The Kokomo Post Sports - Game of the Week: Taylor vs Eastern (Photo Gallery)
Javionne Harris’ blocked extra point and Taylor’s recovery of an onside kick proved to be the difference in the Titans’ 21-20 upset of Howard County rival Eastern (Greentown). The packed Cogdell Field crowd witnessed the Class 2A No. 9-ranked Eastern Comets battle the Class 1A No. 16-ranked Taylor Titans on homecoming night.
Eastern struck first when Isaiah Pickett powered into the end zone on a 3-yard run midway through the opening quarter. After Taylor fumbled on its first possession, momentum looked firmly in the Comets’ favor. But the Titans swung it back quickly, blocking a punt and turning the short field into points. Harris punched in a 2-yard sneak to tie the game at seven late in the first.
The Comets regained control in the second quarter when Gibson Eagle connected with Bently Hullinger for a 15-yard touchdown. Taylor answered right before halftime, as Harris scrambled on a broken play and ran in from four yards out to send the game into the break tied at 14.
Both defenses tightened in the third quarter, forcing punts and trading field position. Early in the fourth, Taylor’s defense delivered a major break. Keyshawn Galloway picked off a pass deep in Taylor territory, halting an Eastern drive and flipping momentum. Moments later, Taylor capitalized as Harris found Drey McClatchey for an 8-yard touchdown pass, giving the Titans their first lead of the night, 21-14.
Eastern wasn’t finished. Eagle led a late drive, converting through the air and eventually hitting Hullinger for a 32-yard touchdown strike with just under a minute left. But the tying extra point never made it through—Harris broke through the line and blocked the kick, preserving the one-point lead. Moments later, Taylor secured the onside kick and ran out the clock to complete the upset.
The win should push Taylor, already ranked No. 16 in Class 1A, into the top 10 when the next poll is released. Eastern, meanwhile, will look to rebound after dropping its homecoming game.
Next up, Taylor returns home to face Clinton Central for its own homecoming, while Eastern hosts Carroll (Flora).
