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SOUTHSIDE PRIDE: Hawks erase 17-point deficit, knock off Jaguars in double OT

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With the game on the line, the Ankeny football team didn't run the play that was called in the huddle. It worked out for the Hawks anyway. Devon Akers caught a two-point pass from Luke Anderson to give the Hawks a thrilling 39-38 victory over rival Ankeny Centennial in double overtime on Friday at Ankeny Stadium. "We actually messed up the play," … [Read more...] about SOUTHSIDE PRIDE: Hawks erase 17-point deficit, knock off Jaguars in double OT

Ankeny Christian Academy pitcher Christensen to play baseball at DMACC

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Ankeny Christian Academy baseball standout Eli Christensen has verbally committed to play for Des Moines Area Community College in Boone. Christensen announced his decision via social media on Friday. "Excited to announce my commitment to @DMACCBaseball to continue my academic and baseball career!" he tweeted. "Blessed that God has given me this … [Read more...] about Ankeny Christian Academy pitcher Christensen to play baseball at DMACC

Ankeny Little League honored for commitment to safety of its players

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The Ankeny Little League has been honored for its commitment to the safety and well-being of its players. Ankeny is one of 10 communities from across the nation that was recognized. The safety and well-being of all participants in the Little League Program has always been a top priority, and since 1995, Little League and Musco Lighting have … [Read more...] about Ankeny Little League honored for commitment to safety of its players

Jag-Hawk rivalry resumes on Friday night to kick off 2023 football season

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Ankeny's crosstown rivals will collide on the gridiron for the 12th time on Friday at Ankeny Stadium to kick off the 2023 high school football season. Ankeny Centennial leads the all-time series, 8-3, but Ankeny has won two of the last three meetings--including a 17-10 victory by the Hawks in 2022. "Ankeny's had a very nice run the last few years," … [Read more...] about Jag-Hawk rivalry resumes on Friday night to kick off 2023 football season

Hensen again earns medalist honors as Hawks top Centennial at triangular meet

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As the temperatures soared this week, the scores for Drew Hensen and the Ankeny boys' golf team have gone down. Hensen carded a 2-under-par 69 to earn medalist honors on Thursday while leading the Hawks to a second-place finish in a CIML Conference triangular meet at Copper Creek. He finished one stroke ahead of runner-up Sam Wahman of Southeast Polk in … [Read more...] about Hensen again earns medalist honors as Hawks top Centennial at triangular meet

‘We’ve got a great group of kids’: Jaguars return wealth of offensive weapons

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There's a lot of experience on the Ankeny Centennial football team. Co-head coach Ryan Pezzetti is hoping that the return of 12 players who had significant roles on last year's squad that posted a 5-5 record will produce an even better season in 2023. "We've got a great group of kids," said Pezzetti. "We've got quite a few players back on offense and a … [Read more...] about ‘We’ve got a great group of kids’: Jaguars return wealth of offensive weapons

Hawks return just 5 starters, but Bauer enters season with optimistic outlook

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Although the Ankeny football team lacks experience, the Hawks still boast plenty of talent. Ankeny returns just five starters from last year's squad that posted a 9-2 record, but first-year coach Jeff Bauer isn't concerned about the number of newcomers who will be forced to play. "Nobody is going to talk about Ankeny when you have just five returning … [Read more...] about Hawks return just 5 starters, but Bauer enters season with optimistic outlook

‘We got back to playing like ourselves!’: Jags rebound from loss, sweep Waukee

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One night after Indianola pounded 15 aces in a season-opening win over the Ankeny Centennial volleyball team, the sixth-ranked Jaguars had 11 of their own and bounced back with a sweep over visiting Waukee in their CIML Conference opener on Tuesday. Centennial rolled to a 25-16, 25-12, 25-12 victory to even its overall record at 1-1. It was the season … [Read more...] about ‘We got back to playing like ourselves!’: Jags rebound from loss, sweep Waukee

‘We have a long way to go’: Hawkettes drop opener at No. 2 Dowling in 4 sets

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Coach Liz Baethke knew that the season opener for her Ankeny volleyball team was going to be a tall task. Second-ranked Dowling Catholic, which features one of the state's top hitters in Mackenzie Dean and several other tall players, proved to be as formidable as she feared. The Maroons dropped the opening set on their home court before rallying to … [Read more...] about ‘We have a long way to go’: Hawkettes drop opener at No. 2 Dowling in 4 sets

