HUMBOLDT — A loaded Humboldt High lineup ran roughshod over its opponents in 2023, with the Cubs advancing to the state quarterfinals for the fourth time in the past six years.
As expected, the Humboldt squad racked up plenty of individual honors along the way, with a whopping 12 players earning some form of Tri-Valley League or Class 2A district recognition — 33 different positions in all.
Among the standouts was senior wide receiver and defensive end Sam Hull, who earned first-team All-Tri-Valley League and unanimous first-team all-district honors as both receiver and lineman.
Hull compiled 814 yards receiving and nine touchdowns through the air, averaging more than 15 yards a catch. He also rushed for 128 yards and two more touchdowns. He also was dynamic on the defensive side, racking up 58 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Oh, and he also earned honorable mention All-League and second-team all-district recognition as a kicker, while throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass on offense.
FELLOW senior Garren Goodner earned first-team All-League honors at both offensive and defensive lines. He was a unanimous all-district offensive line lineman and earned honorable mention for his work on the defensive line at the district level.
Goodner had 38 tackles on defense. He also rushed for a pair of touchdowns and three for another on offense.
KYLER ISBELL, junior, received first-team All-League and all-district honors at both offensive line and linebacker. His all-district linebacking honor came via unanimous vote.
His 93 tackles led the Cubs with an interception. Offensively, he registered eight pancake blocks on the season.
JUNIOR running back Cole Mathes earned first-team All-League and all-district honors, rushing for nine touchdowns and 784 yards. He also had 12 receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown.
Mathes racked up 49 tackles with an interception and two fumble recoveries defensively, good enough to earn him second-team all-district recognition at linebacker.
JUNIOR quarterback Blake Ellis earned first-team All-League recognition and second-team all-district honors at quarterback. He threw for 1,558 yards, while rushing for 1,212 with a combined 33 touchdowns rushing or passing.
JUNIOR Logan Page showed his versatility at both the line and skill positions.
He earned unanimous first-team all-district honors as a utility player, second-team all-district honors at defensive line and honorable mention All-League recognition at the offensive line.
He rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns and had eight receptions for 91 yards, none more clutch than a highlight-reel catch to secure the 2A regional win over Riverton in the postseason playoffs.
