The 2024 season was a mixed bag for the Webster City Lynx, as the Lynx suffered their first losing season since 2014. However, Webster City remained extremely competitive, holding 2nd half leads in games against teams such as Clear Lake, Algona and eventual state runners-up Humboldt. In Year 2 at the helm, head coach Andy Brim is seeking a return to form from a Lynx squad that have some important pieces back.
Offense
Webster City will have a couple of backfield pieces back from last year, leading the way is senior Jaxon Griffith, who rushed for over 800 yards in 2024 at the wingback spot. Whether Griffith slides in at running back or not remains to be seen, but if Griffith stays out at his wingback spot, some names to replace Cael Nixon in the backfield include Coyce Bertran, Alex Staley or Edwin Ramos Nolasco. Aiden Hrnicek returns to likely man the spinner back spot, whom he took over for Luke Estlund following injury in 2024, and a full off-season of work should poise Hrnicek as more-than-viable threat running and throwing the football. The offensive line brings back a handful of returners in Cole and Beau Nohrenberg and Eli Estlund, who provide a rock solid nucleus to build up what could be a very good offensive line. Carter Mickelson will lead the tight end/receiving room with players such as Grant Arends, Logan Willson and Jamey Stansfield likely in the rotation.
Defense
On paper, Webster City’s defense could be a very good one, as the Lynx bring back 4 of their top 5 tacklers, including 50+ tacklers in safety Jaxon Griffith and middle linebacker Aiden Hrnicek. While the Lynx won’t don’t appear to have an explosive edge rusher like a Jayden Weinzetl, Eli Estlund and Beau Nohrenberg will be stalwarts on the defensive line, with Estlund recording 32 tackles, 4.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks, as Nohrenberg recorded 10.5 tackles, 2.5 TFL and 1.5 sacks. Hrnicek anchors a linebacking core that will be on the younger side. Kaleb Hanson got some reps at linebacker in 2024, but perhaps some DB’s from last year’s team have bulked up to take over some linebacker spots. The defensive backfield has many returnees on paper, including the aforementioned Jaxon Griffith, Gavin Wynkoop, Dawson Bertran and Carter Mickelson.