By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Humboldt, IA – Humboldt High School football suffers their first loss of the season as they battle hard against Webster City during Homecoming.
On Friday, Sept. 18, Humboldt Wildcat football hosted Webster City for their fourth game of the season. In what was Humboldt’s Homecoming game they found themselves down early after the first two drives by Webster City going for touchdowns. Still, the Wildcats showed a lot of heart as they battle back but ultimately fell short 21-14.
One thing Humboldt’s Head Coach Derrick Elman addressed after the game was telling his team they wanted to avoid that “feeling out” moment when going up against this physical Webster City team. Coach says he felt they did exactly that which is what led to the two early touchdowns. Webster City went up 14-0 after their first two drives and Humboldt first drivers were a three and out and an interception thrown by Caden Matson.
Momentum changed hands after Humboldt’s defense managed to force the turnover on downs and the offense responded with a quick drive that ended with a Matson touchdown run. The halftime score ended up being 14-7 and the score held all the way through the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Webster City would get back up by two touchdowns (21-7) but Humboldt would respond with another Matson rushing touchdown. With the clock running down and Humboldt trailing 21-14 Webster City was driving with their strong rushing attack but with two minutes to go in regulation the ball was fumbled and Humboldt got the ball on their own six.
The Wildcats were unable to get the tying touchdown after they turned the ball overs on downs during the start of the drive. Webster City held on and handed Humboldt their first loss of the 2020 season.
A complete stat report for the game can be found on Varsity Bound.
Despite the loss there is a lot of positives to be taken from this game for Humboldt. Coach Elman said before the game this is the type of game that lets the team know where they are in the season. He says that Webster City is arguably the best team Humboldt will face in the regulars season. The way Humboldt was able to hang in and keep the game close is a good sign for where this team is at.
Humboldt football is now 3-1 on the season and 1-1 in their district. The Wildcats will get be back in action next Friday, Sept. 24, for a road game against Ballard. This game will be played on the Boone High School field due to the Ballard field being in bad condition followed last month’s derecho.