There was no shortage of big plays for the Ankeny football team on Friday night.
The third-ranked Hawks scored seven touchdowns in the first 16 minutes of the game and went on to post a 56-7 homecoming victory over Ames at Ankeny Stadium.
Ankeny (6-1) bounced back from a 27-0 loss at No. 2 Johnston a week ago. Quarterback Mason Machan was intercepted five times by the Dragons, but he rebounded on Friday with a perfect performance–going 10-of-10 through the air for 158 yards and three touchdowns.
The game quickly turned into a rout after Ames (2-5) fumbled the ball away on its second play from scrimmage. Rowan Doak recovered the fumble, leading to the first of Devan Goode’s two touchdown runs less than 90 seconds into the first quarter.
Caleb Alhussaini broke loose for a 43-yard run on Ankeny’s next possession to set up his own 2-yard scoring run on the next play. He later returned a punt 56 yards for another touchdown early in the second quarter.
Machan threw a 10-yard scoring pass to Gavin Hanfelt after Ames botched a punt attempt deep in its own territory. Ben Fairchild later blocked another Ames punt, setting up an 8-yard run by Goode that extended the Hawks’ lead to 28-0 with 2:22 to go in the opening period.
A 40-yard interception return by Ace Parton set up Ankeny’s next score. Machan connected with Quin Somers on a 5-yard touchdown pass on the next play.
The punt return by Alhussaini increased the margin to 42-0. Then, after the Little Cyclones turned the ball over on downs, Machan tossed a 39-yard scoring pass to DJ Tate to make it 49-0 at halftime.
Ankeny’s final touchdown came early in the second half when backup quarterback Doak fired a 79-yard strike to Jamello Cooper. Cooper had four catches for 141 yards.
The Hawks will play at No. 15 Valley (4-3) on Friday. The Tigers are coming off a 73-27 win over Sioux City North.
(EDITOR’S NOTE): We will have more on Ankeny’s win over Ames from reporter Isaiah Pine coming later this weekend.
