After a rough start to the season, the Humboldt Cubs may be peaking at just the right time following Friday’s 40-20 victory over West Franklin.
Despite opening the season 1-4, the Cubs (3-4) are one game away from qualifying for the postseason after finishing district runner up at 3-1. But first they must defeat the Central Heights Vikings (1-6) and potentially even their overall record at 4-4.
The Cubs seemed in a hole early after starting quarterback Mason Sterling left the contest with an apparent knee injury. After losing sophomore backup Ty Shaughnessy to a broken leg earlier this season, Humboldt’s fate rested in the hands of junior third-stringer Gavin Gunderman. He did not disappoint.
Gunderman completed 6 of 14 passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown.
Before leaving the game, Sterling gave Humboldt an early lead with a kickoff return for a touchdown, then Gunderman gave the Cubs a two-score advantage after finding sophomore receiver Kolton Handson, who had a team-leading 47 yards receiving on three passes.
Junior receiver Brock Ivy made the most of his one reception after taking it to the end zone off a 35-yard pass from Gunderman.
Ivy also registered Humboldt’s only sack while racking up a team-leading seven solo tackles, which tied freshman linebacker Envy Oberbeck, followed by Gunderman with six, then sophomore linebacker Owen Sicka and senior lineman Harper Dye with five each.
With the win, the Cubs improved to 3-4 overall and 3-2 in the Tri-Valley League.
