Zarephath Academy’s varsity football team (Jacksonville, FL) will face IMG Academy White (Bradenton, FL) in a home playoff game today at 6:00 PM.

IMG Academy White vs Zarephath Academy High School Football Game Info:

What: Florida High School Football
Who: IMG Academy White vs Zarephath Academy
When: Monday, December 2, 2024
Time: 6:00pm.
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: IMG Academy White vs Zarephath Academy

The stakes are high as Zarephath Academy (13-1) prepares to host IMG Academy White (8-3) in a Florida playoff showdown. With both teams boasting impressive seasons, fans can expect a thrilling matchup when they meet on December 2, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Jacksonville.

Team Overviews

Zarephath Academy (13-1)

The Zarephath Warriors have been a dominant force this season, remaining unbeaten at home (6-0) and showcasing their offensive firepower. With an average of 44 points per game and a staggering 541.9 yards per game, the Warriors lead in both scoring and total offense. Quarterback Jordan Durham has been the centerpiece of their success, averaging 420.4 passing yards per game with a total offense mark of 456.0 yards per game.

Defensively, Zarephath has been solid, allowing just 257 points across 14 games. Their standout players include Allan Massaline, who leads the team with 6.3 tackles per game, and Robert Copeland, who averages 1.0 sacks per game.

IMG Academy White (8-3)

The IMG Ascenders have carved out an impressive season as well, excelling on the road (4-1) and averaging 27.5 points per game. While their offense doesn’t match Zarephath’s explosiveness, they have a balanced attack with 126.6 rushing yards and 188.2 passing yards per game. Quarterback Josh Barido is the team’s leader on offense, averaging 182.5 passing yards and 195.4 total yards per game.

Defensively, IMG leans on Jacob Hanson, who leads the team with 9.5 tackles per game, and Danny McKenna, who has been their top pass rusher with 0.9 sacks per game.

Key Matchups

• Quarterback Duel: Jordan Durham of Zarephath has been virtually unstoppable, with his 420.4 passing yards per game dwarfing Barido’s 182.5. IMG’s secondary will need a standout performance to contain him.
• Offensive Weapons: Zarephath’s Terrell Brant averages 142.2 receiving yards per game, far outpacing IMG’s Ian Olsen at 97.5. Both players are crucial to their teams’ chances of success.
• Defensive Fronts: While IMG averages 3.5 sacks per game, Zarephath allows minimal pressure, relying on a robust offensive line. This battle in the trenches will be pivotal.

Scoring Trends

Zarephath dominates first and fourth quarters, averaging 11.3 and 13.3 points, respectively, indicating a strong start and finish. IMG, by contrast, scores most in the fourth quarter (9.2 points on average), making them a late-game threat.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Palm Beach Christian Prep this season, with Zarephath emerging victorious 68-36 and IMG winning 50-20. Zarephath’s larger margin of victory highlights their offensive superiority.

Prediction

Zarephath’s high-octane offense and home-field advantage make them the favorites in this matchup. However, IMG’s balanced attack and resilient defense cannot be overlooked. Expect a competitive game with Zarephath holding the edge if they execute their game plan effectively.

Kickoff is at 6:00 PM. Fans won’t want to miss this battle between two of Florida’s top teams!