Decatur Central beats 5A No. 1 Plainfield: Turning point, top performer, play of game

PLAINFIELD – A one-day delay did nothing to slow down Class 5A No. 8 Decatur Central on Saturday afternoon.

The 2023 state runner-up Hawks (3-2, 3-1) scored first and built a 28-point lead by the fourth quarter with several big plays from junior Kasmir Hicks to upend 5A top-ranked and Mid-State Conference rival Plainfield (5-1, 3-1) on homecoming day, 42-21.

The Hawks’ last loss to the Quakers came two years ago, but despite a 7-7 tie midway through the second quarter, they increased their series lead against Plainfield to 14-5 since 2005.

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Play of the Game: Hicks, who canceled a weekend trip to IU due to Friday’s inclement weather postponing kickoff a day, had two of the game’s most significant highlight plays. Each measured more than 90 yards.

Hicks turned a 20-14 Hawks’ advantage into a 28-14 lead in 12 seconds late in the third quarter with a momentum-shifting 99-yard kick-return touchdown.

With starting running back Fa’rel Carter sidelined in the second half with a shoulder injury, Hicks helped fill in and broke loose for a 94-yard touchdown run in the fourth that gave the Hawks their largest lead at 42-14.

Top Performer: Hicks stole the show and spoiled Plainfield’s homecoming with four total touchdowns. Hicks hauled in nine catches for 85 yards and two touchdowns from Toledo commit Bo Polston.

On special teams, Hicks’ 99-yard kick-return touchdown showcased his athleticism and quickness. In the backfield, Hicks rushed twice for 99 yards and a touchdown.

Polston completed 15 of 20 passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed 11 times for 33 yards.

Turning Point: During a first half that included a combined four touchdowns, two turnovers on downs, three lost fumbles (two by Plainfield), a blocked punt by the Hawks and a blocked extra-point attempt by the Quakers, Carter turned the tide.

With the score tied 7-7 in the first quarter, Carter capped a pair of drives with one touchdown run of 23 yards and another covering four yards to give the Hawks a 20-7 lead with 1:27 left until halftime.

Carter finished with 123 yards rushing, two touchdowns and one lost fumble on 13 carries. Prior to Carter’s go-ahead touchdown run, he gained 15 and 32 yards on two of three carries during the drive before putting Decatur Central ahead 14-7 with a 23-yard score.

In between both scores, the Hawks recovered their second fumble on defense – both by junior Braylon Morris, who was ejected late in the second half due to unsportsmanlike conduct.

Decatur Central 42, Plainfield 21

DC – Kasmir Hicks 4 pass from Bo Polston (Ashton Vogel kick)

P – Luke Starnes 4 run (Leo Heyob kick)

DC – Fa’rel Carter 23 run (Vogel kick)

DC – Carter 4 run (kick blocked)

P – Starnes 12 run (Heyob kick)

DC – Hicks 99 kick return (2pt good)

DC – Hicks 12 pass from Polston (Vogel kick)

DC – Hicks 94 run (Vogel kick)

P – Westyn Weyrich 2 run (Heyob kick)

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Decatur Central beats 5A No. 1 Plainfield: Turning point, top performer, play of game