Friday’s game against visiting Johnston wasn’t a must-win situation for the Ankeny football team.
But a loss would have been the Hawks’ third in a row, and could have severely damaged their playoff hopes.
Ankeny responded with a huge defensive effort to post a 16-10 victory over the Dragons, leaving both squads at 2-2 after the first four weeks of the season. The Hawks had allowed an average of 43.7 points in their first three games.
“We kind of talked it up all week that this was our coming out party (on defense),” said Ankeny coach Jeff Bauer, whose team avenged a loss to Johnston in last year’s Class 5A quarterfinals. “We had done some good things, but we made a couple of adjustments. The boys just played hard. They were flying around.”
Ankeny’s defense recovered a fumble and intercepted two passes by Johnston quarterback Will Nuss. That allowed the Hawks to overcome a slow start from their offense.
“The turnovers were huge,” Bauer said. “And that was just a great win. We needed it big-time.”
After Johnston missed a field goal try in the first quarter, the two teams then traded interceptions. Ankeny later got another pick from Samuel Sandvig, who returned the ball to the Dragons’ 6-yard line.
That set up a short touchdown run by quarterback Luke Anderson shortly thereafter. The PAT attempt failed, but the Hawks still led, 6-0, with 8 minutes 11 seconds left in the half.
Ankeny put together a nice drive in the third quarter to extend its lead. Ryan Harrington converted a field goal with 3:49 remaining in the period to give the Hawks a 9-0 advantage.
On the ensuing possession, Johnston broke loose for a long run to the end zone for its lone touchdown of the night. The Dragons closed the gap to 9-7 with 2:54 to go in the quarter.
Ankeny turned to its running game in the final period to put the game away. Daniel Larmie capped a long drive with a short touchdown run to put the Hawks ahead, 16-7, with 5:55 left.
Larmie rushed for 105 yards on 19 carries. Caden Henkes added 63 yards on 14 attempts.
“We were kind of out of sync for some reason in the first half on offense,” Bauer said. “But the coaches made some adjustments at halftime, and in the second half Larmie and Henkes just started pounding the rock. That was big. And the way we did it, I was so proud of our offensive line and obviously our two backs were physical. I think some of their defenders will be a little sore (Saturday) from tackling Larmie. He delivers some punishment.”
Johnston made a field goal with 55 seconds left to cut the lead to 16-10, but the Hawks recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal the victory.
Anderson completed 12-of-18 passes for 91 yards in the win. Devon Akers had four catches for 51 yards.
Bauer said his team now has a leg up on two of its opponents with the same record in the playoff picture.
“Ankeny Centennial and Johnston are both 2-2, and we beat both of them,” he said. “So in a way, we’re kind of ahead of them. This was just a huge night for us. I’m really proud of the kids and the staff.”
The Hawks will play another 2-2 team on Friday when they travel to Iowa City West.
