HUMBOLDT — Trey Sommer looked a bit more chagrined than anything Friday.
With the game already well in hand, and Humboldt High nearing another touchdown, Sommer had barreled past a West Franklin tackler to secure a first down midway through the fourth quarter.
Sommer’s intention to allow himself to be tackled short of the goal line — in order to allow another teammate a chance to score — was short-circuited when a second West Franklin tackler challenged the burly HHS senior.
Perhaps more on instinct than anything, Sommer buried his shoulder into the Falcon defender as both players tumbled into the end zone.
Touchdown, Humboldt.
Sommer returned to the sideline, with an apology.
“I should have fallen down,” he said.
Instead, it put the finishing touch on a memorable senior night for Sommer and the Cubs, who throttled West Franklin, 48-6, to wrap up the 2022 regular season.
Next up for Humboldt (5-3) is a Class 2A Bi-District playoff matchup Thursday at Cherryvale. The same Cherryvale squad Humboldt defeated 46-0 two weeks ago.
Cub head coach Logan Wyrick cautioned his players not to read too much into Humboldt’s lopsided victory, noting Cherryvale has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.
“We thought it’d be different,” Wyrick said. “They’ve got some weapons. It’s always hard to tell in non-district games what guys they’re playing.”
Nevertheless, Wyrick would be pleased if Humboldt can replicate its powerful rushing attack, having churned out 306 yards against the Falcons
Leading the way was Sommer, who rushed for 190 yards and threw for 40 more on 4 of 6 passing.
As is custom, much of Sommer’s yardage came after he made contact with would-be tacklers on off-tackle runs through the line of scrimmage.
“I like being physical,” he admitted. “I thrive off of it.”
