CLEAR LAKE — Humboldt got down early, but it didn’t waver.

The top-ranked (RPI) Wildcats (7-1 overall, 4-0 in Class 3A, District 2) earned a 23-13 victory over last year’s district champion, Clear Lake (5-3, 2-2), to claim the championship on Friday night.

Humboldt has won three district titles in the last four years.

“This group of seniors continues to forge their own path, and do everything they can to lead this team the right way,” said HHS head coach Derek Elman. “I think it really shows that when a team plays for each other to achieve a common goal, good things can happen.”

Clear Lake was the aggressor, scoring on their first drive to put the Wildcats down 7-0.

“I’m really proud of the kids,” Elman said. “We went down 7-0 on their first drive, and the kids never wavered. The defense bowed their backs multiple times, and trusted their teammates.”

Humboldt cut the deficit to 7-3 on a 36-yard field goal from Karson Rubel.

The Wildcats took the lead on a 65-yard strike from Coen Matson to Keegan Groat to go up 16-7. Matson later hit Chase Flaherty on a seven-yard strike to reach 23-7.

“We forced a couple of key turnovers that led to scores,” Elman said. “Offensively we were able to move the ball, and keep their offense off the field.”