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No. 2 IMG Academy improves to 6-0 with win over Venice

IMG_8358by: Andy Villamarzo10/04/25Andy_Villamarzo
Syndication: Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Venice High running back Dorian Irving-Jones (#21) is wrapped up by IMG Academy defenders. The Venice High School Indians hosted the IMG Academy Ascenders National team on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

It seems like whenever IMG Academy and Venice meet on Florida’s South Suncoast, it ends up being a little closer than most expect.

On Friday night at Powell Davis Stadium, the Ascenders-Indians played out somewhat similarly to last year’s matchup. IMG Academy would carry a 13-0 lead into halftime and came with a 27-14 win over Venice and improved to 6-0 on the season.

Last year’s meeting between the two Florida powers ended with the Ascenders coming away with a 21-16 lead. One way to neutralize IMG Academy was Venice slowing things down on offense and the Indians did so again as they limited the Ascenders’ opportunities on offense.

The Ascenders (6-0) held a 7-0 lead for most of the first half and finally got touchdown No. 2 on the board when running back Tyson Park scored on a 12-yard scoring run.

It would be Venice’s defense keeping the Indians in the game as defensive back Micha Hayes picked off sophomore four-star quarterback Jayden Wade, who was coming off an 11 of 11, 350-yard performance last week against Phenix City Central.

Sophomore sensation Eric McFarland would add two 40-plus yard touchdown receptions to put the game out of reach for Venice. The Indians would get on the scoreboard via Howard pledge Darryon Jones throwing a touchdown to Miami commit Asharri Charles and running one in from 26 yards out.

IMG’s 13-point margin of victory was the lowest by far of any win this season and it came in the shortest and final road trip for the Ascenders in 2025.

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