‘I think we’re a lot better than what we showed’: Jags fall to Indianola in 4 sets

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The Ankeny Centennial volleyball team won't have much time to dissect Monday's season-opening loss to Indianola. The Jaguars will be back on the court Tuesday to host Waukee in their CIML Conference opener after falling to the visiting Indians in four sets. Indianola posted a 25-16, 25-20, 20-25, 25-19 victory in a non-conference matchup between … [Read more...] about ‘I think we’re a lot better than what we showed’: Jags fall to Indianola in 4 sets

Jaguars edge Dowling, tumble to Wolves in triangular meet at Jester Park

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The Ankeny Centennial boys' golf team made a lot of progress over the last week. After shooting a 317 and placing fifth in the Jesse Peck Invitational on Aug. 14 at Briarwood Golf Club, the Jaguars dropped 11 strokes off their score Monday during a CIML Conference triangular meet at Jester Park. The 306 total allowed Centennial to edge Dowling Catholic … [Read more...] about Jaguars edge Dowling, tumble to Wolves in triangular meet at Jester Park

Ankeny golfers fall to Johnston by 3 strokes, but easily defeat Urbandale

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The Ankeny boys' golf team came away with a split on Monday in a CIML Conference triangular meet held in steamy conditions at Beaver Creek. The Hawks posted four scores in the 70s and finished with a 301 total. They lost to Johnston (298) by three strokes, but easily defeated Urbandale (369). "It was really hot, but a good day for the Hawks," said … [Read more...] about Ankeny golfers fall to Johnston by 3 strokes, but easily defeat Urbandale

‘I’d bet the house on it’: Hawk runners look to contend for Class 4A crown

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The expectations are high this season for the Ankeny boys' cross country team. Actually, they're sky high. The Hawks are second in the Class 4A preseason rankings after placing third in last year's state meet with 158 points, which equaled the school's highest finish in the modern era. Only one of the top seven runners from that team … [Read more...] about ‘I’d bet the house on it’: Hawk runners look to contend for Class 4A crown

After Drake coach departs, Centennial’s Peterson decides to play for Iowa Central

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Ankeny Centennial boys' tennis standout Caleb Peterson is heading to Fort Dodge on Monday to begin his college career at Iowa Central Community College. Peterson decided to go the junior college route after previously considering Drake. "I feel like it was somewhat of an easy decision with my other option Drake losing their coach and Iowa Central being … [Read more...] about After Drake coach departs, Centennial’s Peterson decides to play for Iowa Central

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Zach Hoffman, Ankeny Centennial boys’ golf

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Ankeny Centennial senior Zach Hoffman shot a 79 to place 13th in the season-opening Jesse Peck Invitational on Aug. 14 at Briarwood Golf Club. He helped the Jaguars to a fifth-place finish in the eight-team field. Hoffman is the top returning player from a team that posted a 3-5 record in the CIML Conference last year. He played in 11 events and ranked … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Zach Hoffman, Ankeny Centennial boys’ golf

State placewinner Schermerhorn, 3 other varsity regulars are back for Jaguars

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A year ago, Ankeny Centennial's AJ Schermerhorn earned a spot on the awards podium at the Class 4A state cross country meet, placing 12th in the 5k race with a time of 15:59.52. However, Schermerhorn competed in the meet as an individual after the Jaguars failed to qualify as a team. This year, Schermerhorn is hoping to be joined on the Fort Dodge … [Read more...] about State placewinner Schermerhorn, 3 other varsity regulars are back for Jaguars

Jaguars boast 8 girls who have combined for 13 state-meet appearances

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There are 69 runners on the Ankeny Centennial girls' cross country team, and about a dozen of them are battling for the seven varsity positions. The roster includes eight girls who have combined for a total of 13 state-meet appearances. "The practices have been going well," said Centennial coach Eric Cogdill. "The girls are eager to do the work. We've … [Read more...] about Jaguars boast 8 girls who have combined for 13 state-meet appearances

‘We’re going to be a fun, athletic team’: Jaguars to rely heavily on Pratt, Miller

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Despite losing six key players from last year's team, the Ankeny Centennial volleyball squad still has plenty of reasons for optimism. The Jaguars boast two of the state's top juniors in Delaney Miller and Jaeden Pratt. They helped lead the team to a 30-10 record and a trip to the Class 5A semifinals a year ago. "The practices have been going well," … [Read more...] about ‘We’re going to be a fun, athletic team’: Jaguars to rely heavily on Pratt, Miller