By: Nathan Bloechl — [email protected]
Garner, Iowa — It’s hard to argue with results.
When Humboldt’s first team offense sputtered for the better of six quarters — including week one’s loss to Algona — Humboldt head coach Derrick Elman knew a switch-up was needed.
Jamison Heinz, unquestionably Humboldt’s most dynamic offensive player was moved from wide receiver to quarterback last Friday and promptly, things looked different
Not refined in the slightest as a passer, Heinz’s freakish athleticism, natural play-making ability and moxie vaulted Humboldt to a 7-0 win over Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, Friday, the first of new head coach Derrick Elman.
The Wildcat offense mustered -11 yards on their first six plays of the game before Elman made the call to switch things up at quarterback, going away from the traditional Power I scheme, to more of a modern spread offense with Heinz as the signal caller.
“I still think we can be an I-team and run the football when we want, but we needed to make an adjustment” Elman said in his post-game interview.
Heinz finished the game 9-for-15 passing for 68 yards and ran for additional 120 yards and the game’s only score, a 56-yard touchdown rush in the second quarter.
Senior tailback Tyler Vitzhum also made his presence felt, after returning from a one-game absence.
Vitzhum injured his knee earlier in camp, but ran for 35 yards in Friday’s win.
The biggest story, however, was Humboldt’s defense who held Garner to a goose egg, while forcing two fumbles and accumulating three sacks.
The Wildcats held the Cardinals quarterback Landon Dalbeck to just 22 yards on 6-of-11 passing.
Jace Pringnitz led the Cardinals with 157 total yards on 28 touches.
With the win, Humboldt is now 1-1 on the season.
Humboldt will travel to Storm Lake this Friday, kick-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.