By: Matt Scher, [email protected]
Spencer, IA – The Humboldt Wildcats football team opened the season with a 27-10 win over the Spencer Tigers in non-district play at Spencer’s Dale Norton Field Friday night. The Wildcats registered their second consecutive win against Spencer after a 20-3 win to open the season last year.
After both teams were forced to punt on their first few possessions, the Wildcats found the end zone on third down and nine on their own 27-yard-line as senior quarterback Coen Matson found senior tight end Keegan Groat for a 73-yard touchdown reception. The extra point was missed by placekicker Karson Rubel, giving Humboldt the 6-0 lead with 1:35 left in the first quarter.
The Spencer Tigers would take the lead with 3:57 left in the second stanza, as senior quarterback Cael Bruning connected with senior Preston Pitts on a 27-yard touchdown reception. A Brady Vreeman extra point gave the Tigers a 7-6 lead.
On the ensuing kickoff, Chase Flaherty would take find a seam on the right hashmarks to return the kick 88 yards for a touchdown to give the Wildcats the lead for good. Rubel would convert on the PAT, giving Humboldt the 13-7 lead. The Tigers would cut into the Wildcats lead as Vreeman drove a 30-yard field goal attempt through the uprights, as Humboldt led 13-10 going into halftime.
Both teams were held scoreless in the third quarter, with Humboldt adding insurance in the fourth quarter on a seven-yard rushing touchdown by Matson and a one-yard rushing touchdown by Trey Al-Hameed. Al-Hammed’s score came with 4:41 left in regulation to give Humboldt a 27-10 lead.
Humboldt is set to host the Ballard Bombers in week two of non-district play in their home opener on Friday, Sept. 6, at Mason Maach Field. Kickoff for the Bombers-Wildcats is at 7:00 p.m.