The high school football spotlight will shine bright on Thursday, August 28, 2025, when the nationally ranked IMG Academy Ascenders from Bradenton, Florida, travel north to face the Winslow Township Eagles of Atco, New Jersey. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Ocean City High School, making this one of the most anticipated interstate matchups of the early season. Fans can secure digital tickets in advance through GoFan to ensure they don’t miss what promises to be a thrilling contest between powerhouse talent and New Jersey grit.
This matchup is part of both the Florida High School Football and New Jersey High School Football schedules, showcasing how two strong football regions intersect in a marquee non-conference clash.
Game Information
- Matchup: IMG Academy Ascenders (FL) vs Winslow Township Eagles (NJ)
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: Ocean City High School, Ocean City, NJ
IMG Academy: National Contender from Florida
IMG Academy enters the game with a 1-0 record after opening its season with a 34–13 road victory. Ranked No. 6 nationally and the top program in Florida, the Ascenders are once again proving why they are considered one of the most dominant forces in high school football. Their roster, filled with blue-chip recruits, features players who are already drawing attention from Division I programs nationwide.
The Ascenders’ opening win highlighted their offensive explosiveness. They scored 20 points in the first quarter and added 14 more in the third, putting away their opponent with speed and efficiency. While the second quarter showed a lull, the ability to score quickly in multiple phases makes IMG Academy a dangerous team every time they take the field.
Winslow Township: New Jersey’s Rising Power
The Winslow Township Eagles enter this matchup with a clean slate at 0-0, but expectations are high. Ranked No. 5 in New Jersey and No. 247 nationally, the Eagles are viewed as one of the Garden State’s strongest programs heading into 2025. Playing host to a national powerhouse like IMG Academy is both an opportunity and a test for Winslow Township, whose roster features talent capable of making noise beyond state borders.
While they lack game film from this season, Winslow Township’s preparation has been focused on discipline, defensive resilience, and offensive execution. The Eagles know that IMG’s athletes are fast and skilled, meaning minimizing mistakes and capitalizing on opportunities will be critical.
Scoring and Statistics
Through one game, IMG Academy has already shown an ability to put points on the board. Their averages reflect a team capable of jumping out early and maintaining control:
- First Quarter: 20.0 points
- Second Quarter: 0
- Third Quarter: 14.0 points
- Fourth Quarter: 0
- Total Average: 34.0 points per game
Winslow Township has yet to take the field this season, so their numbers are blank for now. However, their track record in state competition suggests they will bring a strong defense and a balanced offensive attack to challenge IMG’s depth.
Rankings Breakdown
A quick look at how the teams stack up entering this matchup:
- IMG Academy: National Rank – 6 | Florida Rank – 1 | Record – 1-0
- Winslow Township: National Rank – 247 | New Jersey Rank – 5 | Division Rank – 1 | Record – 0-0
The rankings reflect IMG’s status as a national powerhouse, but Winslow Township’s top-five spot in New Jersey football means they should not be underestimated, particularly with home-field support.
Key Matchup Factors
1. IMG’s Depth and Talent
IMG Academy is known for producing elite players who compete at the highest levels of college football. Their depth across offensive and defensive units gives them an edge in most games. Winslow Township will need to stay disciplined and physical to counteract that advantage.
2. Winslow Township’s Home Advantage
Playing in New Jersey provides the Eagles with the support of a passionate local fan base. The energy at Ocean City High School could play a role in helping them stay competitive against one of the toughest opponents in the country.
3. Turnovers and Mistakes
For Winslow Township, avoiding turnovers will be essential. IMG thrives on capitalizing quickly, turning opponent mistakes into points. Ball control and clean execution must be the Eagles’ focus.
4. Conditioning and Second Half Play
IMG Academy showed in its first game that they can score in bursts, particularly after halftime. Winslow Township will need stamina and depth to withstand those surges late in the game.
Videos and Media Spotlight
IMG Academy’s dominance has already been highlighted by national media. Their opening win at Hoover drew attention with more than 58,000 views online, and several of their players have been recognized in the 2025 Preseason MaxPreps All-America teams. Winslow Township, meanwhile, has not released highlight footage yet but will get their chance under the national spotlight in this marquee contest.
Head-to-Head Notes
This will be the first meeting between the programs, giving the IMG Academy vs Winslow Township matchup added intrigue. While IMG enters with one game already under its belt, Winslow Township will look to use the element of surprise and fresh energy to counter IMG’s established rhythm.
Community and Fan Involvement
Both schools encourage fans to stay engaged by signing up as scoretrackers and live reporters for the game. Whether in the stands or following online, supporters will play a vital role in amplifying the excitement surrounding this high-profile matchup. For local coverage, fans can check state-specific high school football updates here.
What’s at Stake
For IMG Academy, a victory on the road strengthens their case as one of the nation’s top programs while providing valuable experience against strong competition. For Winslow Township, pulling off an upset would instantly elevate their national profile and energize the New Jersey football community. The stakes go beyond one win—it’s about reputation, rankings, and confidence.
Prediction and Expectations
IMG Academy comes in as the heavy favorite thanks to its national ranking and talent-laden roster. Expect the Ascenders to lean on their speed, athleticism, and explosive offense to set the pace. However, Winslow Township has the home-field edge and a determined roster eager to prove itself. If the Eagles can withstand IMG’s early surges and make it a second-half contest, the game could become closer than expected.
Looking Ahead
Following this contest, IMG Academy will continue its challenging national schedule, seeking to maintain its place among the elite of Florida high school football. Winslow Township will turn its attention to state competition, where it aims to solidify its status as a top program in New Jersey high school football. Both teams will circle this matchup as a pivotal point in their 2025 campaigns.
The IMG Academy vs Winslow Township showdown on August 28, 2025, is more than just a non-conference clash—it’s a battle between two proud programs from different regions of the country. IMG brings the star power and national spotlight, while Winslow Township brings determination, community pride, and the opportunity to make a statement on one of the biggest stages. With storylines on both sidelines and talent spread across the field, this game promises to be one of the most compelling highlights of the early high school football season.
For more coverage of this game and others across the country, visit the high school football state portal and follow updates throughout the 2025 season.
