High School Football: How to watch No. 6 IMG Academy at Hoover

Under the Friday night lights, Hoover Metropolitan Stadium will host a high-stakes showdown between the Hoover Buccaneers and the No. 6 IMG Academy Ascenders. This nationally-televised game promises to be a compelling contest, pitting an Alabama state powerhouse against a team known for its national dominance.

IMG Academy enters the game as the clear favorite. Its roster is stocked top to bottom with FBS talent, headlined by a pair of five-stars in Zyron Forstall and Keenyi Pepe. Hoover is no stranger to big games, however, and will be looking to defend their home turf..

This matchup offers a fascinating contrast in styles and pedigree, setting the stage for an exciting battle. Will Hoover rise to the occasion and upset the Ascenders, or will IMG Academy continue its reign as one of the nation’s top programs? All eyes will be on the Met to find out.

Ascenders to Watch

No high school program in the country can match IMG Academy in terms of overall roster talent. The Ascenders regularly have more blue-chip prospects on their roster than most college football teams and this year is no different.

EDGE Zyron Forstall: The 6-foot-3, 235-pound edge rusher transferred to IMG over the offseason from Jesuit (La.). Forstall is ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in the junior class according to the Rivals Industry Rankings, an equally weighted formula that utilizes the three major recruiting services.

WR Osani Gayles: The four-star prospect transferred to IMG over the offseason from St. Mary’s in California. Gayles caught 43 passes for 756 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore.

EDGE Jake Kreul: The future Oklahoma Sooner registered three sacks in IMG’s Week 0 exhibition against The First Academy last week. Kreul is ranked as the No. 41 overall prospect in the senior class according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.

OT Keenyi Pepe: The five-star prospect towers over his high school opponents at 6-foot-7, 325-pounds. Pepe committed to USC in May over offers from Florida, Georgia and Miami.

QB Jayden Wade: The 6-foot-3, 183-pound signal caller is the top-ranked prospect in the sophomore class according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. Wade threw three touchdowns in IMG’s Week 0 exhibition win over The First Academy last week. He has already received offers from programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon and Texas.

Buccaneers to Watch

Hoover enters the Alabama high school football season ranked No. 6 in the state, according to the Rivals National High School Composite Rankings. While the Buccaneers’ roster does not match the Ascenders’ in terms of star power, the home team will be fielding multiple Power Four prospects on Friday night.

DL Tyson Bacon: The 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive lineman registered 75 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and six sacks as a junior last fall. Bacon is the No. 33 prospect in Alabama, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. He committed to Miami in June.

RB CJ Cowley: The four-star running back transferred to Hoover from Spain Park over the offseason. Cowley is ranked as the No. 324 overall prospect in the junior class. He holds offers from programs such as Auburn, Miami, Ole Miss, Oregon and Penn State.

WR Jeremiah Tabb: The 6-foot-1, 200-pound receiver holds offers from Arkansas, Kentucky, Memphis and UAB.

WR Jonah Winston: The younger brother of former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, Jonah is one of the top receivers in Alabama’s senior class. He was Hoover’s leading receiver as a junior, catching 38 passes for 542 yards and three touchdowns. Winston is scheduled to announce his college commitment on Aug. 30.

How to Watch the IMG Academy Ascenders vs. Hoover Buccaneers Football Game

Date: Friday, August 22
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Ala.
TV Channel: ESPN2

Where to Watch the IMG Academy Ascenders vs. Hoover Buccaneers Football Game on TV:

You can watch the IMG Ascenders take on the Hoover Buccaneers starting at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

How to Follow the IMG Academy Ascenders vs. Hoover Buccaneers Football Game

For high school football fans, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the country.