Ascenders' first trip to Texas since 2015 a chance to solidify top spot while Panthers see opportunity to make statement.
IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), the No. 1 team in the MaxPreps Top 25 high school football rankings, gets its biggest test of the year Saturday as the Ascenders travel to Texas to face No. 6 Duncanville (Texas). IMG has won its first four games and outscored the opposition 194-42 while the Panthers opened their season with a 41-3 win over South Oak Cliff (Dallas).
This is the Ascenders' first game against a Texas opponent since 2015 when
Shea Patterson engineered a 47-29 win over DeSoto.
One of the game's biggest rivalries is featured this week as No. 48 Valdosta (Ga.) hosts No. 9 Lowndes (Valdosta, Ga.) in the Winnersville Classic. The Wildcats have won 37 of the previous 58 meetings but the Vikings own the last three victories.
No. 4 St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia) and No. 14 De Smet Jesuit (St. Louis) each return to action this week. The Hawks face Life Christian Academy (Chester, Va.) and the Spartans take on rival Christian Brothers (St. Louis).
Arizona, New Jersey, Louisiana and Utah are also included in this week's slate of games.
No. 1 IMG Academy looks to take down No. 6 Duncanville (Texas) in the Ascenders' first trip to the Lone Star State since 2015.
Photo by Mike Janes
Saturday, noon (All times local) at Globe Life Park (Arlington, Texas)
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A Duncanville win means there's a good chance the Panthers jump to No. 1 in next week's rankings, while an IMG victory solidifies the Ascenders' hold on the top spot. James threw for 206 yards and two scores in his Panthers debut with Daniels accounting for 183 of those yards. McCarthy is coming off a 271-yard performance as Brooks accounted for 161 of those yards and two scores. This game features
49 players who have landed at least one FBS offer.
Friday, 8 p.m.
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*Game was canceled on Oct. 9 because a student-athlete tested positive for COVID-19.
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These Texas powers have won a combined eight state championships since 2006 — Allen (2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017) and Cedar Hill (2006, 2013, 2014). Booty has been efficient this year for the Eagles and completed 11-of-12 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns in a 52-27 win over Atascocita (Humble). Senior Tennessee commit Salter led the Longhorns to a 28-21 win over Arlington.
Wednesday, 7 p.m.
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Originally scheduled for Thursday, the game was moved to Wednesday due to Hurricane Delta. Keep tabs on Samuel, one of the top quarterbacks from the Class of 2023. He threw for 293 yards and four touchdowns in the Cougars' 45-20 season-opening win against Easton (New Orleans). The Bears beat University Lab (Baton Rouge) 27-7 in their season opener.
Saturday, noon
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The big question surrounding the defending Class 6 state champs was if they would be able to play football this fall? Cleared last week to play, the Spartans take on a Christian Brothers team coming off a 42-14 win over Eureka.
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Corner Canyon won its 34th consecutive game last week and all eight wins this season have come by double digits. Dart has emerged in the National Player of the Year conversation. accounting for 3,416 yard of total offense and 47 touchdowns. Skyridge looks to bounce back after its first loss of the season, 37-20 against Lone Peak (Highland).
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The defending Non-Public Group 4 champs had a flawless season-opening 62-21 win over West Orange. Bullock threw for over 200 yards and five touchdowns as the 2021 Virginia Tech commit added another score on the ground. The Ironmen rolled past Paramus Catholic (Paramus) 34-13 in their opener. The Marauders and Ironmen met in last year's championship game, a 21-14 St. Peter's Prep victory.
Thursday, 7 p.m.
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Ewers, the top-rated player in the Class of 2022, threw for 388 yards and five touchdowns in a 72-57 season-opening win over Rockwall-Heath (Rockwall). The Yellowjackets also have a big-time quarterback as Locke has thrown for 655 yards and eight touchdowns while leading his squad to a 2-0 start.
Saturday, 7 p.m.
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The back-to-back 6A state champs begin their season Saturday against a Life Christian Academy that lost 52-8 last week to IMG Academy. The Philadelphia power has loads of talent with Harrison, McCord and Trotter leading the way. Don't be surprised to see the Hawks compete for the No. 1 spot in the MaxPreps Top 25 rankings this season.
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Both teams looked impressive in season-opening wins last week as Arizona got underway. The Wolves won their 27th straight game with a 44-10 victory over Liberty (Peoria). UCF-bound Keene and 2022 Arizona commit Grayes connected on four touchdowns while 2021 Boise State commit Eli Sanders rushed for 132 yards and a score. Sophomore quarterback Dampier accounted for seven touchdowns in the Pioneers' 52-13 win over Horizon (Scottsdale).
