The Kokomo Post Sports - Game of the Week: New Palestine vs Kokomo (Photo Gallery)
The build-up for the start of the high school football season was high as Kokomo opened a new era under head coach Caleb Small. Small’s recent success at nearby Northwestern, along with his spread offense, had fans eager to see what the Wildkats could become under his leadership.
Kokomo faced a tall task in its opener against defending Class 4A state champion and top-ranked Class 5A team New Palestine. The Dragons, heavy favorites entering the night, wasted no time asserting control on their way to a 52-0 victory. Kokomo, dealing with injuries that kept the team from being at full strength, struggled to keep pace.
New Palestine scored on its second play from scrimmage. Running back Josh Ranes broke multiple tackles before sprinting down the right side for a 61-yard touchdown just 27 seconds into the game.
Kokomo provided a brief spark when quarterback Brandon Humphries connected with Jeremiah Young for a long gain, drawing a loud cheer from the home crowd. That was the only first down of the drive before the Wildkats were forced to punt.
The Dragons answered quickly again. Caden Jacobia broke free for a 69-yard touchdown run down the sideline, extending the early lead. On Kokomo’s next possession, the Wildkats were pinned deep and forced to punt. New Palestine’s Mason Oglesby blocked Adrian Reyes’ kick and recovered it in the end zone for another touchdown.
The trend continued throughout the first half. Ranes added a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by three more New Palestine scores in the second quarter: a 12-yard run from Jacob Davis, a 1-yard touchdown pass from Davis to Cam Rollyson, and a 30-yard field goal from Evan Waller.
With a running clock in the second half under IHSAA rules, the game moved quickly. The Dragons capped the scoring late in the fourth quarter on a 7-yard touchdown run from Ryder Gardner.
Kokomo will look to regroup Friday, Aug. 29, when the Wildkats host Terre Haute South at Walter Cross Field.
