Staff Reporter — IMG Academy vs Central Live coverage is here for one of the most anticipated Friday night games of the 2025 high school football season. Under the lights at Staff Reporter Community Stadium, IMG Academy and Central faced off in a hard-fought Class 7A matchup that kept fans glued to every snap. If you missed it live, here’s the full breakdown, score updates, and highlights from this epic showdown.
The Friday night lights at Staff Reporter Community Stadium were shining on a season-defining matchup between the home team, IMG Academy, and the visiting Central. The atmosphere was electric, with a packed house and both student sections in a frenzy. This game was a chance for two of the state’s most promising programs to make an early-season statement and stake their claim in the competitive Class 7A landscape.
IMG Academy, entering the contest with a pristine 2-0 record, struck first. On their second possession, a play-action pass from quarterback Jake Thompson to wide receiver Marcus Dean resulted in a 45-yard touchdown, sending the home crowd into a roar. But Central, at 1-1 and coming off a tough loss, responded before the break. A relentless ground attack, led by running back Kaleb Washington, wore down the IMG Academy defense, culminating in a 10-yard touchdown run to even the score.
At halftime, the game was knotted at 7-7, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
The third quarter saw a significant momentum shift. IMG Academy’s special teams, a known strength of the program, delivered a key play when a blocked punt gave IMG Academy possession deep in Central territory. However, the Central defense showed remarkable resilience, holding strong and forcing a field goal that put IMG Academy up 10-7.
Central refused to back down, executing a methodical drive of their own to answer with a field goal, keeping the score even at 10-10 heading into the fourth.
The final quarter had the kind of intensity that defines Friday night football. IMG Academy looked poised to seize control after a defensive stand, forcing a quick three-and-out. However, a miscommunication on the ensuing snap led to a fumble, giving the ball back to Central on the IMG Academy 35-yard line.
With both fan bases roaring, the tension was at a season-high. Every snap mattered, and every yard was earned. With just over a minute left on the clock, Central’s quarterback, facing intense pressure, scrambled and found a receiver on a crossing route, who took the ball to the 5-yard line. Two plays later, Washington punched it in for the go-ahead score.
Game Date: Sep. 26, 2025
Final Score: IMG Academy vs Central
Final Score: IMG Academy 0 – Central 0
The Central victory not only moved them to {away_team_record} on the season but also sent a clear message that they are a serious contender in the state title conversation. For the previously undefeated IMG Academy, it’s a tough loss that will force them to regroup and learn from their mistakes as they prepare for the heart of their conference schedule.
