August 29, 2008 vs. Union-LaPorte City

Knights edge Lynx, 22-21

Webster City unveils new look but retains old vision of playing smash-mouth football

(Webster City, IA)  The Webster City Lynx (0-1) lost their season opener to Union-LaPorte City (1-0), 22-21, in both a thrilling and heart-breaking contest; with the Lynx leading 19-7 most of the game, the Knights came back in the 3rd quarter and scored to narrow the gap 19-15.  Then, with 7:25 left in the game, they scored again to take a 22-19 lead.  After driving inside their opponent's 10-yard line, the Lynx turned the ball over with an interception but the defense held strong and sacked Union's running back in the endzone for the 2-point safety to make the score 22-21.  Webster City returned the kickoff to 50-yard line and unfortunately turned the ball over on downs with 1:23 left in the game.  Webster City squander two opportunities to score:  just before halftime they were inside the 10-yard which would have put them up, 26-7, and then again towards the end of the game when they were down 22-19.

Offensively, the Lynx rushed for 223 yards and were led by senior Bret Hilpipre who carried the ball  8 times for 105 yards and 1 touchdown; Hilpipre's 65-yard scamper on the second play from scrimmage put the Lynx up 7-0 and the running back was followed by classmate John Hill who rushed 13 times for 72 total yards.  As well, senior Ross Haren added another 40 yards on 11 carries along with 1 touchdown.  Adding to the mix was Nate Treibel who returned a Lynx punt for a blazing 65-yard touchdown.  Senior quarterback Brent Nelson was 3/6 for 50 yards along with one interception and Kevin Kannuan was the leading receiver with one reception for 23 yards.

Defensively, the Lynx held Union-LaPorte City to just 88-yards on the ground in 29 attempts and were led by LB Ryan Vande Zande and Haren who both collected 7 tackles; Haren also had 3 quarterback sacks for a total of minus 17 yards along with a safety.  The two seniors were followed by junior MLB Tyler Moen and Treibel who both collected 6 tackles.  As well, Hilpipre added 5 stops along with senior DB Alex Davis who had 4.

The Lynx next travel to Eagle Grove this Friday, September 5, to take on the Eagles (0-1) who were defeated 45-18 by Roland Story to open up their season.