The Ankeny Hawks and Ankeny Centennial Jaguars renew their fierce rivalry at Ankeny City Stadium on August 30, 2024, as part of the 21st season of the Great American Rivalry Series. Since the Ankeny Community School District split in 2013, the rivalry has intensified, with Centennial leading the series 9-4. However, Ankeny edged out a thrilling 39-38 victory in their last encounter. 

With a crowd of 9,000 expected, the night promises high energy, especially since it is Ankeny Junior Football Night, recognizing over 1,000 young athletes. The debut of a new locker room facility and a community-wide food drive add to the excitement, making this more than just a game—it’s a celebration of community spirit. 

 We Know Friday Nights 

MVP

Braedon Jackson
Centennial

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Ben Taylor

Ankeny

Ben is being escorted by his parents, Dan and Cherish Taylor. Ben has been heavily involved in Football, Baseball, & Track & Field and is a multi-year letter winner. He is a member of the National Honor Society, is a Huddle leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and is a leader in the AHS Mentors and Violence Prevention (MVP) Club. After high school, Ben is looking at possibly majoring in Business or in the Analytics/ Statistics Fields.
Chase Kluver

Centennial

Chase is being escorted by his parents, Chad and Erica Kluver. Chase is a tremendous student and a big part of our football program. In his tenure as a student, Chase has maintained a 3.96 GPA. As an established player on the varsity squad, James is a top contributor to the Jaguars, playing both sides of the ball. After graduating, he plans to pursue a higher education at the University of Sioux Falls, where he will also be playing football.

GAME SUMMARY

In a marquee matchup between two top-10 teams, Ankeny and Centennial clashed in a fierce rivalry game as part of the 21st season of the Great American Rivalry Series. Centennial set the tone early, forcing a turnover on downs on Ankeny’s opening drive, establishing their defensive dominance from the start. Ankeny’s defense answered back when #11, Lamarious Clark, intercepted a Centennial pass at the beginning of the second quarter, momentarily shifting momentum in the Hawks' favor. However, Centennial’s offense proved too strong, with #32, Javaris Morgan, breaking through Ankeny’s defense on three consecutive plays, each gaining more than 10 yards and putting Centennial in prime scoring position. The game’s MVP, Centennial’s #1, Braedon Jackson, delivered when it mattered most, scoring two crucial touchdowns that ultimately sealed the victory for the Jaguars. Centennial’s combination of relentless defense and a powerful ground game overwhelmed Ankeny, showcasing why this rivalry continues to be one of the most anticipated in the state. The Jaguars’ victory in this edition of the Crosstown Showdown highlights the intensity and passion that make Friday night football special.