WEBSTER CITY’S JAXON GRIFFITH scores at Clear Lake on Friday night. (DFJ photo by David Borer)

CLEAR LAKE — For the first half, the Webster City football team looked like it had a legitimate chance to knock off seventh-ranked (Class 3A) Clear Lake on Friday night in the district opener for both programs.

The Lynx (1-4 overall) trailed only 8-7 at the intermission against the Lions (4-1, 1-0), but Clear Lake eventually pulled away and posted a 49-21 victory.

Head coach Andy Brim’s squad has played the toughest schedule in 3A according to the most recent power rankings. The Lynx have defeated 4A member Fort Dodge (4-1), while losing to Spencer (3-2), ranked 4A opponent North Polk (5-0), West Delaware (3-2) and the Lions.

“We talked about how it’s a long game, and if we compete from the beginning then we will have a chance in the end,” Brim said. “The score got a little lopsided when we had some key positions go down with injuries, but that’s just part of it.

“I’m really proud of how hard the kids played and the effort that they gave.”

The Lynx were able to establish their running game, grinding out 270 yards on the ground. Both Cael Nixon (115) and Jaxon Griffith (100) went over the 100-yard plateau.

Nixon had two touchdowns, with a long of 25 yards, and Griffith scored from 17 yards out.

“Our kids really believe in our system and understand that if we can be physical up front that we will have a chance to be in ballgames,” Brim said. Playing the tough non-district schedule that we did has helped them know what it takes to play at a high level each week.

“The offensive line continues to get better and better and did a great job of getting off the ball. Cael had his best game of the year and did a great job of picking his spots. Jaxon continues to be a great weapon and is just a really tough competitor.”

Clear Lake pounded out 296 yards on the ground. Titan Schmitt went for 296 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns, with a long of 76 yards. Sam Dodge contributed a 30-yard TD.

The Lions were just as effective through the air, as quarterback Jaxson McIntire was 7-for-10 for 216 yards and four touchdowns.

Alex Kerr had 101 yards receiving and two scoring plays. He had a long of 69. Trevor Theobald had one catch for an 86-yard touchdown.

“Our kids played well. They really believe in what we are trying to do when we talk about getting better each day and taking care of us,” Brim said. “The kids did a great job of being ready to play and competing from the start of the game.

“Obviously our defense has really been tested every week and they continue to improve as a whole. I thought our front 6 especially did a nice job against Clear Lake’s run game.”

The Lynx are back in action on Friday when they host Hampton-Dumont-CAL.