The losses stick out in Jerry Pezzetti's mind much more than the victories. Over the last six decades, there haven't been a lot of them. "People talk about the wins, but I think I remember the losses a lot more than the wins," said Pezzetti, who has been coaching high school football for 60 years. "Someone asked me how many wins (I have), and I don't … [Read more...] about ‘We’re all trying to get it for him’: Pezzetti needs just 2 wins to set all-time mark
Football
‘I just knew it was the place for me’: Centennial’s Porter commits to NIU
Even though the Ankeny Centennial football team struggled to a 2-6 record last season, junior running back Trey Porter still attracted the attention of Division I coaches. Porter became a prized recruit while rushing for 582 yards and five touchdowns on 92 carries. He also caught seven passes for 93 yards. On Saturday, Porter's dream of playing … [Read more...] about ‘I just knew it was the place for me’: Centennial’s Porter commits to NIU
Centennial’s Neal to play football at Wartburg College
Defensive lineman Griffin Neal was one of the most consistent players on the Ankeny Centennial football team last fall. His performance led to an opportunity to play at the next level. Neal has verbally committed to join the Wartburg College football program. "I looked at a few schools other than Wartburg, but Wartburg just caught my attention a lot … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Neal to play football at Wartburg College
Centennial’s Johnson to join pipeline from Ankeny to Grand View
Another football player from Ankeny has decided to continue his career at Grand View University. Senior linebacker Tyler Johnson of Ankeny Centennial has committed to play for the Vikings. Two of his Jaguar teammates, Jackie Wells and Nathan Wilde, will also play for Grand View along with a pair of Ankeny players, Justice Miller and Kade Somers. "They … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Johnson to join pipeline from Ankeny to Grand View
Centennial kicker Talmadge to play football at Loras College
Ankeny Centennial place-kicker Scott Talmadge is going from the Central Iowa Metropolitan League to the American Rivers Conference. Talmadge has verbally committed to play football at NCAA Division III Loras College in Dubuque. He announced his decision via Twitter on Wednesday. "I'm extremely excited to announce that I will be committing to Loras … [Read more...] about Centennial kicker Talmadge to play football at Loras College
Centennial’s Wells, Wilde to join Gates brothers on Grand View roster
Two Ankeny Centennial football players are headed to Grand View University, where they will be teaming up with a pair of former teammates and two other recruits from Ankeny High School. Defensive linemen Jackie Wells and Nathan Wilde have both committed to the Vikings. Wilde will also compete in track and field at Grand View. "I was looking for a … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Wells, Wilde to join Gates brothers on Grand View roster
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Riley Keller, Ankeny Centennial football
Sophomore offensive lineman Riley Keller is a member of the Ankeny Centennial football team. Keller helped the Jaguars to a 2-6 record this season. "Riley is a hard-working young man on and off the football field," said Centennial co-head coach Ryan Pezzetti. "His persistence to be a team contributor was evident when given the opportunity." … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Riley Keller, Ankeny Centennial football
Hawks place 7 players on all-district first team, 8 more on second team
The state champion Ankeny football team placed seven players on the all-district first team and eight more on the second team. Ankeny Centennial, meanwhile, had three first-team and three second-team selections. The all-district teams were selected by the coaches from the following teams: Ankeny, Centennial, Ames, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Indianola … [Read more...] about Hawks place 7 players on all-district first team, 8 more on second team
‘They are everything and more that we thought’: S.E. Polk ends Jaguars’ season
The Ankeny Centennial football team has made a lot of progress since the Jaguars lost at Southeast Polk, 29-0, on Sept. 4. But not enough to pull off an upset against the top-ranked Rams. Southeast Polk (8-0) remained unbeaten with a 41-7 victory over visiting Centennial in the third round of the Class 4A playoffs on Friday. The Jaguars finished the … [Read more...] about ‘They are everything and more that we thought’: S.E. Polk ends Jaguars’ season
Pezzetti moves closer to all-time record as Jaguars romp past Sioux City East
Jerry Pezzetti moved a step closer to a huge milestone on Friday. His Ankeny Centennial football team also took a big step forward. The visiting Jaguars jumped out to a 27-0 halftime lead and went on to defeat ninth-ranked Sioux City East, 55-14, in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs at Olsen Stadium. "The kids played hard," said Pezzetti. … [Read more...] about Pezzetti moves closer to all-time record as Jaguars romp past Sioux City East
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Peyton Goode, Ankeny Centennial football
