Hiatt’s big night powers Muncie Central past Kokomo, 30-24

Bearcats overcome early deficit, build 20-point lead and stay unbeaten in conference play

Staff Report

KOKOMO — Muncie Central absorbed an early setback, took control with touchdowns on either side of halftime and turned a remarkable all-around performance by Kye Hiatt into a 30-24 Indiana high school football victory over Kokomo on Oct. 9 at Walter Cross Field.

Hiatt caught six passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns, intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble as the Bearcats improved to 6-2 overall and 4-0 in conference play. Quarterback Mason Ferguson threw for 245 yards and four touchdowns while adding a team-leading 66 yards rushing.

The Bearcats’ finish was considerably better than their start.

Kokomo struck first when Cam Smith returned an interception 78 yards for a touchdown with 9:11 remaining in the opening quarter. Muncie Central answered with a 10-play, 54-yard drive, getting on the scoreboard with Tobias Gruver’s 26-yard field goal.

Trailing 7-3 after one quarter, the Bearcats moved ahead early in the second. Ferguson found Hiatt for a 4-yard touchdown to complete a 12-play, 58-yard march. The extra point failed, leaving Muncie Central ahead 9-7.

The defense then delivered an important stand, stopping a Kokomo possession on downs at the Bearcats’ 6-yard line. Kokomo eventually regained the lead on Silvijn Kets’ 38-yard field goal with three minutes remaining before halftime, but Muncie Central had another answer.

Hiatt intercepted a pass at the Kokomo 45 with 1:24 left, giving Ferguson and the offense a short field. Ferguson completed passes of 28 yards to Carlos Echols Jr and seven yards to Hiatt before finding Rexalexander Vargas for a 10-yard touchdown with 16 seconds remaining.

Instead of entering halftime behind, the Bearcats carried a 16-10 advantage into the locker room.

They immediately added to it after the break.

On the fourth play of the third quarter, Ferguson connected with Hiatt for a 53-yard touchdown. Gruver’s extra point extended the lead to 23-10 just 1:58 into the second half.

Muncie Central’s defense kept Kokomo scoreless throughout the third quarter, collecting three takeaways in the period. Justus Allen recovered a fumble, while Hiatt added his second interception and a fumble recovery that he returned 61 yards.

The Bearcats delivered their longest scoring play early in the fourth quarter. Beginning a possession at their own 3-yard line, they worked out of the shadow of their goal line before Ferguson hit Hiatt for an 87-yard touchdown. The four-play, 97-yard drive pushed the advantage to 30-10 with 7:43 remaining.

Kokomo rallied with two touchdown passes from Luke Callaway to Ben Carey, cutting the margin to six points. The second came with only three seconds remaining, however, and Muncie Central secured the ensuing kickoff before kneeling to end the game.

The Bearcats outgained Kokomo 391-245, combining 146 rushing yards with Ferguson’s 245 through the air. Echols contributed three catches for 54 yards.

Kayden Vance led Muncie Central with eight tackles. Jackson Foster added six tackles, including two for losses and a sack. The Bearcats finished with four takeaways and three sacks.

Although 15 penalties for 132 yards and three turnovers complicated the evening, Muncie Central’s explosive passing game and timely defensive plays supplied enough separation to preserve another conference victory.