No. 19 IMG Academy holds off No. 20 Bergen Catholic in wild game

By Stephen Spiewak Sep 19, 2015, 3:00pm

Florida power notches road victory in high-scoring affair.

Video: MaxPreps Top 10 Games of the Week
Bergen Catholic's comeback fell short in the MaxPreps Game of the Week.

The highly-touted matchup between future SEC quarterbacks did not disappoint on Saturday.

Both Ole Miss-bound quarterback Shea Patterson and Tennessee commit Jarrett Guarantano enjoyed big games, but it was Patterson's IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) squad that came away with a 59-47 victory over Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.).

Behind Patterson's strong play, IMG Academy raced to a 35-14 halftime lead, and it seemed like IMG might win in a laugher.

However, Guarantano and Bergen Catholic refused to go quietly. The 6-foot-4 senior navigated the Crusaders on an impressive comeback.



They narrowed the gap to a five-point margin, 52-47, with less than three minutes remaining.

IMG Academy was able to recover the ensuing onside kick attempt, however, and sealed the victory with a Jordan Anthony touchdown.

With the victory, IMG Academy officially moves to 4-0, and should rise in the Xcellent 25 National Football Rankings presented by the Army National Guard.

The team lost in a preseason kickoff classic to American Heritage. That contest was played like a regular game, but was officially counted as a scrimmage.
IMG Academy quarterback Shea Patterson motions to a receiver downfield.
IMG Academy quarterback Shea Patterson motions to a receiver downfield.
Photos by Glenn Kross
Bergen Catholic QB Jarrett Guarantano
Bergen Catholic QB Jarrett Guarantano
IMG Academy running back Tony Jones breaks into the open.
IMG Academy running back Tony Jones breaks into the open.
Johnny Langan scores a touchdown for Bergan Catholic.
Johnny Langan scores a touchdown for Bergan Catholic.