CANEY — Humboldt Middle School football coach Mike Miller was expecting a defensive struggle Thursday.
And that’s what he got, with turnovers the decisive factor in a 12-6 loss at Caney Valley.
In fact, turnovers led to all three touchdowns in the contest.
Humboldt forced a fumble on Caney Valley’s first play of the game, which led to a Blake Ellis touchdown run from 3 yards out, giving the Cubs a 6-0 lead.
Humboldt maintained that lead until a Humboldt turnover in the third quarter led to the Bullpups’ first touchdown, knotting the score at 6-6.
Caney Valley scored the decisive touchdown early in the fourth quarter, by returning a Cub fumble for a touchdown.
“It was a very tough, physical game,” Miller said. “We knew they were a really good team and that we wouldn’t be able to turn the ball over and expect to win. We gave it away four times and good teams will make you pay for it.
“We still did a lot of good things and I’m proud of the way we competed even when things weren’t going our way,” he said.
Ellis rushed for 29 yards and a touchdown. Mason Sterling added 23 yards rushing, and completed 2 of 3 passes for 27 yards. Asher Hart had a 17-yard reception; Conner Sallee’s catch covered 10 yards.
On defense, Kyler Isbell led the way with eight tackles, followed by Chase Demeritt with six and Sterling and Hart with five apiece.
Humboldt returns to the field Tuesday to take on Cherryvale.
