High school football: No. 4 IMG Academy vs. Thompson canceled due to concerns over Hurricane Idalia landfall

Florida's Gulf Coast bracing for what is expected to hit as a Category 3 hurricane, making landfall Wednesday morning.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Jordan Divens
By
Aug 29, 2023, 10:30am
The anticipated Thursday high school football showdown between No. 4 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) and four-time defending Alabama state champion Thompson (Alabaster) has been canceled due to the pending landfall of Hurricane Idalia.

The Thompson athletic department released a statement via social media.
IMG Academy opened the season with a pair of victories over MaxPreps Top 25 opponents, knocking off Lipscomb Academy (Nasvhille, Tenn.) 35-10 before slipping past St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia) 17-14 last week.

The Ascenders are expected to return to the gridiron on Friday, Sept. 8 when they travel to Ben Davis (Indianapolis, Ind.).

Thompson, which claimed its fourth consecutive Class 7A state title with a 49-24 victory over Auburn last season, hosts Vestavia Hills on Sept. 8 following an opening week victory over Opelika 44-13.

Hurricane Idalia is expected to have a major impact on the high school football schedule in Florida, particularly the Tampa area. Cancellations and postponements are likely throughout the Sunshine State this weekend.

The storm strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane early this morning with maximum sustained winds of 80 miles per hour. The system is expected to intensify and could become a powerful Category 3 hurricane before it makes landfall tomorrow in Florida, the National Hurricane Center said.

Related Content