KEEGAN HISLER works his way through a hole for Webster City against Nevada on Friday at Lynx Field. (DFJ photo by David Borer)

WEBSTER CITY — Jaxon Cherry scored three touchdowns and the Webster City defense dominated at the line of scrimmage once again in a commanding 27-7 victory here Friday night over Nevada.

With the win, the No. 10 (Class 3A) Lynx (8-2 overall) advance to the quarterfinals, where they will travel to second-ranked Creston next Friday night. The Panthers knocked off Harlan, 35-27.

Cherry and Briar Klaver each found the end zone in the first half, with Cherry adding two short runs to paydirt in the third quarter to put the game away.

Webster City’s career rushing leader, Cherry carried the ball 29 times for 200 yards. The senior had 88 yards in the opening half and 112 the rest of the way.

Keegan Hisler added 62 yards rushing to help balance things out. The senior recovered a fumble in the third that led to the final score of the game.

Both of the early touchdowns for Webster City came off extended drives, with the first covering 66 and the second going 77.

“For the fifth game in a row, we’ve come out strong offensively with our first few possessions,” WCHS head coach Bob Howard said. “To score right away, going into the strong wind, getting the stop defensively and scoring again in the first quarter was great.

“I thought our defense played very well, limiting their running back and putting good pressure on their quarterback.”

Cael Nixon also had a fumble recovery in the third for the Lynx, who have won five games in a row after a 3-2 start to the campaign. Jayden Weinzetl led the defense with a pair of sacks while Cherry had 11 tackles. Weinzetl finished with seven stops and both Klaver and Luke Estlund have five each.

“Offensively, we continue to get great movement up front with Sinclair at center, Lahr and Griffin at guards, Cole Nohrenberg and Youngdale at tackles and Ruby at tight end,” Howard said. “We still have yet to play our best game, as there is always room for improvement.

“Obviously, when Jaxon can get north and south with his pads square, he is more than tough to stop. Our line has done a great job of moving the line of scrimmage and all three backs with Keegan, Luke and Jaxon are doing a great job of running behind their pads and getting tough yards.”

During this current win streak, the Webster City defense has allowed just 33 total points, with no opponent scoring over 13.

Nevada finally got on the board in the fourth down 27-0.

“The defensive front of Mason, Nohrenberg, Hisler and Weinzetl did a great job of stunting and moving,” Howard said. “We’re not huge, so it’s important that they use their quickness to play in the opponent’s backfield, which we did most of the game.”

The Lynx have now won each of the last three meetings with the Cubs (7-3). This was the first time the two have played since 2011.