Photo by Rick Thompson: Humboldt players lift the Highway 169 trophy after defeating top-ranked Algona 21-20 at Mason Maher Field on Friday night.
HUMBOLDT — Derrick Elman’s first reaction to his Humboldt football team’s blowout win over No. 1 Algona on Friday night was simple.
“I’m so proud of them.” Elman smiled broadly.
This year’s showdown at Highway 169 pitted the second-ranked Wildcats (6-1 overall, 3-0 in District 2 Class 3A) against the Bulldogs (6-1, 2-1) ( 108th). two schools.
Humboldt attempted a two-point conversion on a Zane McIntyre interception at Mason Mack Field, making it 21-20 and stopping Algona’s last-ditch rally.
“The players played hard and played well.” Elman said. “They did their job and I’m very proud of them.
“Anytime you play a rivalry game, it’s a big win. To come out on top like that in such a tight and close game makes it special.”
The beginning was like a scorefest. Iowa State football freshman Alex Manske threw about 45 yards for an 80-yard touchdown pass to Evan Earley. Allie completed the rest for the final 35 yards, giving Algona a 7-0 lead.
Humboldt got a 9-yard touchdown run from quarterback Cohen Matson to tie the game at 7-7.
The rivals battled back and forth and remained scoreless until the final two minutes of the second half, when Cash McIntyre recovered a muffled Algona punt inside the Bulldog 20-yard line.
It took the Wildcats six plays to reach paydirt, culminating with Matson’s 1-yard dive.
“We had to take advantage of the little things, and it worked.” Elman said. “In moments like that, we had to step up. We were ready to put the ball on the ground, so we went up and answered.”
Algona wasn’t going to go into the locker room quietly, as Manske would lead the Bulldogs on a 75-yard drive. The senior hit a 26-yard strike over Humboldt coverage to Tate Slagle, sending Algona into halftime up 14-14.
Manske completed 8 of 13 for 159 yards in the first half. Matson went 7-for-11 for 90 yards.
On the first drive of the third quarter, Manske injured his throwing arm and left the game. His sophomore brother, Nathan Manske, took over for the remainder of the game.
“We came out in the first half and struggled on the first drive.” Elman said. “But we played with resiliency. We talked about what we needed to do, sustain drives, get first downs, move the ball and spend time.”
Humboldt’s final score of the night came on 3rd-and-17 when Cash McIntyre ran 27 yards to the end zone.
With less than four minutes remaining, Algona’s defense stiffened, stopping Humboldt on a short play on third down and getting the ball back after the Wildcats turned it over on fourth-and-inch.
Nathan Mansky then went to work, driving the Bulldogs down the field from their own 12-yard line.
With less than a minute left in regulation, Manske hit Slagle at the 8-yard line. Slagle then threw the ball to Allie, who jetted the rest to pay dirt with a hook and a lateral.
The Bulldogs then clinched the win with a double reverse pass, but the ball was intercepted by Zane McIntyre in the end zone.
Algona attempted an onside kick, but the Wildcats recovered it, giving the Wildcats a knee-jerk victory.
The Bulldogs lead the all-time series with a record of 54 wins, 51 losses, and 3 losses.
“We felt they were going to run some type of run-pass option.” Elman said. “My younger brother Mansuke came on in his place and played well. We forced throws and were there for interceptions.
“I got an onside kick and took a knee on top of it.”
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