The Eureka Junior High football team picked up its second loss of the season Thursday night to the Humboldt Cubs. The final score of 6-14 is indicative of just how hardfought the game was through all four quarters.
Eureka began the game poorly, as they fumbled the opening kickoff and gave the first offensive possession to the Cubs. Their defense held and forced the Cubs to punt. Eureka was able to move the ball but stalled out and turned the ball over on downs. Humboldt took possession on their own 45-yard line and subsequently scored. Converting the extra point, Humboldt took an 8-0 first quarter lead.
Eureka took the ensuing possession down the field, converting a nice 34-yard pass play from Cord Adkins to Gavin Gonzales. However, they were unable to move any further and again turned the ball over to the Cubs. The Cubs began a drive, but the Eureka defense and the clock ended the threat, leaving the halftime score 8-0.
After the second half kickoff, Humboldt was forced to punt. Eureka began its first drive of the second half with a strong running game, capped by a 34yard touchdown run by Felix Neill.
Although the conversion failed, Eureka had closed the gap to two points. The Cubs punted once again after being stifled by the swarming Tornadoes.
Most of the final quarter followed a pattern of strong defense by Eureka and an offensive turnover. Humboldt managed to score when they intercepted a pass at the Tornado five-yard line and ran it in, making the score 6-14. Eureka had a last chance when they got a strong kick return from Gonzales and drove the ball to the Cub’s five-yard line. The clock and a final turnover ended any chance for a tie.
The Tornadoes continue their season next Thursday at Mission Valley in Eskridge.
