Mason Barta

After a 34-6 win against Royal Valley last Friday the Holton Wildcats were once again District champs and headed back to the playoffs for the 18th consecutive season. 

Helping lead the way for the 6-3 Wildcats this season has been fullback,  Mason Barta, who posted his third 100+ yard game of the year in the win over the Panthers, rushing for 183 yards on just 11 carries with three impressive touchdowns.  Barta ripped touchdown runs of 60, 65 and 20 yards last Friday night, breaking numerous tackles and outrunning defenders on a rain-soaked field. 

On the season Barta has ran fora team high 701 yards on 111 carries for a 6.3 yard per carry average with 11 touchdowns and caught two passes for 58 yards. The senior stepped up his game to an even bigger level during District play as he accounted for 321 yards of his 701 rushing yards and 8 of his 11 touchdowns during those three District wins against Perry Lecompton, Jeff West and Royal Valley.

The All State linebacker's impact has been felt on the defensive side of the ball all year as he is leading Holton is tackles (98) for the third straight season and has two interceptions and a blocked field goal this fall.  Holton has won four straight games and held each opponent to just one score. 

Barta has committed to play football at Kansas State next year to continue his football career, where his father and Head Coach Brooks also starred from 1989-1992.

The senior has brought plenty of leadership to Holton this season and looks to continue his strong play with his teammates as they continue their season in the 4A-Division II playoffs on Friday against Osawatomie in a first round contest.