Algona wins showdown

By DANA BECKER

sports@messengernews.net

WEBSTER CITY — When third-ranked (Class 2A) Algona needed a big play, the defense rose up.

Jason Cecil knocked down a potential game-winning two-point conversion attempt by Webster City here Friday night, as the Bulldogs escaped with a 34-33 victory.

Wyatt Wegener finished with just under 300 yards of offense and scored four touchdowns for Algona (4-0 overall). The senior ran for 217 yards on just 16 carries and caught a 78-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Manske in the first quarter.

“It was a wild game and atmosphere,” Wegener said. “After the first half, the coaches told us to stick together in the second and we did that.

“Even though they scored, we stayed with it and stopped them. It’s nice to play a good 3A team right before district play.”

Wegener finished with opening half with just four touches on offense, but they went for 178 yards and added rushing scores from 80 and 70 yards out.

The Lynx (3-1) tied it at 27-27 early in the third on a Trey Mathis touchdown. Mathis finished with 149 yards rushing on the night and three scores.

Algona put the ball in Wegener’s hands after that, as he was involved in 11 of 14 plays on a lengthy drive that culminated with his fourth score. He had 10 rushes for 49 yards and drew a pass interference penalty on another.

Gabe Humphrey was 8-for-13 passing for 109 yards and two touchdowns to Tyler Olson. Humphrey added 41 yards rushing and Garrett Whitmore had 50.

The Lynx also picked off three passes, with Olson recording his sixth interception of the season.

Titans topple Jaguars

GOWRIE — Sixth-ranked South Central Calhoun won the battle of unbeaten squads here, knocking off Southeast Valley, 38-7, on Friday night.

Landon Schleisman scored two touchdowns for the Titans (4-0 overall). He had scoring runs of one and two yards.

Brennan Holder added a 20-yard TD run, while Jordan Khommanyvong and Blake McAlister had runs of three and four yards respectively to the end zone.

“I thought this was our best game to date,” SCC head coach Bryan Case said. “Going up against a 2A power and coming away with the win like we did was something special.

“Southeast Valley has a nice young team that is well coached. This was just our night.”

Zane Neubaum kicked a 30-yard field goal for the Titans, who lead the all-time series 4-0.

McAlister led a balanced rushing attack with 71 yards, Keagen Meyer added 55 and Schleisman had 42. Neubaum caught four passes for 74 yards, as Cole Corey was 6-for-8 for 98 yards.

Schleisman also anchored the defense with three solo sacks and an assist on another sack, finishing with five tackles in all.

Southeast Valley (3-1) quarterback Hunter Kruse had a perfect night through the air. Kruse was 11-for-11 for 135 yards. Kruse hooked up with Kolson Kruse on a 61-yard touchdown pass.

Cougars lose to Hawks

JEWELL — After a strong first half, Manson Northwest Webster couldn’t hang on to beat South Hamilton on Friday night, dropping a 36-6 contest.

The Cougars (1-3 overall) led 6-0 at the break, giving up only 50 yards of offense. In the second half, the Hawks (2-2) used good field position to overcome the defecit.

Brayden Johll scored the lone Cougar touchdown on a 10-yard scamper. Johll finished the game with 11 carries for 77 yards.