The Webster City Lynx football team returns to action on Friday night, as they make the trip west on Highway 20 to take on the Crusaders of Bishop Heelan Catholic at Bishop Heelan Memorial Field in Sioux City. Webster City enters at 2-4 and 1-1 in district play, while Bishop Heelan enters at 5-1 and 2-0 in district play, while ranked #3 in Class 3A. Friday’s game is the 2nd all-time meeting between the two powerhouses, as Bishop Heelan won the first meeting in the 2nd round of the 2014 playoffs by a score of 34-7.
Bishop Heelan enters fresh off a 21-0 shutout of MOC-Floyd Valley in a top-10 battle at Memorial Field in Week 6. The Crusaders also boast a district win over Sioux Center, as well as wins over Sergeant Bluff-Luton, Le Mars and Sioux City North, as well as a 1-point, double overtime loss to Sioux City East. The focal point of the Crusaders offense has been running back and Iowa commit Kasen Thomas, who’s run for 781 yards and a 3A-leading 15 touchdowns, all while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Thomas has been complimented nicely by an improved passing game, led by senior quarterback Noah Conley, who’s thrown for over 700 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season. Conley’s favorite target has been senior receiver Caden Lester, who’s caught 19 passes for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns, as Johnathon Hope has 12 receptions for 123 yards and 2 scores. Grant Whitcomb and Prince Weagbah has been big play threats, as Whitcomb is averaging 22.3 yards per reception, while Weagbah is averaging 19.8 yards per catch.
Defensively, the Crusaders have been led by a stout linebacking core and secondary throughout much of the year. Zack Harpenau is Heelan’s leading tackler with 31.5 stops, 4 TFL and 2 sacks, while the big play man has been the aforementioned Kasen Thomas, who has 23 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries. Fellow senior Matt Meyer has also added 30.5 tackles, 7 TFL and a sack. In the secondary, Caden Lester leads the unit with 25.5 tackles and 2 interceptions, but junior Grant Whitcomb has a unit-high 4 interceptions with a pick six. The defensive line, while quieter, still has some impressive pieces, led by junior Max Aesoph, who has a unit-high 17.5 tackles, 4.5 TFL and 1.5 sacks. Fellow junior Nolan Muecke has recorded 10 tackles, 3 TFL and a sack.
Webster City football will look to rally following a close loss at the hands of Sioux Center in Week 6. The Lynx rushing attack played as well as it has all season, but turnovers doomed Webster City’s hopes of keeping pace. The Lynx defense will look to shore up tackling after missed tackles allowed big plays for Sioux Center on Friday.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM on Friday Night from Bishop Heelan Memorial Field and can be heard on AM 1570 KZWC or streaming online at kqradio.com.