Photo courtesy of Rick Thompson
By Alex Benzegala, alexb@977thebolt.com
Cedar Falls, IA – Making their first UNI Dome appearance since 2006, the Humboldt Wildcats started off fast but ultimately fell to state power Harlan 45-19 in the 3A State Semifinals on Saturday night. The script could not have been better written early as the Wildcats took the lead on the longest play from scrimmage this season for Humboldt on just the second play of the game.
The extra point was blocked and the score remained 6-0. The rest of the first half was back and forth with Harlan taking the lead with two touchdown passes to take the lead. The Wildcats forced two Harlan fumbles in the first half but were unable to turn the turnovers into points, but Humboldt’s defense kept the Wildcats in the game with a critical goal line stand at the end of the 2nd quarter to keep the score 14-6 Harlan at the half.
To start the 3rd quarter Humboldt’s defense got a stop and this special teams touchdown by Joe Weydert got the Humboldt sideline rocking.
The 2 point conversion was no good to keep the score 14-12 Harlan with 10-26 left in the 3rd.
Harlan would respond quickly with a 47 yard touchdown pass to make it 21-12 Harlan less than a minute later.
Things started to continue to go south for Humboldt as Matson got intercepted for a touchdown to increase the lead to 28-12 Harlan about midway through the 3rd.
With 3:30 left in the 3rd Harlan got another explosive play with a 72 yard touchdown pass to make it 35-12.
The Wildcats never gave up though and got back within two scores after this senior to senior connection between Matson and Jacob Heier for a 30 yard touchdown.
That made it 35-19 Harlan with 11:50 left in 4th. The Cyclones marched down the field and got a 31 yard field goal on their ensuing drive to make it 38-19 and essentially put the game out of reach. They would add another touchdown on a 1 yard run with 36 seconds left to make it a 45-19 final.
Humboldt Head Coach Derrick says Harlan was as good as advertised but is also proud of his team’s effort against an elite team.
Humboldt’s final record was 11-1, and Harlan moves on to face Boyden-Hull Rock Valley on Friday in the state championship game.