The Webster City Lynx football team enters the 2023 season off the heels of a 2022 season that had its share of ups and downs for Bob Howard’s 45th season as a head coach. A 6-4 record, which put the Lynx as runners-up in 4A, District 1, a first-round playoff exit to a talented Iowa City Liberty team, and showcased a backfield that was perhaps the most dynamic backfield in all of Class 4A. But the 2023 team will have plenty of new faces for Lynx fans and followers to learn, all the while with Webster City dropping back down into their traditional Class 3A.
Offense
Webster City’s offense in 2022 showcased a backfield that was as talented as any that had come through in the Bob Howard era, showcasing quarterback Ty McKinney, running back Jaxon Cherry, wingback CJ Hisler and fullback Connor Hansen. With McKinney, Hisler and Hansen all gone, Cherry will shoulder another heavy load in his senior season, after rushing for over 1,800 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2022. Senior Camden Schultz is the frontrunner to take over the quarterback spot following McKinney’s departure, while Luke Estlund, Jayden Weinzetl and Cael Nixon all could vie for time at the wingback position, as well as a backup for Jaxon Cherry. The fullback spot is looking to be filled by Gabriel Griffin for the time being.
The big challenge for Webster City in 2022 was replacing their entire offensive line from their 2021 squad, while they had their growing pains, they solidified themselves as another productive and powerful offensive line by season’s end. The 2023 Lynx manage to return 4 of 6 starters in Brandon Lahr, Landon Griffin, Josh Stansfield and tight end Keegan Hisler. Names to watch in the process of filling the final 2 spots on the line, that were vacated by Max Kumm and Dylan Burnette-Bingham, include sophomore twins Beau and Cole Nohrenberg, as well as seniors Isaac Firsching and Logan Fox. The wide receiver spot looks to be filled with a rotation of seniors Jesse Crutcher, Carson Bertran and Trevyn Lyons.
Defense
Defensively, there will be quite a few new faces with the Lynx graduating most of their interior defensive line with Connor Hanson, Dylan Burnette-Bingham and Brady Jessen. Candidates to fill their roles include seniors Brandon Lahr, Landon Griffin and Josh Stansfield, who could make the move to the defensive line from his linebacker spot. In the linebacker roles, Jaxon Cherry and Keegan Hisler are back, while the Lynx try and replace spots vacated by Skyler Scott and Austin Mason (from his hybrid DB/LB spot). Jayden Weinzetl is one player to watch, after making himself known as a special teams ace in his sophomore season, had a very productive college camp circuit over the summer. Cael Nixon could also be in for a breakout season defensively at linebacker as well.
The defensive backfield will also have members to replace in Ty McKinney and CJ Hisler at safety spots, Camden Schultz, Carson Bertran, Jesse Crutcher and Lincoln Tielke are all names to follow at that spot. Webster City does return Trevyn Lyons and Luke Estlund at their cornerback spots.
Webster City opens their season on August 25th, as they host Highway 20 rival Fort Dodge at Lynx Field.