WEBSTER CITY — The Webster City football team didn’t leave their postseason hopes up to a computer.

Instead, the Lynx went out and dominated North Central Conference and district rival Humboldt here Friday night, securing an automatic bid to the Class 3A playoffs with a 26-7 win.

Webster City (7-2 overall) will host Nevada (7-2) back here on Friday night in the first round. The winner faces either Harlan (6-3) or Creston (9-0).

Jaxon Cherry shouldered the load once again on offense, rushing 31 times for 234 yards with three touchdowns. Keegan Hisler added 102 yards and a score as part of a ball-control, ground-dominated attack that racked up 369 yards on 61 attempts to overwhelm the Wildcats, who earned a wild card spot in the postseason.

“All four touchdown drives were truly drives, with three of them covering over 70 yards,” WCHS head coach Bob Howard said. “The first one in the second half was 99 yards with the big play being a 29-yard reverse pass from Jaxon Griffith to Keegan, setting up our third TD.

“The final TD drive took eight minutes off the clock in the fourth. Our line had their third game in a row of wearing down the opponent and dominating the line of scrimmage.”

Webster City won its fourth consecutive game since a 10-2 loss to district winner Clear Lake. THis was also the first win for the Lynx vs. Humboldt since 2020.

The Wildcats jumped out to a 7-0 lead on a touchdown run by Coen Matson on the first drive. From there, though, the Webster City defense held them in check, allowing just 137 yards of total offense.

“Humboldt came ready to play and executed their game plan very well on the first series,” Howard said. “They particularly hurt us with the QB running. Once we adjusted to their athleticism and speed, we played much better defense the rest of the game.

“Once we got the lead and started driving the football, they were put in more passing situations and we were able to get good pressure on the QB and our secondary did a great job.”

Cherry had eight tackles, Jayden Weinzetl six with a sack, Carson Bertran 6.5 and Briar Klaver five. Both Tristan Mason and Aiden Hrnicek had four shackles each.

This marks the fourth consecutive trip to the postseason for the Lynx, who have qualified 14 of the last 17 years overall.

“With a lot of new players from the last two seasons, this was a great accomplishment for these kids,” Howard said. “It’s the result of a lot of commitment with early mornings for strength and speed training, along with many multi-sport athletes performing in other sports.

“That’s been the formula for the past 17 years and it’s been extremely gratifying to see our players buy-in and earn the rewards.”