Where one season ends, the next ones then begin.

Coach Jared Koskela and the Blue Hawks completed the 2025 season in Eureka on Friday, falling 54-16 to the playoff-bound Lions.

The Hawks finish season play with a 2-6 record while Eureka, at 6-2 the No. 2 seed from the Western B division, will host Fairfield, the No. 3 team from the Northern B, in the first round of the State B 11-Man playoffs Saturday.

Hampered by several injuries late this season, the Hawks played Eureka without starting quarterback Brylon VanElswyk, a junior, turning to freshman Tristan Kelly against the Lions.

“We didn’t play very well up there, kind of got overwhelmed a little at times,” Koskela said. "Our kids played hard but the cards were stacked against us.” Already a little light in experienced players due to injuries and some late-breaking illnesses, the Hawks used up some of their players’ time in a junior varsity game played immediately before the varsity game in Eureka Friday, gaining valuable reps for their younger players but limiting themselves for the varsity game later on.

The powerful Lions took advantage of their advantage in the numbers game to build a big lead early and moved to the regular-season ending win.

Koskela said he and his assistant coaches now turn their attention to next year. “Good football teams happen in the off season,” he said. "When you see who wants to put in the work to get better.”

Blue Hawk senior Mason Park scored the Hawks’ touchdowns in Eureka in the second half, one on a 75-yard run and the other on a 62-yard pass play from Kelly. Hank Stone scored both two-point conversions after Park’s touchdowns.

Park finished with 140 total yards, 78 rushing and 62 receiving to lead the Hawks in Eureka, and Kelly completed seven of 15 passes for 89 yards and a touchdown.

On the defensive side, senior Jason Myers had a team-high seven tackles with three unassisted, Michael Koskela had six total tackles with three solo, and Park had five with two unassisted.

Kelly, Alex Newman, Owen Franck, Dean Williams, Riely Reum and Jesse Buchanan had two tackles each and London Drake and Chase Helvey one apiece. Franck, Williams and Reum all recorded tackles for a loss of yards.

Coach Koskela said Park had the opportunity for another touchdown pass catch early in the game but just missed out on making that grab and score.

“That was good for Mason, making a few memories there,” Koskela said. “I just wish we were able to string some more plays together. After a slow start to the season, Florence rallied late and ended up securing the West’s top seed into the State B 11-Man playoffs beginning this week. The Falcons will host Conard, the No. 4 team from the Northern B Saturday.

The No. 3 team from the Western B, Anaconda will travel to defending State B champion Malta, the No. 2 team from the Northern B.