PLEASANT HILL, IA – The Friday night lights will burn brightest in Pleasant Hill this evening as a colossal non-conference showdown kicks off the 2025 Iowa high school football season. The Southeast Polk Rams, opening the year as Iowa’s preseason No. 1 team in Class 5A, host the always-dangerous Ankeny Centennial Jaguars in a week-zero battle that has the entire state’s attention. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM at Southeast Polk High School.

What: Iowa High School Football
Who: Ankeny Centennial vs Southeast Polk
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Southeast Polk High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

This matchup is far from a simple warm-up game. It pits two of the state’s premier programs against each other right out of the gate, offering an immediate litmus test for both squads. For the Rams, it’s the first chance to prove their top-ranking is justified. For the Jaguars, it’s a prime opportunity to make a massive statement and shake up the state’s hierarchy from day one.

The Stakes: More Than Just a Non-Conference Win

While the result will not count toward any league standings, the implications of this Ankeny Centennial vs. Southeast Polk game are immense. In the world of high school football, early-season momentum is priceless. A victory here provides a huge confidence boost, sets a dominant tone for the year, and offers crucial data points for playoff seeding down the line.

For Southeast Polk, the pressure is on. Holding the No. 1 ranking in the state and a national rank of No. 321 according to available data, the Rams have a target on their backs. Every opponent will give them their best shot, and that starts tonight with an Ankeny Centennial team known for its physical, disciplined brand of football.

The Jaguars, ranked No. 13 in Iowa and just outside the national top 1000, enter as a formidable underdog. With a proven track record in Iowa’s largest classification, Centennial has the talent and coaching to travel into a hostile environment and pull off an upset that would immediately redefine the 5A landscape.

Breaking Down the Southeast Polk Rams

The Rams’ preseason accolades are no accident. This program has built a powerhouse, consistently competing for and winning state championships. They return to the field with a roster expected to be loaded with next-level talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

While specific returning players are not listed in the provided data, the Southeast Polk system is known for its explosive offense. Look for a multi-faceted attack that can beat defenses both on the ground and through the air. A strong, experienced offensive line is typically the engine for the Rams, creating running lanes for powerful backs and providing time for a skilled quarterback to operate.

Defensively, Southeast Polk prides itself on speed and aggression. Their unit will be tasked with containing an Ankeny Centennial offense that can be methodical and punishing. The key for the Rams’ defense will be to set the tone early, win the line of scrimmage, and force the Jaguars into obvious passing situations.

Scouting the Ankeny Centennial Jaguars

The Jaguars are the epitome of a tough, well-coached Iowa football team. They may not always have the flashiest roster, but they execute their game plan with precision and physicality. Head coach Jerry Pezzetti’s program is built on fundamentals, a strong running game, and a defense that flies to the football.

Ankeny Centennial’s identity often starts with its defense. They are disciplined in their assignments and excel at limiting big plays. To walk out of Southeast Polk with a victory, the Jaguar defense must find a way to slow down the Rams’ high-powered attack. This will require winning first and second down, creating third-and-long situations, and potentially generating a key turnover to swing momentum.

Offensively, the Jaguars will look to establish the run to control the clock and keep the Southeast Polk offense on the sidelines. A balanced, ball-control approach is their best recipe for an upset. Sustaining long drives that end in points, not just consuming time, will be critical against a team like Southeast Polk that can score in bunches.

Key Matchups to Watch

The outcome of this Ankeny Centennial vs. Southeast Polk battle will likely be decided in the trenches.

• Southeast Polk Offensive Line vs. Ankeny Centennial Defensive Front: Can the Jaguars’ defensive line disrupt the rhythm of the Rams’ offense? If they can generate pressure without consistently blitzing, it will allow their linebackers and secondary to focus on coverage and contain.

• Ankeny Centennial Running Game vs. Southeast Polk Linebackers: The Jaguars’ ability to run the ball effectively will be the cornerstone of their game plan. The Rams’ linebackers must be ready to shed blocks and make tackles at the second level to force Centennial into passing downs.

• The Big Play: Southeast Polk has the athletes to score from anywhere on the field. Ankeny Centennial must eliminate explosive plays—those of 20 yards or more—to keep the game within reach. Conversely, if the Jaguars can break a long run or a play-action pass, it could be the equalizer they need.

X-Factors and Intangibles

• Week Zero Jitters: As the first game of the season, mistakes and penalties can play an outsized role. Which team shakes off the rust faster? The team that commits fewer mental errors and turnovers will put itself in a great position to win.

• Home-Field Advantage: The Rams playing in front of their home crowd provides a definite boost. The energy and noise can disrupt opposing offenses and inspire a big defensive stop. How Ankeny Centennial handles this environment, especially early on, will be crucial.

• Coaching: Both teams feature excellent coaching staffs that will have their teams prepared. The in-game adjustments made after halftime could ultimately decide this chess match.

Prediction and What It Means

On paper, the Southeast Polk Rams are the favorites. Their #1 ranking and home-field advantage make them a tough team to pick against. Their offensive firepower is expected to be among the best in the state.

However, dismissing Ankeny Centennial would be a major mistake. The Jaguars are built to compete with exactly this type of team. Their physical style is designed to neutralize speed and talent.

This game will likely be closer than many anticipate. Look for a hard-hitting, low-scoring affair in the first half as both teams feel each other out. The team that can impose its will in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, will emerge victorious. Southeast Polk’s depth and big-play ability might be the difference, but expect Ankeny Centennial to fight until the final whistle.

Regardless of the outcome, both teams will gain invaluable experience. For the winner, it’s a signature victory to build upon. For the loser, it’s a chance to learn from mistakes against a top-tier opponent early enough to correct them for the long season ahead.

How to Follow the Action

For live updates, score tracking, and in-depth coverage of this and every other major Iowa high school football game throughout the season, make HS Football Insider your go-to source. Our team provides unparalleled analysis and reporting on the biggest stories across the state.

Follow all the thrilling action from the Ankeny Centennial vs. Southeast Polk game and stay tuned for complete coverage of the entire Iowa high school football season at HS Football Insider – Iowa.

Tonight’s season opener is more than just a game; it’s a statement opportunity. Two giants of Iowa high school football are ready to collide. Be there to see who lands the first blow.