By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Clear Lake, IA – The Humboldt football team dropped a 25-0 decision to No. 1 (3A) Clear Lake Friday night at Lions Field in week two of non-district play,
Humboldt’s defense repeatedly held the Lions out of the end zone during the first half, despite being forced to defend short fields throughout the game.
“Anytime you take on a team that’s built like Clear Lake, you know it’s going to be an uphill battle no matter what,” Humboldt Head Football Coach Derrick Elman said. “It was really, really impressive to see the toughness and grit. I mean, our defense had a short field all night long and had to work really, really hard and strain a lot.”
The Wildcats trailed just 2-0 after the opening quarter. Clear Lake got on the board with 6:38 remaining in the first quarter when Humboldt’s Cash McIntire lost two yards, resulting in a safety. The Lions added another safety at the 7:28 mark of the second quarter when Humboldt quarterback Caden Fredin was sacked in the end zone. That gave Clear Lake a 4-0 lead, but Humboldt’s defense continued to keep the game within reach.
Elman said the Wildcats’ defense was forced to deal with difficult field position throughout the night.
“It was a close game for a long time and it’s definitely one of those games that was tough for us because offensively we were backed up in the end zone all night.”
The Lions finally broke through with 3:22 remaining in the second quarter. Senior quarterback Jaxson McIntire scored on a two-yard rushing touchdown, with Carter Hall’s extra point making it 11-0.
Just under two minutes later, McIntire connected with Maddon McIntire on a 22-yard screen pass for another touchdown, the Lions taking an 18-0 lead into halftime.
The Lions added the only points of the second half with 6:06 remaining in the fourth quarter. McIntire completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Kysen Lamb, and Hall’s PAT made the final score 25-0.
While Humboldt was shut out, Elman said there were positive signs from the Wildcats’ offensive performance. He pointed to the team’s young offensive line and the need to finish blocks.
“We just got to understand the importance of straining and I can’t stress that enough. That’s what our big thing in practice this week is going to be is just working that little bit longer to get that block.”
Elman believes the Wildcats are closer than the final score suggests.
“I think more than anything is just knowing how close we are and we’ll see it on film. I challenge anyone just to watch that go back on Huddle Fan and watch it and just see how close the kids are because I think you’d be surprised how close we are.”
Elman also noted senior running back Cash McIntire for his effort.
“One thing that I just love just watching his cash, how hard he runs. A one yard run for a typical running back is always a three-yard run for him. A negative yard for the average running back is a two-yard run for him. And it’s just the way that he runs. Always with his shoulder pads down. Always moving forward.”
Friday’s game was another learning experience for junior quarterback Caden Fredin.
Elman said Fredin’s development is about more than simply learning the offense.
“I think the biggest thing for Caden is he’s definitely working into a leader, which is what we need him to do more than anything else. That quarterback has to be that leader out there and I really like where he’s at with that.”
Humboldt will return home next week for its first game at Mason Maach Field this season against Carroll.
The Wildcats have opened the season with two consecutive road games, and Elman said the team is looking forward to finally playing in front of its home crowd.
“It’s always nice to be home and for the kids to be on the road two games in a row. Being on the road for two weeks, it’s going to be great to be back home, be on the grass.”
For several of Humboldt’s younger players, next week’s game will be their first varsity appearance at Mason Maach Field. Elman wants them to embrace the experience.
“Embrace it, man. The first time you run out on your home field, there’s nothing like it. So just make sure you take a moment and think about that moment and just love the heck out of it.”
With the loss, Humboldt falls to 0-2 on the season and will look for its first victory next week when the Carroll Tigers come to Mason Maach Field. Kickoff on Friday, September 11 is at 7 p.m.