Humboldt opens districts with 48-8 romp

HUMBOLDT — Having to wait three extra days to open district play had little negative effects Monday for Humboldt High.
The Cubs erupted for 34 first-half points to open their contest Monday against visiting Eureka High in a 48-8 win.
The win pushes Humboldt’s record to 5-2 on the season and 1-0 in Kansas Class 3A, District 6 play. The Cubs host another district contest Friday night at home against winless Fredonia.
Monday night’s game was postponed from Friday due to stormy weather.
“We came out and were really efficient offensively,” Humboldt head coach K.B. Criss said. “Our defense did a good job of not giving up a big play against their passing game. We bent, but didn’t break.”
The offense was once again keyed by senior quarterback Nathan Whitcomb, who rushed for 109 yards on 7 carries and completed 11 of 15 passes for 178 more.
Whitcomb tossed touchdown passes to Blake Crawford for 16 yards, Tanner McNutt for 30 and to Noah Thornbrugh for 50 before taking a well-deserved rest in the second half. He also ran a 54-yard touchdown jaunt late in the first quarter.
The Cubs led 13-0 after the first quarter and put the game away with three more touchdowns in the second period.
Jacob Carpenter scored on a two-yard run to open the first-half scoring. Trey Johnson’s one-yard scoring run ended it.
Kason Siemens connected with Robby Sellman on a four-yard touchdown pass in the game’s final minute.
Hunter Murrow pulled in four receptions, covering 52 yards. Thornbrugh had 54 yards on two catches. McNutt had 38 yards on two receptions. Crawford’s two catches were good for 30 yards. Hayden Boring rushed for 34 yards on three carries. Carpenter had 18 yards on four totes.
On defense, Murrow and Carpenter led Humboldt with six tackles apiece. Johnson and Murrow pulled in fumble recoveries, McNutt had an interception. Ryan Gean blocked a punt that was recovered by Whitcomb. Thornbrugh, Johnson, Gean and Sellman each registered quarterback sacks.
While Criss was happy with the win, he was not allowing Humboldt much time to celebrate.
“At midnight we need to put this game in the rear view mirror and begin to prepare for Fredonia,” he said. “We have to bounce back quick with two games this week.”