Ankeny Fanatic

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Football

Pezzetti moves closer to all-time record as Jaguars romp past Sioux City East

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Avery Gates, Ankeny Centennial senior

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Senior Avery Gates was expected to be one of the top sprinters for the Ankeny Centennial boys' track team. He helped the Jaguars to a 16th-place finish in last year's Class 4A state meet. Gates placed 13th in the 200 with a time of 22.60 seconds. He also ran on the third-place 4x400, fourth-place sprint medley and sixth-place 4x200 relays. Here is some … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Avery Gates, Ankeny Centennial senior

Centennial linebacker Vaughan to play football at Central College

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The football pipeline from Ankeny to Pella will continue for awhile longer. Ankeny Centennial linebacker Desmond Vaughan has committed to play for Central College in the fall. He revealed his decision on Friday via Twitter. "Excited to announce my commitment to play football at Central College!@CUI_Football," Vaughan tweeted. Vaughan will become the … [Read more...] about Centennial linebacker Vaughan to play football at Central College

Scherle to follow in great-grandfather’s footsteps, will play for Wartburg College

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Growing up as a multi-sport athlete, Nick Scherle heard a lot of stories about Wartburg College. Now, he'll get a chance to make his own memories at the private Lutheran liberal arts college in Waverly. Scherle, whose great-grandfather was an all-conference defensive lineman for Wartburg, has committed to play football for the Knights. "I originally … [Read more...] about Scherle to follow in great-grandfather’s footsteps, will play for Wartburg College

Ankeny, Centennial to face grueling football schedules in 2020

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The 2020 regular season schedules for all Iowa high school football teams have been released by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. District and group assignments were posted in February, following Board of Control approval. This arrangement is in place for just one year, as opposed to the usual two-year football cycle. Class 4A has also … [Read more...] about Ankeny, Centennial to face grueling football schedules in 2020

Local businesses raise $1,000 for Ankeny Athletic Booster Club

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Several local businesses raised a total of $1,000 for the Ankeny Athletic Booster Club through a pair of tailgates in the fall. The tailgates were held before the Ankeny vs. Ankeny Centennial football game on Aug. 30 and before the Hawks' homecoming game against Des Moines Hoover on Oct. 4. These events were sponsored by Ankeny Fanatic, Gershman … [Read more...] about Local businesses raise $1,000 for Ankeny Athletic Booster Club

Bauer, Brecht, Petersen earn all-state honors from Des Moines Register

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One of the best passing combinations in Class 4A this season was Ankeny's junior duo of quarterback Jase Bauer and wide receiver Brody Brecht. Both players have received all-state football honors from The Des Moines Register after leading the Hawks to an 8-3 record and a Class 4A quarterfinal appearance. Brecht was named to the Elite team, which … [Read more...] about Bauer, Brecht, Petersen earn all-state honors from Des Moines Register

Centennial’s Gray to receive prestigious Burlsworth Award

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Ankeny Centennial senior defensive back Keaton Gray has been named a recipient of the Burlsworth Award, a national award honoring character and sportsmanship in high school football. Gray made 33.5 tackles and had one interception while helping the Jaguars to an 8-2 record this season, but it was his performance off the field that led to the Burlsworth … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Gray to receive prestigious Burlsworth Award

Family history, right fit leads Gates to Grand View, Gibson to Iowa State

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Two of Ankeny Centennial's football standouts have decided to follow in the footsteps of a family member. Running back Avery Gates has committed to play for Grand View, where his brother, Jensen, is already on the Vikings' roster. "In the big picture, I was going to choose a place that fit me and believed in me," said Gates. "Having Jensen be in the … [Read more...] about Family history, right fit leads Gates to Grand View, Gibson to Iowa State