HUMBOLDT — The Humboldt football team secured a 2-0 start to the year with a 21-18 victory here Friday night over Ballard.

Coen Matson accounted for three touchdowns to Keegan Groat, with two of them covering over 70 yards each.

The Wildcat (2-0 overall) defense was anchored by Cael Donahe, with Cyler Cirks breaking up two passes with the Bombers threatening to score.

Humboldt has now won each of the past four meetings between the two, with the last two being decided by four points total.