Ankeny Centennial running back Elijah Porter can change directions quickly on the football field. Now, Porter has changed directions off the field as well. The senior has verbally committed to play for Northern Illinois next year. He had previously committed to Northern Iowa in early August. Porter announced his decision via social media on … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Porter commits to Northern Illinois, will reunite with his brother Trey
Trey Porter
Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny boys’ track team
When Tarry Cory was growing up in Ankeny, he played a variety of sports. Like many boys, Cory enjoyed competing in the major sports of football, basketball and baseball. But he also tried some other sports, including track and field, where something sparked his interest in the pole vault. "During the seventh grade, we'd go over to where the football … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny boys’ track team
Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny football team (2nd team)
For several months, Ankeny Fanatic has been contacting the members of its all-time Ankeny football team to get a reaction from some of the players, as well as stories and favorite memories from their high school careers. One former Ankeny standout responded with a poem that he wrote. Ross Naylor entitled it, "Pezzetti's Proposal", in honor of his … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny football team (2nd team)
TOO MUCH MORROW: Valley ends Jaguars’ season behind QB’s 5 TDs
Valley quarterback Mason Morrow didn't take over the starting position last year until heralded transfer Jake Rubley was declared ineligible by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. Rubley's departure may have been a blessing in disguise for the Tigers. Morrow, who has developed into a solid quarterback, passed for three touchdowns and ran for two … [Read more...] about TOO MUCH MORROW: Valley ends Jaguars’ season behind QB’s 5 TDs
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Trey Porter, Ankeny Centennial football
Senior Trey Porter has been a two-way standout this season for the Ankeny Centennial football team, helping the Jaguars to a 4-5 record. He ran for three touchdowns on Friday as the Jaguars clinched a berth in the Class 5A playoffs with a 63-6 victory at Des Moines East. Porter has rushed for 326 yards and four scores on 67 carries. As a defensive back, … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Trey Porter, Ankeny Centennial football
ONE OF A KIND: Pezzetti stands alone following Jaguars’ rout over Waukee
Jerry Pezzetti now stands alone. The Ankeny Centennial football team scored six first-half touchdowns and rolled to a 42-7 victory over visiting Waukee on Friday, allowing Pezzetti to become the all-time leader in coaching victories. He now has 433 career wins, surpassing previous leader Dick Tighe. "I'm very proud to be one of the top coaches in the … [Read more...] about ONE OF A KIND: Pezzetti stands alone following Jaguars’ rout over Waukee
GOODE ENOUGH: Jaguars shock Ankeny behind QB’s 2 TD runs, strong defense
There wasn't much belief in the Ankeny Centennial football team following the Jaguars' 42-13 loss at Indianola in their season opener. But the players in the locker room never lost faith in themselves. "We just had some small mistakes that we had to fix," said Centennial senior Trey Porter. Porter intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble, while … [Read more...] about GOODE ENOUGH: Jaguars shock Ankeny behind QB’s 2 TD runs, strong defense
CENTENNIAL 14, ANKENY 7: Pezzetti ties all-time record in stunning fashion
Jerry Pezzetti stood at midfield and watched as his Ankeny Centennial football players celebrated a huge win over their crosstown rival. He wiped a tear out of his eye after reaching a coaching milestone. "You've got to hand it to these kids," Pezzetti said following the Jaguars' 14-7 victory over second-ranked Ankeny on Friday at Ankeny Stadium. "They … [Read more...] about CENTENNIAL 14, ANKENY 7: Pezzetti ties all-time record in stunning fashion
‘We’re all trying to get it for him’: Pezzetti needs just 2 wins to set all-time mark
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
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 150
Publisher Dan Holm previews the high school football season in this edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America as he stopped by practice to interview seniors Braden Simonsen and Brady McCullough along with head coach Rick Nelson of Ankeny, and seniors Trey Porter and Carter Cahill along with co-head coach Jerry … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 150
‘Our program is in a really good spot’: Jaguars win SMR, place 3rd in Class 4A
Tommy Collins held the Class 4A third-place trophy high above his head as he stood on the track at Drake Stadium. Collins and his teammates on the Ankeny Centennial boys' track squad had accomplished one of their goals. "I'm just so proud of the team. It was one heck of a run," Collins said after the Jaguars earned a third-place finish in the state … [Read more...] about ‘Our program is in a really good spot’: Jaguars win SMR, place 3rd in Class 4A
‘We got points on the board, and we’ll get some more’: Jaguars take 2nd in 4×200
The goal of a top-five finish in the Class 4A state meet remains well within reach for the Ankeny Centennial boys' track team. The Jaguars picked up points in two more events on Friday and are currently tied with three other teams for seventh place with 18 points. Ankeny is tied with three other squads for 13th place with eight points. Cedar Falls has … [Read more...] about ‘We got points on the board, and we’ll get some more’: Jaguars take 2nd in 4×200
‘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
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 111
Check out the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America. Ankeny Centennial co-head coach Ryan Pezzetti and junior running back Trey Porter stopped by to discuss the Jaguars' playoff matchup at Sioux City East with Ankeny Fanatic publisher Dan Holm, who also interviewed Ankeny linebacker Brice Peterson about … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 111
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