How to watch: MaxPreps Game of the Week features No. 4 IMG Academy vs. Central of Phenix City in battle of unbeatens

Both teams enter Friday's showdown averaging over 50 points per game this season.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Thomas Frey
By
Sep 22, 2025, 3:30pm
The MaxPreps Game of the Week heads to Alabama as Central (Phenix City, Ala.) hosts No. 4 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) in a matchup of undefeated teams.

IMG Academy (4-0) has 39 players with a three-star rating or higher, including seven who are five-stars.

Quarterback Jayden Wade, wide receiver Eric McFarland and offensive linemen Major Green and Jamarios Canton are all five-stars from the Class of 2028. 

How to watch
Date/location: Friday, Sept. 26
Location: Garrett-Harrison Stadium – Phenix City, Ala.
Kickoff: 8 p.m. CT
Streaming: MaxPreps | YouTube
Tickets: GoFan
Broadcast team: Jeff Kurtz, Zack Poff
Thanks in part to Louisville commit Le'Khy Thompkins at running back, IMG Academy has put 136 points on the board in its last two outings alone. The Ascenders are averaging 51.2 points per game through the first four games of the season. (PHOTO: Travis Kirkland)
Thanks in part to Louisville commit Le'Khy Thompkins at running back, IMG Academy has put 136 points on the board in its last two outings alone. The Ascenders are averaging 51.2 points per game through the first four games of the season. (PHOTO: Travis Kirkland)
Central (5-0) is the No. 2-ranked team in Alabama and won a state championship in 2023. Junior quarterback Bobby Coleman has double-digit scholarship offers and 1,140 yards through the air and 13 touchdown passes through five games. His brother is Class of 2023 five-star wide receiver Cameron Coleman, who now plays at Auburn.

The Red Devils are coached by Patrick Nix, a former Auburn quarterback who led the Tigers to victory over No. 1 Florida during the 1994 college football season. Nix, who has been at Central since 2020, has 125 career wins since becoming a head coach in 2013.

Central has topped 50 points in four games this season while IMG Academy has allowed just 40 total points.

The MaxPreps social media team will be on campus for Game of the Week to highlight top players, behind-the-scenes action and showcase what makes high school football special. Calling the game will be Jeff Kurtz alongside MaxPreps National Football Editor Zack Poff.

Players to watch

IMG Academy: QB Jayden Wade (6-4, 190), RB Le'Khy Thompkins (6-2, 236), OT Keenyi Pepe (6-7, 338), EDGE Zyron Forstall (6-4, 235), EDGE Jake Kreul (6-3, 230)

Central: QB Bobby Coleman (5-11, 170), RB Donovan Crow (6-0, 210), IOL Jatori Williams (6-5, 320), S Tony Arnett (6-1, 180), EDGE Tristan Lyles (6-1, 238)

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