Patriots host Wildkats for sectional Friday

Kokomo Wildkats

Kokomo, 7-2

Coach: Austin Colby, fourth year (sixth overall)

Conference: North Central

Last week at Lafayette Jefferson: The Bronchos spoiled Kokomo’s season finale by handing them a 34-21 loss. The Wildkats gave up five passing touchdowns as freshman Trysten Barrett torched them for 251 yards on 8-of-17 passing without an interception.

Season leaders: Passing — Reis Beard – 27-of-45 for 466 yards and four TDs. Rushing — Beard – 100 carries for 649 yards and 12 TDs, Darrian Story Jr. – 84 carries for 446 yards and five TDs, Tracy Dowling – 54 carries for 269 yards and three TDs. Receiving — Andrew Barker – 14 receptions for 226 yards and two TDs.

at

Jay County Patriots 

Portland, 4-5 (2-4)

Coach: Grant Zgunda, third year (26th overall)

Conference: Allen County

Last week at Heritage: The Patriots’ defense kept them in the game as the offense struggled against Heritage in a 28-6 loss. Jay County only managed 29 yards of offense in the first half before finishing with 173 total yards. Jay County broke through with a 25 yard run from Bryce Wenk with just under eight minutes left in the game.

Season leaders: Season leaders: Passing — Sean Bailey – 46-of-90 for 740 yards and 10 TDs. Rushing — A.J. Myers – 194 carries for 901 yards and 11 TDs. Receiving — Justin DeHoff – 12 receptions for 317 yards and four TDs. Defense — Garrett Bennett – 60 tackles and five for a loss.

Last meeting: The last time Jay County and Kokomo  met in football was in the 1994 sectional opener, with the Patriots losing 42-6. The Patriots came in wanting to stop Kokomo’s run game and the Wildkats’ quarterback Troy Stiner responded with three first-half touchdowns. The Wildkats finished the game with more passing and rushing yards than Jay County in the game. The Patriots’ sole touchdown came in the final 10 seconds when Spencer Ritchie threw a six-yard pass to Andy Mitchell. Kokomo won the first three quarters while tying Jay County in the fourth.

Game notes: Jay County has lost five straight sectional openers, with its last tournament victory coming by a 22-21 score over Logansport in the 2017 opening round. It has dropped its four three sectional openers by a combined 188-7. ... Jay County 0-3 all time against Kokomo. They most recently played in the 1994 sectional opener as well as 1984 and 1985. ... The Wildkats made it to the semi-state game falling just short as new Prairie beat them 10-9. ... CalPreps.com lists Kokomo as a 32-point favorite.