HUMBOLDT — On a night when points were at a premium, Humboldt High’s defense rose to the challenge repeatedly Friday.
The Cubs, hosting Council Grove to open the district portion of its Class 2A season, intercepted Council Grove quarterback Ace Monihen three times, including a pair of key second-half turnovers to seal a 14-7 victory.
The win keeps Humboldt perfect on the season at 4-0, and 1-0 in Class 2A, District 2 play. A team’s district record determines postseason playoff matchups.
Defense was the name of the game for both teams.
Humboldt came up dry on three crucial first-half scoring opportunities, twice turning the ball over on downs deep in Council Grove territory. A third scoring chance was snuffed out when the Braves’ Braun Frye intercepted a Blake Ellis pass at the Council Grove 17 with less than a minute left in the second quarter.
Council Grove then took the early lead in the third quarter with its only score of the game, a 2-yard Monihen keeper, for a 7-0 lead.
Humboldt didn’t take long to respond.
The Cubs marched 63 yards on their ensuing drive, capped by sophomore Mason Sterling’s 4-yard run. Cole Mathes tacked on the 2-point conversion, giving Humboldt an 8-7 lead.
Barely a minute later, Humboldt’s Asher Hart intercepted a Monihen pass and rambled 22 yards to the end zone for a 14-7 Cub advantage.
The defenses held court the rest of the way.
Humboldt didn’t flinch after losing a fumble late in the third, stuffing Council Grove on four straight plays without allowing a first down.
The teams traded punts for much of the fourth quarter until the Braves mounted their final challenges.
Council Grave made it to midfield before turning the ball over on downs with about 2 minutes left on the clock. Humboldt, however, could not convert a first down and punted the ball back with under a minute left.
Back-to-back Monihan passes pushed the Braves to the Cub 24, before Humboldt’s Logan Page ended the threat — and the game — with an interception at the Humboldt 15.
Mathes paced Humboldt’s rushing attack with 86 yards on 15 carries. Ellis rushed for 73 yards and threw for 26 more. Sterling and Sam Hull rushed for 27 and 25 yards, respectively. Hull also had three catches covering 24 yards. Hart had a 26-yard reception. Mathes pulled in a catch covering 11 yards.
