Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Jacob Heier of Humboldt celebrates his team’s 3A quarterfinal win over Independence on Friday. For more photos, visit CU.messengernews.net

HUMBOLDT — Derrick Elman kept his post-game victory speech short and sweet here Friday night.

And for good reason.

Humboldt secured a spot in the Class 3A state semifinals for the first time since 2006 with a convincing 42-21 victory over Independence. They will face Harlan in Cedar Falls next Saturday at 7 p.m.

As Elman prepared to address his players, he took note of the herd of Wildcat fans just itching to join in the celebration.

“The players deserved the chance to enjoy this with their friends and family,” Elman said. “They’ve put in the work. This was there night.”

Led by senior standout Caden Matson, the Wildcats (11-0 overall) were left to embrace one another on Mason Maach Field.

Matson ran for 224 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns while adding another 114 yards in the air and TD strikes to both Corey Dettmann and Will Orness. He now has 47 combined touchdowns on the year.

“It feels incredible,” Matson said. “Getting to do it on our home field and with these guys, it’s just incredible.

“I noticed all the fans starting to gather and knew Coach had to keep it short because they were coming.”

Humboldt started fast, jumping out to a 14-0 lead after TD runs by Matson and Lance Coon. The Mustangs (9-2), though, were able to fight through some early struggles, getting on the board in the second.

“We knew they were a good team and would not give up,” Matson said. “It felt great to get out to a lead and force them to play from behind.”

Elman added, “we’ve been a quick-starting team all year.”

“I was just proud of the guys for being able to handle that lull,” he said. “Independence is a great team and Marcus Beatty is a heck of a player.”

Beatty finished with 32 carries for 86 yards, while also throwing for 58 yards. He had a rushing touchdown and passing score. Mitchell Johnson threw for 262 yards but was picked off three times, while Keegan Schmitt had 15 receptions for 219 yards.

The Mustangs scored twice in the final six minutes of the first half to tie it at 21-all heading to halftime. In the third, Coon broke free on a 24-yard TD run that started a 21-point run for the Wildcats.

Matson hit Will Orness early in the fourth to put Humboldt up 35-21 and finished it off with a 6-yard run of his own. He carried the ball 31 times, including numerous attempts late in the game.

After picking off a pass, the Wildcats used their experience to march down the field for the final time. Matson found Jacob Heier on a key completion that put the ball inside the 5.

“Jacob saw something earlier in the drive that he knew we could expose,” Matson said. “Coach Elman has confidence and trust in me and the offense and we called for the play. It was all Jacob seeing it.”

Dettmann finished with two receptions for 59 yards, Orness had three for 36 and Heier one for 19. Coon ran for 70 yards.

Harlan advanced with a 38-0 victory over Nevada. The other 3A semifinal will pit Solon against Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley at 4 p.m.