Skyler Scott of Webster City pops the ball loose with a big defensive hit at Humboldt on Friday night. (DFJ photo by Patrick Coons)

HUMBOLDT — The Webster City football team could not take advantage of the opportunities after Humboldt’s mistakes, and their own miscues cost them in the season opener here on Friday night.

The Wildcats sealed a 10-0 win on an interception return for the only touchdown of the game in the final seconds, knocking off their long-time North Central Conference rivals.

Ty McKinney was trying to direct a late drive and dramatic rally when he was picked off by Kaleb McCullough, who returned it for a score with 13 seconds left.

Humboldt went up 3-0 late in the third quarter on a 27-yard field goal by Trever Beach after the Webster City defense held strong pinned against its own end zone.

McKinney completed four passes for 45 yards with the interception, adding 43 yards rushing. Jaxon Cherry had a game-high 80 yards, while CJ Hisler ran for 24.

Hisler led the Lynx with three receptions for 42 yards, and Cherry also caught a pass for three yards.

“It came down to (Humboldt) making the plays, first of all,” WCHS head coach Bob Howard said. “They are a good football team, and we knew they would be. With 21 seniors, that matters and is a great testament to their program and where they are at.

“We weren’t able to sustain drives, and there were a couple of fourth downs we didn’t convert where they made plays and stopped us. It came down to an experienced, good-sized and very athletic line against a junior line (Webster City is replacing five graduated starters).”

For the Wildcats, Josh Thurm threw for 129 yards and ran for 36. Returning all-state wide receiver Will Orness had four receptions for 63 yards.

Beach caught two passes for 44 yards and Lance Coon ran for 48 yards.

Neither squad was able to get much going on offense, as the game was scoreless at the half. Humboldt committed two turnovers, while Webster City had just the one.

Both teams struggled on third down, as the Lynx went 2-for-11 and the Wildcats were 3 of 11. Webster City finished with 192 yards of total offense, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry, while Humboldt had 223 yards.

Cherry led the Lynx on defense with 8.5 tackles, including seven solo stops, a sack and a tackle for loss. Austin Mason had six stops and a tackle for loss, Skyler Scott recorded 5.5 tackles, and Trevyn Lyons had 4.5 with four solos.

Lyons also recovered a fumble on defense.

McKinney averaged 36 yards per punt, pinning the Wildcats inside their own 20 twice.

“I thought we played pretty well on defense,” Howard said. “That’s where we are more experienced, with some kids who have played for three years. Our challenge will be developing a little bit more of an aggressive attitude up front (collectively), and that will come (as the season progresses).

“Hopefully, we learn something from this game. If we didn’t, we are going to be in trouble because we have more (games) coming like this.”

Humboldt has now won two in a row in the series. The Wildcats won 35-7 last year on their way to reaching the Class 3A state semifinals.

Webster City responded to a 1-2 start last season — including the Humboldt setback — by reeling off seven consecutive victories.

Up next for the Lynx will be their home opener, as they host Boone Friday night. Webster City has won each of the past 11 meetings with the Toreadors, including a 42-0 decision last year.

Boone dropped its opener against Nevada on Friday, 38-0.