Sophomore Harry Wikoff will replace senior Keeling Baker next year as kicker on Central’s varsity football team.

“Keeling’s really good; he was a really good kicker, very accurate, and a great role model,” Wikoff said.

Although Wikoff was inspired by his mentor, he is ready to take on the next two seasons as the starting kicker.

“Not to be immodest, but he does have a lot to hold up to. I think that I did a pretty good job last year, but I know he will do great next year,” Baker said. “I have faith in him.”

With intentions to kick at the collegiate level at his dream school LSU, Wikoff thinks that he will be able to meet the standards he has been held to once he replaces Baker. Wikoff made all but one of his field goals and extra points during the junior varsity season.

“It’s definitely going to be different, but it’s more of an opportunity for me to get more playing time and to have fun,” Wikoff said.

Wikoff claims that he was not nearly as good his freshman year, but after a summer of hard work and football camps, he got much better and became nationally ranked. Ringing in at 76th in the national sophomore class, Wikoff has high hopes for next year’s football team with goals to make all of his kicks and to win the state championship.

The 2019-20 football season ended in the playoffs for the first time in seven years and Wikoff predicts an even further advancement in the playoffs for the 2020-21 season. Given the line, quarterback, and running back will all be seniors, a very experienced and seasoned team will take the field.