The Indianola football squad started off the season with a win over Ankeny Centennial Friday night, surviving a late scare to win 26-20 heard live on 94.3 KNIA.

The Jaguars struck first, scoring on a six-play drive to take a 7-0 lead, followed up by the Indians scoring a 35-yard field goal and a safety, trailing 7-5 to end the first quarter. Quarterback Bennett Brueck connected with wide receiver Drew Kingery twice in the second quarter as the Indians took a 19-7 lead going into the halftime break. Brueck scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to take a 26-7 lead, which held until late in the 4th quarter when Centennial scored back-to-back touchdowns to get within six points, after which the Indians recovered the ensuing onside kick to end the game.

Head coach Eric Kluver said it was a slow start for his defense, but after they forced the safety they settled down and started to play well.

“It was a huge play. We are dealing with young men, and there are highs and lows, and boy you could just see once they made that football play they were playing loose and relaxed and looked comfortable. And after that they executed really well.”

Brueck threw for 190 yards and two scores, Kingery caught six passes for 65 yards and two scores, and Matt Edgington rushed 21 times for 95 yards. The Indians improve to 1-0, and will host Glenwood in non-district play on Friday.