The Webster City Lynx football team returns to action on Friday night, when they hit the road west to take on their long-time rivals in the Humboldt Wildcats in Class 3A, District 2 action at Mason Maach Field in Humboldt. Webster City enters at 3-5 and 2-2 in district play, while Humboldt enters at 7-0 and ranked #3 by Radio Iowa. Webster City won last year’s meeting at Lynx Field by a score of 26-7, as the Lynx lead the all-time series 68-32-2, dating back to 1899.
Humboldt enters Friday having clinched the District 2 title in a phenomenal rebound season for the Wildcats, who went 5-5 in 2023 after back-to-back UNI Dome appearances. The Wildcats offense has a familiar last name directing the unit, as Coen Matson has thrown for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns, while rushing for another 195 yards and 4 touchdowns. Matson’s favorite target this season has been junior Chase Flaherty, who’s caught 31 balls for 471 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Keegan Groat has been an explosive receiver, catching 23 passes for 635 yards and 6 touchdowns. Valley Davis has caught 16 passes for 271 yards and 3 scores, while Mason Van Pelt has caught 14 balls for 126 yards and a score. Sophomore Cash McIntire has been the top rusher for the Wildcats, with 353 yards and 4 scores, while Jaxson Kirchhoff has rushed for nearly 200 yards and 2 scores.
Defensively, the Wildcats have wreaked havoc off the edge throughout the season. Defensive end Broedy Hendricks has been a nightmare for opposing offensive lines, as he’s tallied 42 tackles, 13 TFL and 4 sacks. Landon Halverson has made noise from his outside backer spot, with 51 tackles, 10 TFL and 2 sacks, while Mason Van Pelt has added 39.5 tackles, 9 TFL and a sack. The defensive line as a whole has seen big improvements in 2024, as Jack Guy and Syler Brown have accrued 25.5 tackles and 26 tackles, respectively. The interior of the linebacking core is solid with Keegan Groat having 50.5 tackles, Cael Donahe having 52 tackles and Trey Al-Hameed having 47 tackles.
Webster City comes in needing a win to have a chance of a playoff berth. The Lynx were inches away from sealing an upset of Algona a week ago, and must rebound against another high-quality opponent. Cael Nixon has found his rhythm in recent weeks, while Aidan Hrnicek has fit in well at spinner back. Defensively, the Lynx will try to keep Coen Matson contained to the pocket, and will try and use pressure to slow down the Wildcats offense.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM on Friday Night from Mason Maach Field in Humboldt, the game can be heard on 92.9/1570 KZWC or streaming online at kqradio.com.