CAEL NIXON makes a tackle last season for Webster City against Boone. Nixon returns this year. (DFJ photo by Patrick Coons)

Webster City goes for the trifecta against Fort Dodge on Friday, as the 2023 football season kicks off.

The varsity contest between head coach Bob Howard’s squad and Dodgers is set for 7:30 p.m. at Lynx Field.

Webster City, which moves back to Class 3A this fall, is ranked in the Top-5 of every preseason poll across Iowa. The Lynx are buoyed by the return of two-way all-state star Jaxon Cherry and four offensive linemen.

Cherry, a 215-pounder, has a Div. I offer from Marshall University. Several other FBS and FCS programs are on his radar as well.

Senior Keegan Hisler, junior Cael Nixon, junior Jayden Weinzetl and junior Luke Estlund are other top returning talents, along with linemen Landon Griffin, Josh Stansfield and Brandon Lahr. Senior veterans Trevyn Lyons and Jesse Cruchter are back as well.

The Lynx are 64-20 overall since 2015. Fort Dodge and Webster City are meeting for a third consecutive season after not squaring off in football from 1966 through 2020.

Howard ranks in the Top-5 all-time for coaching victories in Iowa with 364. This is his 17th season with the Lynx and 47th overall.

The Dodgers will have 16 rookie varsity starters in action following a 4-5 campaign last year. Webster City flattened Fort Dodge in 2022 by a final of 62-23, and also won two seasons ago, 41-14.

Temperatures are expected to be around 80 degrees at kickoff, with a light north wind.