The Hoover (AL) varsity football team will host IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup tonight at 8 p.m. Known for producing top talent, IMG presents a tough challenge for Hoover, making this game a key test and an exciting showcase for high school football fans.

Here’s what you need to know:

• What: Alabama High School Football
• Who: Hoover vs IMG Academy
• When: Friday, August 22, 2025
• Time: 8:00 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Hoover vs. IMG Academy: A National Spotlight Showdown in Alabama

The high school football season is officially here, and one of the nation’s most anticipated non-conference matchups kicks off tonight as the Hoover Buccaneers host IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 8 p.m. This clash brings together two programs with very different styles, reputations, and histories, but both share the same mission—to prove they belong on the national stage.

National Spotlight

Few games in high school football generate as much intrigue as a meeting with IMG Academy. Ranked No. 6 nationally entering the 2025-26 season, the Ascenders are widely regarded as one of the deepest and most talented programs in the country. Built on a national recruiting model and a reputation for producing Division I talent, IMG regularly schedules some of the toughest opponents in the United States. This year, their road trip to Alabama to face Hoover is one of their early season highlights.

Hoover, on the other hand, represents tradition, legacy, and community pride. Once the subject of national attention through the Two-A-Days television series, the Buccaneers have built a powerhouse reputation in Alabama’s Class 7A over the last two decades. Although they enter the 2025 season ranked No. 141 nationally, Hoover is still a name synonymous with winning football. Their history of dominance within Alabama makes this matchup both a challenge and an opportunity to reclaim national recognition.

A Meeting of Styles

IMG Academy thrives on its unmatched depth. The Ascenders’ roster is filled with players who have already committed—or are heavily recruited—by Power Five programs. They bring speed, size, and athleticism at nearly every position. IMG has become known for its ability to overwhelm opponents with explosive plays early, often turning games into track meets before the first half ends.

Hoover, however, approaches football differently. With a roster built primarily from local athletes, the Buccaneers pride themselves on discipline, physicality, and resilience. Head coach and staff emphasize defense-first football, using well-coached schemes and homegrown talent to slow down elite offenses. Against a team like IMG, that philosophy will be tested.

Scoretracker & Coverage

MaxPreps will provide live updates for this nationally relevant showdown. Samar Pasley will be tracking updates for the Ascenders, while Hunter Rozzoni will cover the Buccaneers’ perspective. Fans across the country are expected to follow this matchup closely, given IMG’s status and Hoover’s chance to prove themselves against elite competition.

Rankings & Records: A Fresh Start

Both programs enter tonight’s game with identical records—0-0. The slate is clean, and for Hoover, that’s an advantage. They don’t carry the weight of a losing streak or lingering postseason disappointment from the previous year into this opener. IMG, similarly, begins fresh, but with the added pressure of living up to their national ranking.

• IMG Academy (25-26 Season)

  • National Rank: 6

  • State Rank (Florida): 1

  • Record: 0-0

• Hoover (25-26 Season)

  • National Rank: 141

  • State Rank (Alabama): 6

  • Class Rank (7A): 4

  • Record: 0-0

The records may not yet tell a story, but the rankings highlight the disparity in perception between the two teams. IMG enters as the clear favorite, but Hoover knows how to thrive in the underdog role.

Hoover’s Opportunity

For Hoover, this game is about more than a win or loss. A victory would not only catapult them up the national rankings but also reestablish them as one of the premier programs in high school football. Even a competitive showing could be seen as a win, proving that Alabama’s best can stand toe-to-toe with the national juggernauts.

The Buccaneers will look to their home crowd for an advantage. Hoover’s stadium is known for its intensity, and playing at home could help slow down IMG’s explosive offense. Fans will play a critical role in creating a hostile environment for the visiting Ascenders.

IMG’s Challenge

For IMG, the challenge is different. Every game they play is seen as a test of dominance. With a roster full of blue-chip recruits, expectations are sky-high, and anything less than a convincing win could raise questions. Yet, Hoover presents a unique test—one of culture, pride, and home-field grit.

A Clash of Reputations

This matchup is also symbolic of two approaches to high school football. IMG Academy represents the modern, nationalized model of elite prep athletics—drawing talent from across the country, competing in showcase matchups, and serving as a stepping stone to college football’s biggest stages.

Hoover, by contrast, represents the traditional public school powerhouse—a team built from community roots, local rivalries, and decades of history. When these two programs meet, it isn’t just a football game; it’s a clash of philosophies.

Keys to the Game

• For Hoover: Control the tempo, limit turnovers, and rely on defensive discipline. Hoover must find ways to shorten the game, keeping IMG’s offense on the sideline and capitalizing on any mistakes.

• For IMG: Start fast. The Ascenders’ explosiveness can quickly overwhelm opponents. If they jump ahead early, they can take the crowd out of the game and force Hoover into uncomfortable situations.

• X-Factor: Special teams play. In a game with two strong programs, a blocked kick, long return, or costly penalty could swing momentum.

Looking Ahead

Regardless of the outcome, this game will serve as a measuring stick for both programs. For IMG, it’s about proving that their No. 6 national ranking is justified. For Hoover, it’s about showing that Alabama high school football remains among the best in the nation.

With two teams hungry to prove themselves on the national stage, Friday night’s matchup promises to be one of the most exciting games of the early season. Fans in Hoover and beyond won’t want to miss the action as tradition meets modern dominance under the lights.

Final Word: When IMG Academy and Hoover square off, it’s more than a game—it’s a statement. The Ascenders enter as the favorite, but the Buccaneers’ pride, home-field advantage, and tradition make this matchup one of the most compelling contests of the 2025 high school football season.