HUMBOLDT — An impressive offensive display, with several scintillating catches and gutsy runs, became an exercise in frustration for Humboldt High Friday.
The Cubs racked up 520 yards of total offense, but was done in by five turnovers, including three that torpedoed would-be scoring drives in a 42-30 Senior Night loss to Osage City.
The defeat wraps up the regular season for Humboldt (5-3 overall and 3-2 in Class 2A, District 2 play) and sends the Cubs on the road to Pittsburg-St. Mary’s Colgan for the first round of postseason play.
“We preached three things this week, and it’s not different from what we normally do,” Humboldt head coach Logan Wyrick said. “We’ve gotta pound the rock. That’s who we are. We’ve gotta eliminate big plays. And you can’t turn the ball over.”
Those big plays and turnovers were pivotal in falling behind 35-6 in the second quarter.Osage City’s Garrett Fager was a key antagonist, running Humboldt’s first punt of the game back 61 yards for a touchdown, while racking up 113 receiving yards and two more scores.
The troubles started early. Humboldt saw six points slip away as Osage City’s defenders wrestled the ball from the Cubs’ Dakota Slocum as he powered into the end zone. The Indians recovered for a touchback, then marched 80 yards in seven plays — their best drive of the game — to make it 14-0.
Another Cub fumble set up Osage City at midfield to set up a 34-yard touchdown from Landon Boss to Fager for a 21-0 lead.
Slocum’s highlight-reel catch from Gavin Page triggered Humboldt’s first scoring drive, capped by Trey Sommer’s 4-yard plunge.
And even though Humboldt forced a three-and-out on Osage City’s next possession, the turnover bug bit once again when Boss returned a Cub fumble 25 yards for a touchdown.
Humboldt came up a yard short on fourth-and-two on its next possession, leading to another Boss to Fager score, covering 42 yards for a 35-6 advantage.
“We can’t dig ourselves a hole like that,” Wyrick said.
Humboldt responded with an impressive drive to end the half. Page connected with Sam Hull for 33 yards on an eight-play, 70-yard drive, capped by Sommer’s 2-yard plunge.
But the Cubs opened the second half with a punt before Boss, who threw for 171 yards and ran for 68 more, connected with Tyler Sage on a 20-yard touchdown to make it 42-14.
But the Cubs did not go quietly into the night.
Page found Slocum along the right side, and Humboldt’s lanky junior eluded a tackle and raced 67 yards for a touchdown.
