Humboldt Independent photo by Phil Monson: The 2022 Humboldt Wildcat football team includes, front row (left to right): Kaleb McCullough, Jayse Allen, Kyle Caquelin, Tayeton Lohaus, Josh Beldin, Peyton Weers and Levi Bonnstetter. Second: Owen Hubbell, Drake Lowe, Will Orness, Josh Thurm, Carrson Bothne, Brody Paterson, Hunter Dery and Ty Gargano. Third: manager Allison Lynch, Grant Dieleman, Jayden Drewis, Michael Illg, Christian Lee, Evan Hundertmark, Trever Beach, Mason Brown and manager Dylan Saathoff. Fourth: Peyton Pedersen, Keegan Groat, Thain Sestak, Parker Sleiter, Jackson Dodd, Syler Brown, Gaige Allen, Ellit Carlson, Lance Coon and Shawn Hilton. Fifth: Landon Halverson, Coen Matson, Jayden Lane, Carter Nostrom, Gabe Flatau, Cael Newell, Mason Van Pelt, Carson Arndt, Braden Axtell and Jacob Girres. Sixth: Kaden Edge, Ethan Kunert, Cyler Cirks, Keagan Rasmussen, Corey Dettmann, Carson Sleiter, Trey Al-Hameed, Alex Armitage, Jonny Hayden and Joseph Keenan. Seventh: Turner Hansen, Zane McIntire, Tristen Strait, Zach Theesfeld, Cael Donahe, Braiden Swanson, Karson Rubel, Nolan Townsend, Noah Axtell and Donovan Box. Coaches in back (left to right): Cole Goodenow, Jake Short, head coach Derrick Elman, Corey Matson, Derrik Clark and trainer Andy Newell. Not pictured: coach Greg Wickett, players Jack Opheim, Rasmus Meier and Owen Heider, and manager Kaysie Nilles.

CEDAR FALLS — The Humboldt football team vividly remembers last season’s state semifinal experience.

The Wildcats lost in the UNI-Dome to eventual champion Harlan, running out of steam down the stretch.

Derrick Elman’s group didn’t use that experience as an excuse, but rather, motivation.

“They heard from people how we lost a lot of talent and we couldn’t do it again,” Elman said. “The biggest thing about these guys is they put their heads down and went right back to work.

“They showed their character and their toughness. They had a plan.”

The Wildcats ran into a strong Harlan team in the semifinals, last November in a 45-19 loss — the program’s only setback of the season.

“The (returning players) absolutely feel like they have unfinished business,” Elman said. “When you lose a game, there is a sour taste in your mouth. It serves as motivation.

“They wanted to prove themselves and get down there (to the UNI-Dome) again.”

Third-ranked Humboldt (10-1 overall) will play in their second straight semifinal, meeting second-seed and No. 2 Mount Vernon (11-0) on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. inside the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.

The Wildcats won their first seven games of 2022 and earned the top ranking in 3A. Their only loss was to ranked district foe Nevada.

Humboldt ended the regular season with a win over rival Algona. In the playoffs, the Wildcats blanked Hampton-Dumont/CAL (39-0), then won a hard-fought contest against fifth-rated Independence (34-26) in the quarterfinals at Mason Maach Field.

Elman’s squad racked up 379 yards of total offense against Independence, with 219 on the ground and 160 through the air. Four of their five touchdowns were over 40 yards.

“We moved the ball well (against Independence), but we had some drives that stalled,” Elman said. “We moved the ball well when we needed to and hit some big ones.

“They committed so hard to the run that we had to catch them in a run blitz. We also sealed the edge. That shows again our toughness. These kids trust the little things and the gameplan.”

Humboldt has put together a balanced offense, where they have run for 2,209 yards and thrown for 1,005 more.

Junior running back Lance Coon leads 3A in yards with 1,511 and is second with 21 rushing touchdowns. He is also third in all purpose yards (1,634).

Versatile quarterback Will Orness has thrown for 799 yards and eight scores. The senior has rushed for five TDs and 508 yards.

“We really wanted to prove we could do it (get back to the Dome),” Orness said. “We realize at the end of the day we have to play…the rankings won’t get us any first downs.

“Coach has had high expectations all the time. Getting a title shot would be amazing. Mount Vernon is really, really good, so we will have to play at a high level to get there.”

Mount Vernon has thrown for 24 touchdowns, second in 3A, with the sixth-most rushing touchdowns (31) to boot.

“We have to move the football and sustain drives,” Elman said. “We need to get some big stops and force turnovers. Big special team plays will be huge.

“We need some solid punt returns to set up good field position. We have a kicker in Trever Beach who gives us a good option as well.”

Quarterback Joey Rhomberg has 2,360 yards passing and 24 touchdowns for Mount Vernon. Henry Ryan has rushed for 783 yards and 10 scores.

Clark Younggreen has added nine rushing touchdowns. Evan Bass is the leading receiver with 607 yards and six TDs, while Brady Erickson has seven scores.

“Mount Vernon actually has a great defense…that was the first thing I saw on film,” Elman said. “This could end up being a defensive slugfest with two physical teams that play hard.

“They have a quarterback that finds space and throws well.”

The Wildcats have also leaned heavily on their defense, which is second in 3A for tackles (537.5) and fourth in sacks (23).

Beach leads 3A and the Wildcats with three interceptions. He has also kicked seven field goals.

“The thing that makes this team special is our defense,” Elman said. “Not one guy stands out.

“We are fundamentally sound and work hard. The guys celebrate each other’s success, and that’s what we hang our hat on.”

Through the past two seasons, the community has supported the Wildcats both on and off the field.

“It’s so awesome how the Humboldt community supports these kids,” Elman said. “(Friday) we went to the elementary schools and you should have seen the excitement on the kids’ faces.

“Humboldt has shown consistent support, and we love them for it.”