The Humboldt Cubs snapped their two-game losing streak while picking up their first district victory Friday with a 28-6 win over Bluestem.
Strong defense and steady scoring allowed the Cubs to build a 24-0 lead before the fourth quarter.
Humboldt held the Bluestem Lions to less than 200 yards of total offense while methodically working their rushing offense as senior quarterback Mason Sterling racked up 120 yards of total offense while also leading the Cubs in tackles with 14 total tackles and 10 solo.
Sterling and junior receiver Gavin Gunderman tied for the team lead in completed passes and passing touchdowns. Sterling hit sophomore receiver Kolton Hanson for a 16-yard TD pass. Gunderman, however, surpassed Sterling in passing yards with 57 after finding Sterling on a fly route — making Sterling also Humboldt’s the leading rusher and receiver and tackler.
Junior running back Layne Wagner had 62-yard rushing on 10 carries and junior running back Broc Ivy had 6 yards on two carries.
Senior defensive tackle Mark McCullough was second in solo tackles with six, followed by Gunderman and Ivy with five each but Ivy recorded the only sack of the evening. Freshman linebacker Envy Oberbeck had four solo tackles and eight total tackles.
With the win, Humboldt improves its district record to 1-1. They improved to 2-4 overall and 2-2 in the Tri-Valley League. The Cubs take on another district foe next Friday, when they host the West Franklin Falcons (0-6, 0-2). Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
