Ankeny Ends Dowling’s Incredible Seven-Year Run In 4A
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The king has been dethroned in Class 4A, as Ankeny knocked off seven-time defending state champion West Des Moines Dowling in a thrilling double-overtime semifinal Friday night, 31-24. University of Iowa commit Arland Bruce IV Arland Bruce IV 5'10" |…
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Continue ReadingThe king has been dethroned in Class 4A, as Ankeny knocked off seven-time defending state champion West Des Moines Dowling in a thrilling double-overtime semifinal Friday night, 31-24.
University of Iowa commit Arland Bruce IV Arland Bruce IV 5'10" | 195 lbs | ATH Ankeny | 2021 State IA picked off a pass in the extra session to seal the victory for the Hawks, who advance to face Southeast Polk in the finals.
Bruce, a do-everything offensive standout, ran for 87 yards and caught a pair of passes for 46. He will no doubt find success with the Hawkeyes as they take advantage of his speed, quickness and knowledge of the game.
Ankeny missed a potentially game-winning field goal in the final minute as quarterback Jase Bauer Jase Bauer 6'1" | 205 lbs | QB Ankeny | 2021 State IA set up the kick with a dazzling run on third-and-18. Bauer, who remains one of the top uncommitted players in the state, threw for 123 yards and two touchdowns, adding 90 yards and another score on the ground.
Brody Brecht Brody Brecht 6'4" | 205 lbs | WR Ankeny | 2021 State IA , also headed to Iowa, had a TD catch and ran in another score with Brady McCullough also catching a pass. Brecht out-muscled a defender in the end zone for the first touchdown in overtime.
Dowling, which entered having captured each of the past seven state titles, was led by Jaxon Smolik, as he tossed two TD passes to Andrew Lentsch Andrew Lentsch 6'5" | 225 lbs | TE Dowling Catholic | 2021 IA . Khameron Middleton ran for 86 yards and Zach Schwager had a touchdown.
The finals will feature many of the top players in the state in both the Class of 2021 and Class of 2022. Southeast Polk boasts junior standouts Titus Christiansen Titus Christiansen 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Southeast Polk | 2022 State IA , Xavier Nwankpa Xavier Nwankpa 6'3" | 190 lbs | DB Southeast Polk | 2022 State IA , Jaxon Dailey Jaxon Dailey 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Southeast Polk | 2022 State IA and Class of 2023’s Kadyn Proctor Kadyn Proctor 6'8" | 325 lbs | OL Southeast Polk | 2023 State IA .