The IHSAA football state tournament continues this week with sectional semifinal action. Four Howard County teams saw their seasons end in the first round, leaving Western as the county’s lone team still competing for a state championship after earning a first-round bye.
The Panthers begin their postseason run this week with a chance to keep Howard County represented in the tournament. With a spot in the sectional championship game on the line, here’s a look at Western’s matchup and The Kokomo Post Sports’ prediction for the sectional semifinals.
Rankings are from the USA TODAY Network Indiana high school football poll.
Western (3-6)vs Hamilton Heights (7-3)
Western opens its postseason Friday with a road trip to face Hamilton Heights in the Sectional 28 semifinals. The Panthers earned a first-round bye, while the Huskies advanced with a 47-40 win over Mississinewa. Hamilton Heights enters the matchup riding a seven-game winning streak.
The Huskies defeated Western 30-7 during the regular season, using a balanced attack led by sophomore quarterback Lucas Whitaker and senior running back AJ Flanagan. Western’s run-heavy offense managed just 129 rushing yards in that meeting, while Hamilton Heights allowed 299 rushing yards to Mississinewa last week. The Panthers will need similar success on the ground to pull off the upset.
Winner: Hamilton Heights
Western faces a tough test against a Hamilton Heights team that has won seven straight, but the Panthers have a chance to keep their season alive with a strong performance on the road. Establishing the run and slowing the Huskies’ balanced offense will be key to pulling off the upset.
The Kokomo Post Sports will be at Hamilton Heights on Friday to cover the Sectional 28 semifinal. Follow The Kokomo Post Sports on Facebook for updates, highlights and postgame coverage as Western fights for a spot in the sectional championship.
Jay’s Stats
Last week: 2-2
2026-27 sports season: 36-11 (76.6%)
