Photo by Rick Thompson: Jaxon Griffith of Webster City looks for running room as Humboldt's Zane McIntire closes in to make a tackle on Friday night.

HUMBOLDT — The 108th meeting all-time between North Central Conference rivals Humboldt and Webster City turned into a classic on the football field here Friday night.

The Lynx converted a key fourth-down on a run by Jaxon Griffith that allowed them to run the clock out and secure a 21-14 victory in a Class 3A, District 1 opener.

Griffith accounted for all three touchdowns on the evening, including the eventual game-winner when he finished off a 69-yard drive that covered much of the third quarter and expanded into the fourth.

Leading 14-7 after the half, Webster City (2-3 overall, 1-0 in the district) got a turnover on downs on the first possession of the third by the Wildcats (2-3, 0-1). From there, the ground-control offense took over, led by Griffith.

The drive covered 69 yards and included a key fourth-and-1 conversion as the clock expired in the third quarter. With just over nine minutes left in the game, Griffith scored for the third time, making it 21-7.

Humboldt answered right back, cutting the deficit to one possession with an 11-yard touchdown run by Cash McIntire. That capped off a 74-yard scoring drive by the Wildcats, who got their other points on a 69-yard touchdown pass by Jackson Flaherty to twin brother Chase Flaherty in the second quarter.

Griffith scored the first points of the game on a 2-yard plunge with 6:47 remaining before the break, finishing off a 65-yard drive. Griffith had a key pass on the series, as Aiden Hrnicek converted a fourth-and-1.

With just 17 seconds left before halftime, Griffith scored on a 5-yard run. Israel Torres was a perfect 3-for-3 on extra-point attempts.

The Webster City offense converted several key plays after the McIntire touchdown run. Facing fourth-and-7 with just over two minutes to go, the Lynx lined up to punt, but a flag for running into the kicker made it fourth-and-2 and changed the decision.

Griffith got past a big surge by the Wildcat defense, picking up the first down. A long run by Kaleb Hansen allowed them to kneel and end the game.

The Lynx have won 11 of the last 16 meetings overall since 2010.