Dr. Jim Kumm (left) and Webster City head coach Bob Howard (right) tend to Jack Van Diest (7) on Friday. DFJ photo/Troy Banning

A DIFFERENT SIDE: Games are still intense and exhausting for WCHS head coach Bob Howard, but there are more smiles postgame in his 44th season.

Grandchildren Aaliyah, Sophie, Landry and Houston are the reasons why.

All four were waiting for Howard following Friday’s 55-0 rout over Carroll. They raced up to him for hugs and an ‘I love you’ before they headed home.

It was undoubtedly one of Howard’s favorite moments on a night loaded with high notes.

“Yeah, there’s a little perspective there now and it’s pretty cool,” he said. “They don’t really care if we win or lose.”

NEARING A MILESTONE: Friday’s runaway victory was No. 343 on Howard’s the long and prestigious resume. One more win and he’ll join Cedar Falls’ Pat Mitchell for sixth on the state’s all-time leaderboard.

Howard enters Friday’s game against Ballard at 343-102, a .771 win percentage. Of the seven most successful coaches in state history, only Harlan’s Curt Bladt has fewer losses (66).

BANGED UP: WCHS will be without junior cornerback Evan Estlund for the remainder of the season. A starter in Week 1 against Spencer, Estlund suffered a broken collarbone in the fourth quarter and watched in street clothes against Carroll. Howard said Estlund with have surgery sometime soon.

Offensive lineman Beau Klaver suffered a sprained ankle in the second quarter on Friday and watched the entire second half sitting on the bench with a bag of ice taped his leg. Linebacker Jack Van Diest hobbled off early in the fourth quarter with a hip ailment.

Howard is hopeful that Klaver and Van Diest will both be ready to go against Ballard.