Hoover Metropolitan Stadium will light up Friday night as the Hoover Buccaneers host the IMG Academy Ascenders in a nationally televised showdown that pits an Alabama powerhouse against one of the nation’s most highly regarded programs.
IMG Academy enters as the clear favorite, thanks to a roster packed with top-tier talent from top to bottom. The Ascenders’ lineup is headlined by two five-star prospects in Zyron Forstall and Keenyi Pepe, with other standout performers across both sides of the ball. Hoover, while not as star-studded, has plenty of playmakers and a strong home-field advantage that makes this a true test of style and pedigree.
Ascenders to Watch
– EDGE Zyron Forstall: A 6-foot-3, 235-pound edge rusher who transferred from Jesuit (La.). Ranked No. 3 overall in the junior class by Rivals’ industry rankings.
– WR Osani Gayles: A four-star transfer from St. Mary’s in California who has shown big-play ability, with 43 receptions for 756 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore.
– EDGE Jake Kreul: A defensive force who registered three sacks in IMG’s Week 0 exhibition against The First Academy; ranked No. 41 among seniors by Rivals’ industry rankings.
– OT Keenyi Pepe: A five-star blocker at 6-foot-7, 325 pounds who committed to USC in May, with interest from Florida, Georgia, and Miami.
– QB Jayden Wade: The top-ranked sophomore quarterback in Rivals’ industry rankings, 6-foot-3, 183 pounds, who threw three touchdowns in IMG’s Week 0 exhibition and has offers from Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, and Texas.
Buccaneers to Watch
– DL Tyson Bacon: A 6-foot-4, 265-pound lineman who posted 75 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and six sacks as a junior; ranked No. 33 prospect in Alabama and committed to Miami in June.
– RB CJ Cowley: A four-star transfer from Spain Park, listed as the No. 324 overall prospect in the junior class, with offers from Auburn, Miami, Ole Miss, Oregon and Penn State.
– WR Jeremiah Tabb: A 6-foot-1, 200-pound receiver with offers from Arkansas, Kentucky, Memphis and UAB.
– WR Jonah Winston: The younger brother of former FSU quarterback Jameis Winston and one of Alabama’s top seniors; Hoover’s leading receiver as a junior with 38 receptions for 542 yards and three TDs; set to announce his college commitment on Aug. 30.
Game details
Date: Friday, August 22
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, Hoover, Alabama
TV Channel: ESPN2
What to watch and why it matters
– IMG’s depth vs Hoover’s home-field grit: IMG’s roster features a higher density of blue-chip prospects, while Hoover brings tradition, discipline, and a strong, cohesive unit that can rise to the moment in big games.
– The Wade influence: IMG’s Jayden Wade is a dynamic playmaker whose development will be a focal point for how well IMG translates its talent into game-breaking drives.
– Key matchups on both sides of the ball: IMG’s edge rush vs Hoover’s protection schemes, and IMG’s receiving corps against Hoover’s secondary will likely dictate long scoring drives and field-position battles.
Outlook
This game offers a clear snapshot of how elite high school programs stack up against one another on a national stage. IMG’s elite talent and depth will be put to the test by Hoover’s fight and familiarity with high-stakes Friday nights. The result could shape early-season perception of both programs and spotlight potential future college stars as they continue to navigate the recruiting landscape.
Summary
A nationally televised clash at Hoover Met pits IMG Academy’s star-laden roster against Hoover’s home-field advantage and proven infrastructure. Expect a strategic battle featuring IMG’s quarterback Wade and weapons like Forstall, Pepe, and Gayles against Hoover’s defensive line led by Bacon and its dynamic receiving corps. The Friday night atmosphere should deliver a compelling showcase of high school football’s best.
Additional value
– For fans following the latest updates, this game will offer a real-time window into how IMG’s touted recruits perform under pressure against a traditional powerhouse.
– The matchup could influence early-season conversations about the country’s top high school programs and the next wave of college-ready talent.