(Humboldt) Humboldt and Harlan play in a Class 3A semifinal on Saturday. We’ll have the contest on KSOM with pregame at around 6:45 p.m.
It’s the Wildcat’s first trip to the dome since they won it all in 2006. “It’s a special moment to be totally honest with you. It’s something that this community hasn’t had in 15 years. “These kids weren’t old enough to remember anything about going to the dome in 2006 so to see the excitement they have and their parents and their friends has been really special. It was a really fun weekend, but we got back to work on Monday, started watching film, and got rolling with practice.”
Humboldt is led offensively by Caden Matson with over 4,000 all-purpose yards this season and a total of 47 touchdowns. He ran for 233 yards and passed for 122 in their 42-21 quarterfinal win over Independence. “He’s relentless. He’s a competitor, a winner, he’s elite.” Elman points out, “I think the thing that sets him apart from so many others is his ability to lead on the field. He doesn’t care if he’s throwing the ball, running the ball, if his teammates are having success and he’s not, he just wants the team to be successful.”
Coach Elman holds Harlan’s program in high regard. “First of all, I have the utmost respect for the Harlan program and what they’ve done. You don’t think about Iowa high school football without thinking of teams like Harlan. To get the opportunity to play against them is awesome, our kids are excited about that. I think the biggest thing that catches our eye is their quarterback’s ability to throw the ball. He has some really great playmakers. I think this game has the ability to be one of those games where there could be a lot of offense going on.”
Humboldt is averaging 38.5 points per game, compared to Harlan’s offense at 51.5. Defensively the Wildcats give up 15.5 points per game and Harlan allows just 10.2 a contest.
Humboldt coach Derrick Elman:
