Kaytron Allen scores 5 touchdowns as IMG Academy closes out 2020 season with 41-6 win

Photo Credit: Mike Janes (MaxPreps)

BRADENTON, FLORIDA— IMG Academy has been the number 1 high school football team in the country since the start of the season. The Ascenders went into last night’s game against TRU Prep undefeated, and because IMG is an independent team, last night was their last game in the 2020 season; IMG does not play in the FHSAA State Playoffs. The Ascenders were set to take on TRU Prep Academy out of Miami Gardens in the GEICO High School Bowl Series. The Saints are a first year program. After the University School from Fort Lauderdale cancelled their football season for 2020, players from that school formed a team at TRU Prep Academy, who did not previously have a team. The Saints had a double bye going into the FHSAA Playoffs, and took the game against IMG as a chance to prepare against the best. But TRU Prep came in with a different mindset: in order to be the best, you have to beat the best.

The TRU Prep defense was intense to start the game. The Saints stopped IMG running back and Georgia Commit, Lovasea Carroll, at the TRU Prep 1-yard line on 4th down to force a turnover. The Saints couldn’t take advantage, and were forced to punt. But the IMG offense made up for their last drive, as Kaytron Allen found a hole on 2nd and 19, and ran 46 yards for a touchdown to give the Ascenders a 7-0 lead (PAT good). TRU Prep proved that they can make big plays as well, as quarterback Nicholas Vattiato found CJ Cage for a long pass, and took it all the way to the IMG 5-yard line. But the IMG defense came up big as they have all season, as safety, Kamari Wilson, picked off a pass in the end zone, and returned it to their own 20-yard line. IMG had a 7-0 lead at the end of the 1st quarter.

Kaytron Allen proved why he is arguably one of the best running backs in the Class of 2022 at the start of the second quarter. After he ran the ball to TRU Prep 13-yard line, he capped off the drive with a run up the middle for a touchdown (PAT no good). But TRU Prep wouldn’t go away, as Corey Goldsby intercepted a pass for the Saints at the TRU Prep 3-yard line, and a penalty pushed the Saints up to their own 18. However, the IMG defense came up big once again with a big stop on 4th and 1, and the offense took over with great field position at the TRU Prep 27-yard line. The Ascenders needed to get in the end zone before halftime. Lovasea Caroll ran the ball to the TRU Prep 1-yard line, and quarterback, Jack Woche, reached in the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown (PAT good). IMG went into halftime with a 20-0 lead.

The IMG defense started the second half off strong, as TRU Prep fumbled, and IMG linebacker, Jordan Hall, recovered, and returned it to the TRU Prep 45-yard line. But the TRU Prep defense answered, forcing an incomplete pass on 4th and goal to turn the ball over. Once the Ascenders got the ball back, Kaytron Allen picked up right where he left off, as he found a big hole, and ran the ball to the TRU Prep 2-yard line. Allen then ran 2-yards into the end zone for his 3rd touchdown of the game (PAT good). The Saints offense then found their rhythm. Nick Vattiato completed a pass Brandon Inniss to bring the Saints to the IMG 35-yard line. Vattiato found Inniss again shortly after for a great catch and a touchdown to give TRU Prep their first points of the game (PAT no good). IMG had a 27-6 lead going into the final quarter.

Kaytron Allen stepped on the gas to start the final quarter, as he ran down the sideline on 3rd and 11 for 56 yards and a touchdown (PAT good). The IMG defense then did what they’ve done all game, as Markevious Brown intercepted a pass in the end zone to let the offense take over at their own 20. Allen then sealed the game, as he broke away from defenders, and ran 58 yards for the touchdown, and his 5th touchdown of the game. The Ascenders ran out the clock from there, and secured their undefeated season with a 41-6 win over TRU Prep Academy.

IMG Academy finishes their season at 8-0, and will likely be the number 1 high school football team in the country for the remainder of the 2020-2021 football season. TRU Prep Academy falls to 5-2, and will prepare for their FHSAA Playoff debut against an opponent and date to be determined.