High School Football: How to watch No. 5 IMG Academy (Fla.) vs. Winslow Township (N.J.)

The 2025 Battle at the Beach Classic will cap its opening day with a national powerhouse playing one of New Jersey’s top programs as the No. 5 IMG Academy Ascenders faces off against Winslow Township.

The Ascenders are coming off a road trip in the Yellowhammer State as they cruised to a 34-13 win over Hoover (Ala.). Winslow Township will play its first game of the season, coming off a 2024 campaign in which they won a state title. Let’s take a look at some players to watch in tonight’s game.

Ascenders to Watch

When it comes to the top teams out of the Sunshine State, none have been more impressive than the IMG Academy Ascenders, as they shellacked The First Academy, 41-6, and followed it up with a 34-13 beatdown of Hoover. Now the Ascenders continue their road trip in the Garden State when they take on Winslow Township tonight in Ocean City.

WR Eric McFarland: Not many defensive backs can keep up with the sophomore dynamo from Las Vegas. The four-star wide receiver

EDGE Jake Kreul: IMG Academy has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the defensive line and the Oklahoma commit has stood out amongst them all. Kreul is ranked as the No. 41 overall prospect in the 2026 class according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.

QB Jayden Wade: The four-star sophomore quarterback has been the steady hand behind center through two games for the Ascenders. In last week’s win, Wade managed the offense, completing 8 of 16 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.

RB Lekhy Thompkins: Thompkins has proven himself as the workhorse back for Studrawa’s offense this fall after rushing for 164 yards against Hoover (Ala.) last week. In his junior year, Thompkins finished with 892 rushing yards and ten touchdowns in 12 games while he was at Trinity Christian. 

Eagles to Watch

South Jersey hasn’t always been regarded as providing New Jersey’s best high school football, but Winslow Township has given folks a reason to start paying attention. The Eagles won the Public Group 4 state championship in 2024 and now look to make a statement when they face nationally-ranked IMG Academy this evening.

QB Jalen Parker: Parker is back at the controls of the Eagles’ offense after a strong sophomore campaign. Last season, Parker finished 2024 completing 171 of 263 passes for 2,908 yards and 43 touchdowns.

WR Nyqir Helton: The Boston College commitment last fall hauled in 47 passes for 852 yards and scored 13 touchdowns for the Eagles. If Winslow Township’s offense is going to make it interesting, Helton will need to shine against an elite IMG secondary.

WR TJ Maddox: Another underclassman that stood out on the way to a 14-0 record and state title a year ago was Maddox, who saw plenty of snaps as a freshman. Last fall, Maddox hauled in 15 passes for 256 yards.

CB Julian Peterson: If the Eagles are going to keep pace with the Ascenders, they’re going to need solid play on the back end. Peterson, a Penn State commit, will need to lead the defensive backfield and make plays throughout the night.

How to Watch the IMG Academy Ascenders vs. Winslow Township Eagles Game

Date: Today, August 28, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Carey Stadium, Ocean City, N.J.
Livestream: FloSports

How to Follow the IMG Academy Ascenders vs. Winslow Township Eagles Game

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