The Webster City Lynx football team returns to action on Friday night, as they host the Gilbert Tigers for homecoming and their non-district finale at Lynx Field. Friday’s meeting is the 11th all-time meeting between the 2 programs, as Webster City holds a 9-2 series lead, winning their most recent meeting in 2020 by a score of 54-13.
Gilbert is coming off a watershed season in 2024 under Graham Lundt, after starting his tenure at 4-3 in 2020, Lundt rebuilt the Tigers program from 0-9 in 2021 all the way to a 9-2 season and a district title in 2024. The current iteration of the Tigers program has been built on physicality and discipline with Gilbert’s flexbone attack. Last year, the Tigers showcased an all-state fullback in Will Hawthorne, who ran for over 2,200 yards. This season, the Tigers are searching for a bellcow back, and former Ames High quarterback Cameron Cantonwine has filled the fullback position very well, rushing for 366 yards and 4 touchdowns. Ethan Rash directs the Gilbert offense, as he’s rushed for 208 yards and 5 touchdowns, while throwing for just 56 yards so far in 2025, as Gabe Fierce is the top wingback, rushing for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ean Eldred is the Tigers top passing target, as he’s caught all 5 completed passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers do showcase a tough, physical and veteran offensive line to help pave the way for their flexbone attack.
Defensively, the Tigers linebacking core had led the unit through the first third of the regular season. Ames transfer Cameron Cantonwine leads Gilbert with 18 tackles and 3 TFL, while Blake Bell has added 11.5 tackles and Connor Castro has 7.5 tackles. The defensive backfield has played at a high-level to start the season, as 3 members of the secondary have an interceptions in Aiden Rash, Gabe Fierce and Ean Eldred, as Eldred has a pick six to his name with 6.5 tackles. Fierce leads the Tigers secondary with 8 tackles and 1.5 TFL. The defensive line is led by senior defensive end Easton Van Cleave, who’s tallied 12 tackles, 4.5 TFL and a sack. Mason Griffin and Ayden Folkerts have also contributed, combining to make stops in the backfield early in the year.
Webster City football will look to bounce back from their lopsided loss to now-(3A) #1 Clear Lake last Friday, as the this will be a game decided between the tackles. Webster City’s offense will look to get back to winning the line of scrimmage on early downs, while the Lynx defense will try and force the Tigers offense to make decision quicker than what’s comfortable.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM on Friday Night from Lynx Field and the game can be heard on AM 1570 KZWC or streaming online at kqradio.com.