High School Football: How to watch No. 3 IMG Academy (Fla.) vs. Phenix City Central (Ala.)

On the road again for the No. 3 IMG Academy Ascenders, which are coming off a 57-7 rout of Mandarin (Fla.), heading back into the state of Alabama for the second time this season against Phenix City Central. The Ascenders visited Hoover earlier in the season, defeating the Buccaneers 34-13. We take a look at the key players for tonight’s contest between the nationally ranked Ascenders and Red Devils.

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 have steamrolled every team in their path. Latest victim was Coronado (Nev.) in a 79-6 thrashing and now coming off a bye week, the Ascenders are fresh heading into Alabama.

RB Lekhy Thompkins: Thompkins has proven himself as the workhorse back for Studrawa’s offense this fall after rushing for 447 yards and scoring seven times this season.

WR Eric McFarland: Not many defensive backs can keep up with the sophomore dynamo from Las Vegas. The four-star wide receiver has hauled in eight passes for 188 yards and two scores.

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 has talled 14 tackles, seven for loss and two sacks.

QB Jayden Wade: The four-star sophomore quarterback has been the steady hand behind center through four games for the Ascenders. Wade has so far thrown for 399 yards and seven touchdowns.

Red Devils to Watch

If there was a ‘common opponent’ between the Ascenders and Red Devils, it would be The First Academy. Phenix City Central was able to narrowly edge out the Royals, 38-35, in Orlando on Aug. 29. IMG Academy was able to easily cruise past The First Academy in preseason play, but have things changed since that time?

OL Jatori Williams: Leading the way up on the line of scrimmage is the four-star interior offensive lineman. At 6-foot-5, 302 pounds, Williams will need to pave the way in the middle if Central looks to establish control up front.

EDGE Tristan Lyles: One of the top defensive ends in the state of Alabama is Lyles, who has totaled 30 tackles, 16 for loss and seven sacks.

QB Bobby Coleman: The junior signal caller has been the engine behind the Red Devils’ offense this season, so far throwing for 1,140 yards and 13 touchdowns.

RBDonovan Crow: If the Red Devils do run the rock against the Ascenders’ stout defensive front, expect Crow to be the primary ball carrier as the senior has rushed for 310 yards and seven touchdowns.

How to Watch the IMG Academy Ascenders vs. Phenix City Central Red Devils Game

Date: Today, September 26, 2025
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Garrett–Harrison Stadium, Phenix City, Ala.
Livestream:NFHS Network

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