IMG Academy has enjoyed the comforts of home their last three games, but now they'll head out on the road. They will take on the Venice Indians at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The two teams are strolling into their games after big wins in their previous games.
IMG Academy is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Florida's top teams: Mandarin, who was ranked 20th in their home state at the time (IMG Academy was ranked first). IMG Academy claimed a resounding 49-6 win over Mandarin at home. IMG Academy's victory was all the more impressive since the Mustangs were averaging only 16 points allowed on the season.
IMG Academy found their leader in underclassman Jayden Wade, who threw for 88 yards and two touchdowns, and also punched in a rushing score. Ty Hawkins was another key player, rushing for 56 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Venice put another one in the bag on Friday to keep their perfect season alive. They breezed by Lehigh on the road to the tune of 50-7. The matchup was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 42-0.
Alex Schafer was nothing short of spectacular: he rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns on only ten carries, and also threw for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Dorien Irving-Jones also helped out as he racked up 121 rushing yards.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Venice was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 328 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 204 rushing yards in nine consecutive contests dating back to last season.
IMG Academy's win was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 4-1. As for Venice, their record is now 6-0.
Friday's match might be decided in the on the ground. IMG Academy has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 202.4 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Venice struggles in that department as they've been averaging 319.5. It's looking like Friday's game might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Everything came up roses for IMG Academy against Venice in their previous meeting back in September of 2020, as the team secured a 49-13 victory. Does IMG Academy have another victory up their sleeve, or will Venice turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
