J-Hawks Face Toughest Opponent Yet

The J-Hawks will face a tough test on Friday night when they travel to Ankeny to take on the Number-4-ranked Hawks, who are undefeated, and playing in front of a homecoming crowd.

Both teams are coming off big wins last weekend, with Urbandale crushing Johnston, 31-10, and Ankeny rolling over Indianola, 41-14.

Last year, Urbandale lost two matchups against Ankeny, including a loss in the state quarterfinals that ended the J-Hawks’s season. It's a loss Urbandale hopes to avenge this year.  

Urbandale head coach Sam Anderson said this year’s squad is “definitely a different team” after losing eight starters on offense and another seven on defense from last year. Still, he likes the J-Hawks’ chances have against Ankeny.

“We’ve got to do what we do, and be able to take care of the football,” Anderson said. “We need to be able to take chances at certain times, and be able to execute.”

Anderson praised the Hawks, crediting their “outstanding offense and defense” and said that the game will be a challenge for his young team.

Anderson said his team is playing hard, and that he’s pleased to see young players stepping up to fill roles left by graduating seniors.

One of those players is sophomore Allan Lazard; Urbandale’s starting punt returner, wide receiver, and free safety.

Playing against Hoover High School on Aug. 26, Lazard returned three interceptions for touchdowns, including two in the first quarter. Lazard tied a national record for high school players according the National Federation of State High School Associations.

“I just read the quarterback’s eyes, and read the cues really well,” Lazard said.

After the first two interceptions, Lazard said that the third felt like déjà vu. Coming back to the sidelines, teammates congratulated him, and told him he’d set a record. Although Lazard only tied the record, he said he’s happiest that the team came away with the win. Anderson said that good defense makes Lazard’s interceptions possible.

“I think he was in a zone that night,” Anderson said. “His teammates rushed the passer, our defensive backs had great coverage, and it was obviously a team effort.”

Lazard, who started as a freshman for the J-Hawks last year has been a player that Urbandale has been able to count on Anderson said.

“He’s played extremely well for us,” Anderson said.

Lazard, who said he’s been playing football nearly his entire life, hopes to keep playing in college, although he hasn’t decided where he wants to go to school. He’s also a forward on the J-Hawks basketball team.   When he’s not playing sports, the Urbandale sophomore enjoys listening to music.

During practice this week Lazard said he’s getting ready to face Ankeny’s offense. He predicted that execution will be the key to coming away with a big win against one of the top teams in the state.

“It’s going to be a dogfight until the end,” Lazard said. “Whichever team can execute the most is going to get the win.”