The Kokomo Post Sports - Game of the Week: Phalen Leadership Academy vs Eastern (Photo Gallery)
Eastern was eager to return to their home field and put on a show for their fans. The Comets hosted Phalen Leadership Academy, a matchup added midseason after Tri-Central canceled its varsity schedule. It didn’t take long for Eastern to make a statement, rolling to a 67-0 victory Friday night in Greentown.
The Comets wasted no time setting the tone. On the opening kickoff, Kaleb Hurt broke a tackle near midfield and sprinted down the right sideline for an 80-yard touchdown return, putting Eastern up 7-0 just seconds into the game. On Phalen’s first offensive play, a fumbled handoff gave Eastern the ball right back, and Gibson Eagle quickly capitalized with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Hurt.
Eastern’s offense kept rolling as Bently Hullinger took a jet sweep more than 50 yards to the end zone, extending the lead to 21-0 less than four minutes into the first quarter. Hurt continued his big night with an interception, leaping to tip the ball before securing it. Eagle followed with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Cody Tarrh, and Isaiah Pickett added a 52-yard touchdown run through the middle of the defense to make it 33-0 after one quarter.
The Comets’ defense stayed dominant. Hurt returned another interception 50 yards for a touchdown early in the second quarter, then Eagle connected with Hullinger for a 65-yard strike down the sideline. Hurt added yet another pick-six, this one from 21 yards out, to push the lead to 54-0 by halftime.
With a running clock in the second half, Eastern continued to execute. Aiden McClurg threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Lavengood, who sprinted down the left sideline to score, and Noah Petty capped the night with an 11-yard touchdown run to make it 67-0.
The Comets (6-1) will return home next week for Senior Night against Sheridan. Phalen (1-5) will host Tindley in its next matchup.
