JAXON GRIFFITH runs the ball for Webster City against Humboldt on Friday at Mason Maach Field. (Photo by Rick Thompson)

HUMBOLDT — The 108th meeting all-time between North Central Conference rivals Humboldt and Webster City turned into another classic on the football field here Friday night.

The Lynx converted a key fourth-down on a run by Jaxon Griffith that allowed them to run the clock out and secure a 21-14 road victory in a Class 3A, District 1 opener.

Griffith accounted for all three touchdowns on the evening, including the eventual game-winner when he finished off a 69-yard drive that covered much of the third quarter and expanded into the fourth.

“The kids played a terrific game and did a good job of executing the game plan,” WCHS head coach Andy Brim said. “Our offensive line of Cole Nohrenberg, John Wilwerding, Zack Lahr, Nate Beaulieu and Eli Estlund was great. They were able to help our backs pick up at least a couple yards several times in really crucial spots to keep drives alive.

“I thought our kids did a great job of staying focused and taking it one play at a time.”

Griffith led the way with 123 yards rushing on 28 carries. Aiden Hrnicek added 68 yards on the ground and Kaleb Hansen had 59.

Griffith, Hansen and Carter Mickelson all caught passes for the Lynx in the victory.

Leading 14-7 after the half, Webster City (2-3 overall, 1-0 in the district) got a turnover on downs on the first possession of the third by the Wildcats (2-3, 0-1), the 3A state runner-up a year ago.

From there, the ground-control offense of the Lynx led by Griffith took over. The speedster powered his way into the end zone with just over nine minutes left to make it a two-score game.

Humboldt, which got a big 69-yard touchdown play by Jackson Flaherty to Chase Flaherty in the first half, answered the third Griffith score with a 74-yard drive of its own. Cash McIntire punched in a score from 11 yards out to make it 21-14.

Griffith scored the first points of the game on a 2-yard plunge with just under seven to go before the break. That capped a 65-yard Lynx drive.

Griffith even had a key pass completion on the series, and Hrnicek converted a fourth-and-1 run.

With just 17 seconds left in the first half, Griffith scored on a 5-yard run to the end zone to make it 14-7.

Israel Torres was 3-for-3 on extra-point attempts on the night.

The Webster City offense converted several key plays after the McIntire TD run. Facing fourth-and-7 with just over two minutes to go, the Lynx lined up to punt. A flag thrown on Humboldt, though, changed it to 4th-and-2, allowing Webster City to go for it.

Griffith got past a big surge by the Wildcat defense, picking up the first down.

The Lynx have won 11 of 16 vs. the Wildcats since 2010. They now return home to host Sioux Center (4-1, 0-1) on Friday night.