By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – The Humboldt Wildcats football team fell in their district opener 21-14 to the Webster City Lynx Friday night at Mason Maach Field.
After a scoreless first quarter in Humboldt’s homecoming football game, Webster City took a 7-0 lead on a 2-yard touchdown run by Jaxon Griffith with 6:47 remaining in the second quarter. Humboldt would respond on the next drive as quarterback Jackson Flaherty found wide receiver Chase Flaherty for 69 yards to tie the game at 7-7 with 5:07 left until halftime. A late touchdown drive capped off on a five-yard rush for Griffith gave the Lynx the 14-7 lead with 17 second remaining in the half.
The second half began with a scoreless third quarter after a turnover-on-downs for Humboldt and Webster City’s Griffith finding the end zone for a third rushing touchdown on the night, this time for three yards with 9:15 remaining in regulation. The touchdown gave Webster City a 21-7 lead. Humboldt responded on the ensuing drive with an 11-yard rushing touchdown by Cash McIntire with 6:39 remaining in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 21-14.
The next drive, Webster City facing a fourth down elected to punt with 2:38 remaining in the game. On the punt, Humboldt was penalized with a running into the punter penalty that gave Webster City a fourth down and two situation. The Lynx, electing to go for it on fourth down, converted to keep the drive alive and would run out the clock, securing the win.
Humboldt Head Football Coach Derrick Elman on the loss.
Offensively, Humboldt’s Jackson Flaherty was 7/17 passing for 136 yards with a touchdown. Chase Flaherty recorded six catches for 125 yards and one touchdown. Webster City’s Jaxson Griffith led the Lynx run-heavy offense with 28 carries for 123 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, Cael Donahe was Humboldt’s leading tackler with 11. Webster City’s defense had four pass deflections on the night.
Humboldt fell to 2-3 overall and 0-1 in district play with Webster City improving to 2-3 and 1-0 in the district. The Wildcats are on the road next week as they meet Algona at Bulldog Stadium. Webster City hosts Sioux Center Friday.
Around the district, MOC-Floyd Valley edged Algona, 14-13 and Bishop Heelan knocked of Sioux Center 28-15. MOC-Floyd Valley, Bishop Heelan, and Webster City remain the unbeaten teams through the first week of district play.