PHOTOS: Ankeny Hawks Advance, Stop Southeast Polk 27-17

On the sidelines prior to the start of Friday's game, the Southeast Polk football team appeared amped for their rematch with Ankeny.

But on the football field, Ankeny's Sam Gonzalez single-handedly drained any spark the Rams had and took the team in a 27-17 victory.

Gonzalez kept constant pressure on Southeast Polk quarterback Kyle Starcevich, leaving him with little time to orchistrate an offensive drive.

Ankeny's best offense of the night turned out to be its defense, as Matt Andriano intercepted a Starcevich pass for a touchdown. Jordan Studer sealed the win by forcing a fumble in the final two minutes of the game.

The 11-1 Hawks will move on the semifinals of the Class 4A state football playoffs. Ankeny will take on undefeated West Des Moines Valley next after the team defeated Dowling Catholic Friday night.

From our earlier story

The Ankeny Hawks will be looking to repeat history at Ankeny Stadium tonight.

After defeating Southeast Polk in a 12-7 victory on Sept. 9, the Rams (10-1) will get a chance at redemption tonight when they face Ankeny for the second time this season in the quarterfinal round of the Class 4A state playoffs.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at .

Last week, . Joel Lanning, a junior, accounted for 288 total yards and five touchdowns.

The Rams clobbered Marshalltown last week, 60-20.

The winner of tonight's game will take on either West Des Moines Valley (11-0) or Dowling Catholic (9-2) next Friday in the Class 4A semifinals at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.