By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – Ballard handed Humboldt a 14-7 loss Friday night in the Wildcats’ Homecoming game, ending Humboldt’s five-game winning streak in the series.
The loss gives Ballard a 7-4 lead in the all-time series. Humboldt had won each meeting from 2021 through 2025, while Ballard’s previous win came in 2020.
The two teams traded punts through their opening possessions before Humboldt turned the ball over on downs on its third possession. Ballard punted on its third possession, but the Bombers broke through on their fourth trip with 6:22 remaining in the second quarter. Jake Clement scored on an eight-yard rushing touchdown to cap a 58-yard Ballard drive and give the Bombers a 7-0 lead.
Ballard added to the lead on its next possession. Bryce Miller connected with Gage Krog for a 24-yard touchdown with 1:55 remaining before halftime, finishing a 40-yard drive and giving Ballard a 14-0 advantage at the break.
Humboldt’s defense gave the Wildcats an opportunity early in the second half when Ballard’s opening possession ended with a missed 40-yard field goal that hit the upright.
The Wildcats took over at their own 24-yard line and put together their best offensive drive of the night, marching 76 yards. Cash McIntire finished the drive with a five-yard touchdown run with 2:21 remaining in the third quarter, cutting Ballard’s lead to 14-7.
Humboldt Head Football Coach Derrick Elman credited the Wildcats’ offensive line and rushing attack for the scoring drive.
“Every single one of those plays was a run play. Every one was a cold run play. And that’s just a testament to our offensive line and the way they played, the way they adjusted and how they chose to do things out of that drive.”
After a Ballard punt, Humboldt took over at its own 11-yard line and put together another sustained drive. The Wildcats moved into Ballard territory, but the drive ended when Humboldt fumbled on fourth down and Ballard recovered.
The Bombers then maintained possession for the remainder of the game, taking a knee to close out the 14-7 victory.
Elman said the Wildcats’ two extended second-half drives represented their best offensive work of the season.
“I feel like those drives in the second half were the best drives all year we’ve had.”
Despite the loss, Elman said he was proud of the way his players responded throughout the game and the work they have put in during the first four weeks of the season.
“It’s being close, but close stinks sometimes. Close isn’t always fun. Close is uncomfortable. So we’ve got to just continue to work past being close and go get one of these.”
Humboldt closes the non-district portion of its schedule at 0-4. The Wildcats now turn their attention to district play, opening next Friday at longtime rival Webster City.
Elman said the Wildcats have continued to show growth despite the record.
“I really feel like we’ve gotten better. And it’s hard to sit and see that in 0-4 season. It’s hard for the kids. It’s hard for the fans. It’s hard for the coaches. But if you go watch the film from week one to week four, I feel like there’s so many things where we’ve grown.”
Kickoff for Humboldt’s district opener at Webster City is at 7 p.m.