VAN METER — Across the field from Humboldt stood a daunting task on Friday — something 26 teams before them couldn’t do.

For each of the last three seasons, Van Meter has walked off the field hoisting a state championship trophy.

The Bulldogs (2-1 overall), in fact hadn’t dropped a single game since 2022.

That all changed last night.

The Wildcats (3-0) ended that streak, as they came from behind to turn back Van Meter, 28-21.

“I’m really proud of the way the kids fought,” said HHS head coach Derrick Elman. “We were down at half 14-7, and knowing we had to kickoff after half, our kids trusted each other and played their tails off for each other.”

The Bulldogs won the Class 2A state championship a year ago and were 1A champions the previous two seasons.

Humboldt trailed 7-0 before Coen Matson hit Chase Flaherty for an eight-yard score to tie the contest.

Van Meter went up 14-7 on a short TD burst. Humboldt would score the next three touchdowns in the contest, though, to build a 24-14 advantage.

Van Meter tacked on a late score, but it wasn’t enough.

Matson hit Mason Van Pelt for a 37-yard score to tie the contest.Humboldt would then go up 21-14 on a Cash McIntire 54-yard run.

The final Wildcat score was a 37-yard Matson to Valley Davis touchdown.

Matson finished 20-for-26 for 244 yards and added 60 yards rushing. Van Pelt caught eight balls for 91 yards.

“Coen continues to show poise at the quarterback position and did a great job of finding guys as the game went on,” Elman said. “Very proud of the adjustments our coaches made down the stretch.

“I can’t say enough about all of our kids tonight. So proud.”

Jackson Flaherty and Keegan Groat had interceptions for the Wildcats.

“Our defense came up big at key moments in the game,” Elman said. “Our players continue to grow and mature while playing really tough competition. ”

Humboldt is back in action on Friday when they host North Polk (3-0) in an unbeaten showdown.