Photo by Julie Vinsand, The Gowrie News: Cooper Harman cuts upfield for Manson Northwest Webster earlier in the season against Southeast Valley in Gowrie.

MANSON — Zach Noffsinger has something special going at Manson Northwest Webster.

Noffsinger is in his third season as head coach, and will be taking the Cougars to their second straight home playoff game next week.

For now, though, MNW is concentrating on a district title.

The Cougars are currently 6-1 and 4-0 in Class 1A, District 2, earning two more wins than the previous two seasons heading into Friday night’s home showdown against Emmetsburg.

“Last year we hosted in the first round, but that was different,” Noffsinger said. “Going into the last game (in 2023), we could have finished second, third or fourth.

“We’ve been competitive and confident in what we are doing (this season).”

MNW was the district runner-up a year ago and earned a playoff assignment with three victories. Now, the Cougars have taken a significant step forward.

“We’ve struggled the last couple of years with more losses than wins,” Noffsinger said. “We thought this group would be good with this senior class, which has had a big role and executed when we needed them to.”

The Cougars are one punt return touchdown away from being 7-0, and even that was a guiding force to four straight victories. MNW lost to MVAOU by a heartbreaking final of 20-16 in Week 3.

“That was a tough one, and when we look back now, we really should have had it,” Noffsinger said. “We responded in a big way, though. And even early on, some games were close and we handled adversity very well.”

Now the Cougars have a tall task ahead of them against third-ranked and unbeaten Emmetsburg (7-0, 4-0).

The Cougars have run for 1,595 yards and thrown for 728. The E-Hawks have been a ground-and-pound offense, going for 2,766 runing the ball compared to just 328 through the air.

“The run has helped set up the pass, which has been effective when it needs to be. We have weapons to set up big plays.

“Our offensive line has made a huge impact, and has a better understanding than before. Our skill guys have bought into our plan.”

Cougar senior Kamden Birkey has carried the ball 141 times for 848 yards and 11 touchdowns. Cooper Harman has given the Cougars another threat, adding 461 rushing yards and four scores.

Matt Condon and Logan Moline have two touchdowns each on the ground.

Moline has thrown for 701 and five scores. Condon has caught 19 balls for 333 and two TDs.

Broc Patzner has two touchdown catches, while Harman and Coy Moline have one each.

Noffsinger is pleased with his team’s ability to grow from week to week.

“There will be some games where we didn’t execute a blocking scheme the best, but we work on it and turn it around,” Noffsinger said. “We talk about how we really need this or that to be successful and we get it figured out.

“We are able to do what we need to offensively and defensively, while executing our game plan and adjusting to what works.”

Three E-Hawk running backs have over 500 yards, led by Carson Baak (777 yards), Brayden Yates (652) and Gavin Swanson (500). Baak has double digit touchdowns with 15, while Swanson and Yates have nine and eight, respectively.

Emmetsburg’s Byron Maina has three touchdown grabs.

“They are the No. 3 team in the state for a reason,” Noffsinger said. “It’s going to be a dogfight. This is a different level of competition for us and we need to believe in the game plan and take the mindset of, ‘Why not us?'”

The E-Hawks have been a defensive monster, intercepting 11 balls and recovering seven fumbles. They also have nine sacks.

MNW’s defense has been just as effective, with nine sacks and nine interceptions. Condon has a kickoff return for a score.

“We definitely need to get as many stops as possible,” Noffsinger said. “We need to adjust offensively and take what is given to us.

“We will need some big plays to score.”

Both teams have earned a Class 1A home playoff game in the first round next Friday.