Senior running back Elijah Porter ran 13 times for 128 yards and caught five passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns to help the Ankeny Centennial football team to a 42-13 victory over sixth-ranked Cedar Falls on Friday at Ankeny Stadium. He has helped the Jaguars to a 2-1 record.
Porter leads the team in rushing with 315 yards on 35 carries, despite missing a game. He ran for 187 yards in Centennial’s double-overtime loss to Ankeny in the season opener on Aug. 25.
Here is some inside info on Porter:
Congratulations on the win over Cedar Falls. What does this win do for your team’s confidence?
Our team’s confidence is definitely the highest it’s been all season. All the players and coaches know our team has the ability to go far this season.
Was revenge a big factor after your team lost at Cedar Falls, 14-10, in the opening round of last year’s Class 5A playoffs?
Revenge was a huge factor. This game was personal. The coaches and the players waited a year for this game in particular, and it showed on Friday night.
Your quarterback, Trenton Smith, set a school record with six touchdown passes against the Tigers. Were you surprised by how much your offense threw the ball?
I wasn’t surprised at all with how much we threw the ball. It’s simply just good coaching and a great quarterback. I trust Trenton to make the right decision and (co-head coach Ryan) Pezzetti to call the right play.
You sat out your team’s previous game at Ames due to an illness. How sick were you, and were you able to watch the game from home?
I was really sick. I had a fever of 102 and couldn’t breathe very well. I watched the game from my house and never doubted that my team would dominate.
Braeden Jackson rushed for 106 yards and two touchdowns in that game, while JJ Morgan added 39 yards and a pair of scores on the ground. Is it comforting to know that there are other guys who can pick up the slack if you need a break?
BJ and JJ are essential to the team’s success, and it shows every Friday night. However, now that I’m healthy, I don’t plan on taking a break.
Your team will play a huge game at Southeast Polk, the two-time defending Class 5A champion, on Friday. What will be the key to beating the Rams?
There is no specific key to beating the Rams. We just have to get no penalties, and don’t hurt ourselves. Otherwise, the Rams will definitely utilize the penalties we give them because of the good football team they are.
Your team also has a big game coming up later this month against Dowling Catholic. Do you feel like it’s important to win at least one of those two games, just to prove that your team can beat an elite opponent?
We can beat elite opponents, and we plan on showing the state that this week and (on Sept. 29 against Dowling).
You’re on pace to rush for more than 1,000 yards this season, even with missing one of the first three games. Is that a goal for you, and do you have any other goals?
My only goal is to win a state championship.
You verbally committed last month to play for Northern Iowa. Was it a relief to get your decision out of the way?
I’m glad I can focus on the team and the game each week. It’s a relief to give all my energy toward the team and studying each week’s opponent.
What did you like about the Panthers’ program?
The Panthers are close to home, nothing beats that, and I believe their offense fits my playing style and that is somewhere I can be successful. Their coaches were also very personal on every visit I took and created a relationship with me.
Your brother, Trey, is a safety at Northern Illinois. Did he give you any advice during the recruiting process based on his experience?
My brother recommended I commit before the season so I could focus on my team and be a leader that they need every week.
