yards out to make it 7-3. Crestwood, after running wildcat with Jake Jeckell on their first drive, switched to the pass game and threw the Spartans for a loop. Teddy Taylor would find Jeckell on a short pass and he took it in for a touchdown to make it 10-7. On the first play from scrimmage of the second half, Campbell found the endzone again from 65 yards out to give the Spartans the lead back 14-10. After multiple exchanges of punts, the Spartans Xander Jones drilled a field goal with six minutes left in the third to make it 17-10. In the very early goings of the final frame, Jeckell scored his second touchdown of the night to put the Comets within one point. Crestwood opted to go for two to take the lead, but the Spartans defense came up clutch and stuffed the Comets to keep the lead. After strategically running time off the clock and getting first downs when they needed, the Spartans were victorious 17-16. Valley West finishes 5-5 and will host Hazleton in the 6A playoffs. Crestwood’s season comes to an end finishing 1-9 after dealing with a depleted roster all season.