NEODESHA — A sluggish start coupled with an ill-timed penalty late in the contest did in Humboldt High Friday evening.
The Cubs were battling toe-to-toe with host Neodesha High, and thought they had picked up a crucial first down on a botched snap on a punt attempt of all things.
But the first down was nullified because of a penalty, forcing the Cubs to kick, for real this time.
“Who knows what happens if we pick up that first down,” Humboldt assistant coach Mike Miller said.
The Bluestreaks were there to take advantage down the stretch, scoring a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns to win 33-23.
The loss drops Humboldt to 2-1 on the season. The Cubs return home next Friday to host Oswego.
Neodesha got the early jump, scoring on the first play from scrimmage, then again two minutes later to lead 13-0.
The Cubs were scoreless until the waning seconds of the first half.
A botched Neodesha snap on a punt attempt led to a safety with 47 seconds left in the second quarter. Nathan Whitcomb and Trey Johnson took immediate advantage, connecting on a 42-yard touchdown pass with 32 seconds left on the clock to trail 13-10.
Whitcomb scored on a 47-yard run midway through the third quarter and then gave Humboldt the lead for the first time on another touchdown pass to Johnson, this one covering 11 yards.
But Neodesha’s Hayden Dierks scored on a one-yard run to give the Bluestreaks a 27-23 lead with 3:25 left. Justice Baird threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Jake Crawford with 2:05 left to cap the scoring.
Whitcomb racked up 116 yards on 11 carries and completed 7 of 20 passes for 120 more yards. Jacob Carpenter added 23 yards on 13 carries. Johnson had 64 yards on four receptions. Tanner McNutt’s sole catch covered 34 yards.
Johnson and Dustin Prock recovered fumbles for the Cubs. Zack Osborn pulled in an interception.
Humboldt 0-10-7-6—23
Neodesha 13-0-6-14—33
Neodesha – Dierks 80 yd run (Anderson kick)
