The Kokomo Wildkats traveled to sectional host Marion High School and played the Lebanon Tigers in the first round of sectionals in the 2023 IHSAA 3A State Tournament. The Tigers tallied first, breaking past the Kat back line in the third minute of play for an early 1-0 lead, but the Kats tied the match just four minutes later when junior co-captain Ben Herrera niftily dribbled through two Tiger defenders before a third one fouled him the penalty box. Herrera’s shot from the spot tied the game at 1-1, and slowly, the Wildkat possession-oriented attack took over the game. In a game of contrasts, it was the Wildkats who possessed the ball for long stretches, creating shots and corner kicks. The Tigers favored a more direct style, and their physical forwards challenged the Wildkat back line on the counter several times in the first half. The Wildkats created several opportunities to score but were unfortunate not to take a lead into the half. After the half, Kokomo created even more shots, but were unable to crack the Lebanon back line. In fact, the Kats were unable to score off the run of play, but junior Javier Carrera’s free kick from ten yards outside the penalty box, dead center of the pitch, with just under five minutes to play, sealed the victory for the Kats. Your man of the match is Javier Carrera, who leads the team with 11 goals on the season including tonight’s game winner! The Wildkats (6-9-0, 3-4-0) return to Marion on Wednesday for the sectional semifinal versus Lafayette Jefferson at 5 pm. This is a rematch for the Kats who defeated the Bronchos 3-1 in the regular season.