Junior Peyton Goode is a member of the Ankeny Centennial football team. He has played a variety of positions for the Jaguars, including quarterback. Goode has completed 5-of-14 passes for 85 yards. He has rushed for 66 yards on 23 carries and caught 11 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Goode has made 9.5 tackles, including six for … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Peyton Goode, Ankeny Centennial football
Jaguars look ahead to playoffs after ending regular season with loss at Valley
The Ankeny Centennial football team was looking to build some momentum heading into the Class 4A playoffs. The Jaguars finally got some during the second half of Friday's regular-season finale at Valley. It was just a little too late. After Valley jumped out to a 27-0 halftime lead, Centennial outscored the Tigers in the second half, 10-0, to come … [Read more...] about Jaguars look ahead to playoffs after ending regular season with loss at Valley
‘I couldn’t be happier for them’: Jaguars hold off Ames, Lipsey to earn first victory
For the first time this season, the Ankeny Centennial football team lined up in the victory formation at the end of Friday's homecoming game against Ames. The Jaguars milked the final seconds off the clock to preserve a 21-17 triumph at Ankeny Stadium. "Our kids played great," said Centennial co-head coach Ryan Pezzetti. "I couldn't be happier for … [Read more...] about ‘I couldn’t be happier for them’: Jaguars hold off Ames, Lipsey to earn first victory
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Griffin Neal, Ankeny Centennial football
Senior nose guard Griffin Neal is a member of the Ankeny Centennial football team. He made 2.5 tackles, including a sack, and also recovered a fumble in the Jaguars' 14-7 loss at ninth-ranked Johnston on Friday. Neal has racked up 11 tackles on the season. Nine of them have been solo stops. Here is some inside info on Neal: I know your team doesn't … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Griffin Neal, Ankeny Centennial football
A sign of progress: Jaguars battle No. 9 Johnston down to the wire before falling
If the Ankeny Centennial football team continues to improve over the next three weeks, the Jaguars could be a dangerous opponent in the upcoming Class 4A playoffs--despite entering the postseason with a losing record. Centennial battled ninth-ranked Johnston down to the wire on Friday before falling to the Dragons, 14-7, at Johnston Stadium. The Jaguars … [Read more...] about A sign of progress: Jaguars battle No. 9 Johnston down to the wire before falling
Centennial shows signs of improvement, but drops 24-7 decision to Waukee
The Ankeny Centennial offense looked like it might have found something early Friday night. The unit, which hadn't scored previously this season, started the game with back-to-back big gains from Trey Porter to secure a first down on the Waukee 24-yard line. The Jaguars would get to the 13-yard line, but a missed field goal left the large zero … [Read more...] about Centennial shows signs of improvement, but drops 24-7 decision to Waukee
No. 4 S.E. Polk gets off to fast start, romps to 29-0 win over Jaguars
The Ankeny Centennial football team was looking to bounce back from a season-opening loss to second-ranked Ankeny. A trip to Pleasant Hill to face No. 4 Southeast Polk on Friday wasn't what the Jaguars needed. Titus Christensen rushed for 164 yards and three touchdowns as the Rams rolled to a 29-0 victory in their home opener. They improved to 2-0 on … [Read more...] about No. 4 S.E. Polk gets off to fast start, romps to 29-0 win over Jaguars
Inexperienced Centennial football team gearing up for grueling schedule
A grueling schedule awaits the Ankeny Centennial football team. The Jaguars will open their shortened regular season with games against Ankeny, Southeast Polk and Waukee. "Those are probably three of the best four teams in the state," said Centennial co-head coach Ryan Pezzetti. "We certainly have our work cut out for us." Centennial will later … [Read more...] about Inexperienced Centennial football team gearing up for grueling schedule
Revised football schedules announced: Hawks, Jaguars to meet Aug. 28
The revised 2020 football schedules for both Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial have been announced. The Hawks and Jaguars will still open the season against each other on Aug. 28. Ankeny will be the home team. Both squads will play a seven-game regular season under the revised plan announced last week by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. All Class … [Read more...] about Revised football schedules announced: Hawks, Jaguars to meet Aug. 28
Jaguars’ Pieper earns National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete Award
Ankeny Centennial defensive lineman Lucas Pieper has been named a winner of the National Football Foundation's Iowa Chapter Scholar Athlete Award for 2020. This award recognizes high school football players who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities. Pieper helped the Jaguars to an 8-2 record … [Read more...] about Jaguars’ Pieper earns National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete Award