Football Recap: IMG Academy Starts Season with Victory Against Hoover + How To Watch

IMG Academy had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. Everything went their way against the Hoover Buccaneers on Friday as they made off with a 34-13 victory. The Ascenders haven't had any issues with the Buccaneers recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.

Le'Khy Thompkins had a dynamite game, rushing for 164 yards and three TDs while picking up 9.6 yards per carry.

Ascenders

Rushing Yards

08/22/25 @ Hoover	259
11/08/24 vs St. Thomas More	188
11/01/24 @ St. Frances Academy	67
10/25/24 @ East St. Louis	133
10/04/24 @ Venice	93
+ 3 more games

They were just one part of a punishing run game: IMG Academy was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 259 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in September of 2024.

On the other side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to IMG Academy's defense and their six sacks. The heavy lifting was done by Jake Kreul and Zyron Forstall, who racked up four sacks between them. AJ Marks got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. IMG Academy will challenge Winslow Township at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. As for Hoover, they will face off against Spain Park at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.