Wildkats' run ends at semi-state
Wildkats' run ends at semi-state
Kokomo turned away by New Prairie, 10-9, with improbable comeback
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Just short. That’s how the key moments in Kokomo’s semi-state bout against New Prairie on Nov. 18 could be described. And that’s how the Wildkats’ remarkable season came to a close.
The 12-2 Kats led, 9-0, going into the fourth quarter but could not stop the 12-2 Cougars from staging an unlikely comeback to win, 10-9, and advance to the state championship. New Prairie put together a grinding, eight-minute drive to score a field goal with less than five minutes remaining, then executed a successful onside kick to set up its go-ahead touchdown with less than three minutes to play.
Kokomo mounted its own comeback charge, but a fourth-down pass from senior quarterback Evan Barker to receiver Keegan Name fell two yards short of a first down, ending the Wildkats’ otherwise incredible season.
The Kats found the endzone in the first quarter on their first drive, with Barker keeping the ball for a short TD run. The extra point attempt was botched, forcing kicker Jackson Seifert-Barnes to scramble and heave a pass that was intercepted. That 6-0 lead would stand through the first half as Kokomo’s stingy defense kept the Cougars off the scoreboard.
The third quarter was no more successful for New Prairie, though they also managed to silence the Kokomo offense. The Wildkats finally scored in the third, thanks to a 35-yard Seifert-Barnes field goal.
Visit the Kokomo Lantern Facebook page and group for additional photos from the game.
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The Kats played a great season, I’m proud of them RLM.