Wildkats take sectional title

Kokomo topped Mississinewa, 44-13, at Walter Cross Field on Nov. 4

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Kokomo is headed to the IHSAA football regionals for the first time in five years after dropping Mississinewa, 44-13, on Friday night. The No. 7-ranked Wildkats captured their first sectional title in Class 4A, thanks to a strong performance from senior stand-out Evan Barker.

The Wildkats celebrate their first sectional title in five years; the first under head coach Austin Colby.

Barker led the team with 230 yards rushing and four touchdowns. His teammate in the backfield, Junior Story, added a score on 127 yards rushing.

Evan Barker breaks from the line to set up a pass downfield.

Junior Story elevates as he crosses the goal line.

Aside from an early touchdown from Mississinewa in the first quarter, the outcome of the contest was never in doubt. The Wildkats answered with a kickoff return TD from Reis Beard, speeding for 82 yards on the play. The defense then took hold.

After Mississinewa struck first, Wildkat Reis Beard returned their kickoff for a touchdown.

A forced fumble by senior defensive stand-out Shayne Spear set up Kokomo’s second scoring drive in the first quarter, which was all the Wildkats needed to secure the win. The ensuing three quarters only served to demonstrate their dominance.

Shayne Spear strips the ball and turns up field.

Kokomo (11-1) hits the road on Friday to face Columbia City (11-1) for the Class 4A regional championship.

Tracy Dowling sets his eyes on the ball carrier.

See bonus photos of this game on the Kokomo Lantern Facebook page.

Camden Horner (left) and Brandon Bennett (right) team up for a tackle.