Tickets available at Athletic Office for Class 5A football State Finals!

Tickets available at Athletic Office for Class 5A football State Finals!
KHS Semi State

            The Kokomo High School football squad made history Friday night (Nov. 17th) by earning its first-ever IHSAA Class 5A Semi-State title with a thrilling 21-14 win over Michigan City High School.

            The Wildkats will take a 5-game winning streak to Lucas Oil Stadium Friday (Nov. 24th) as they face No. 2-ranked Columbus East High School (13-1) in their first-ever State title game.

            Following Friday’s win, KHS football coach Brett Colby noted: “It just really hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s kind of surreal. I’m just so happy for everyone in this program, for everyone who has made the sacrifices. I’m happy for this team; these young men had the potential all season, we thought, to be a special football team. We were sitting at 2-3 after five weeks, and they finally came together and started playing football like we knew they could.”

            The Wildkats – and their fans who filled the stands – weathered an intense rainstorm and strong winds during the second half of Friday’s Semi-State game. Coach Colby added that he appreciated the support from the dedicated fan base.

            “Wow… thanks to all the people who came out to support the Kats,” Coach Colby noted. “The stands were packed!! Kudos to all the fans who stuck out the rain in the second half to celebrate with us on the field after the game. Also, what a great game our athletes played to win our first-ever Semi-State!”
KHS Semi State

            Kokomo Athletic Director Jason Snyder hopes the Kokomo community will continue supporting the Wildkats at Lucas Oil Stadium this Friday. Kickoff is slated for 7:05 p.m. Mr. Snyder added that Columbus East officials expect to bring 7,000 to 8,000 fans, and he believes Kokomo can rival that number.

            Tickets are on sale from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Kokomo High School Athletic office. Tickets are $15. If tickets are purchased through the Kokomo Athletic Department, $1 from each ticket sold goes back to Kokomo High School’s football team.

            Because of a generous donation, Kokomo High School students are able to purchase tickets for $7 at the high school.

            The Wildkats punched their ticket to the State Championship with a 21-14 win over Michigan City. Coach Colby noted that the Kats’ offense had a very successful night – mixing up its running and passing game to keep Michigan City’s defense honest. Jack Perkins led Kokomo’s rushing attack with 46 yards rushing and one touchdown. Kyle Wade had another great night throwing; he was 9-for-14 with 194 yards and two touchdowns. One touchdown pass was to Jack, and the other was to Javias Grey… Javias’s first catch of the season… and a huge score right before half as the Kats took a 21-7 lead.

            Coach Colby noted that the Wildkats’ defense created four turnovers on the night, and really never gave up a big play. Brody Smith led the team in tackles with 11, and he also had a fumble recovery and an interception. Noah Cameron had an interception as well, and Javias added a fumble recovery on defense. Noah Hurlock was second on the team with nine stops.

            Mr. Snyder credited Coach Colby for the success of this football squad.

            “It’s a credit to Coach Colby, someone who has coached for 28 years,” Mr. Snyder explained. “Brett met with different coaches, as well as strength and conditioning trainers to redevelop what he had been doing for many years, even though he had been extremely successful. The last two seasons, we were defeated by teams that went on to win the state championship, and Coach Colby felt like that was a true factor; he wanted to make sure he gave our athletes every opportunity to make a run.”

            Mr. Snyder also commended the talented and dedicated athletes on this football team.

            “Friday night was another showcase of how strong this group has been, how the leaders have always kept the faith, and how the team trusts in the leaders – both the coaching staff and the leaders on the field,” Mr. Snyder explained. “This group has come together, believed in each other, and put in a lot of work in order to accomplish their goals.”

            The Wildkats will face Columbus East Friday, after the Olympians defeated Indianapolis Cathedral 42-13 to win their third Semi-State. It will be the first-ever meeting between Kokomo High School and Columbus East.

The Olympians won the Class 4A State Championship in 2013, and earned Class 5A State Runner-Up honors last season to Westfield.

Kokomo High School now has won four Sectionals, two Regionals, and one Semi-State, and is looking to add a State Championship this Friday.

“This week is an exciting one for Kokomo as we travel to Lucas Oil to play in the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!” Coach Colby concluded. “I hope our fans will fill our side of the field. By the way, since Lucas Oil opened, Kokomo has played three games in the stadium, and the Kats are perfect at 3-0. I like that stat!”

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