High school football: No. 6 IMG Academy outlasts No. 19 Venice 21-16

Ascenders hang on for in-state victory sparked by a pair of explosive first-half touchdowns.

By Jordan Divens

Oct 4, 2024 at 10:15 pm ET • 1 min read

In a highly anticipated Sunshine State high school football showdown, No. 6 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) used a pair of explosive first-half touchdowns to upend No. 19 Venice (Fla.) 21-16 on Friday.

IMG Academy opened the game with a trick play on the first play from scrimmage as freshman receiver Eric McFarland took a toss to the right before finding Kansas State commit Adonis Moise streaking down the sideline uncovered for an 80-yard touchdown.

Venice responded with a methodical 16-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. Former IMG Academy standout Winston Watkins capped off the drive with a 4-yard rushing touchdown to tie things at 7 with 4:49 to go in the period.

Senior Michigan commit Donovan Johnson capped off the Ascenders second drive of the game with a 6-yard touchdown scamper with 10:42 to go in the half.

Following a turnover on downs, IMG Academy scored on another quick-strike scoring drive five minutes later. ...

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