Lipscomb Academy falls 35-10 to IMG Academy

<p>In one of the more anticipated matchups of week one of the high school football season, Lipscomb Academy kicked off their season in an action-packed home matchup against IMG Academy. Despite a solid effort from the Mustangs to regain control in the second half, the Ascenders left the field with a 35-10 victory on Friday.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Recap</h2>   <p>After IMG Academy received the opening kickoff, the Ascenders quickly muscled their way into the endzone to go up 7-0 on the Mustangs. In Lipscomb Academy's first possession, the Mustangs settled for a field goal to make it 7-3. Later in the first quarter, IMG Academy extended their lead to 14-7 and kept Lipscomb Academy off the board for the remainder of the first half, putting another touchdown on the board to lead the Mustangs 14-3 by the half. Lipscomb Academy forced a touchdown on the board in the second half due to solid adjustments and a strong comeback effort nearing the end of the third quarter but the Ascenders were too much to handle as Lipscomb Academy would fall short 35-10 in their season opener.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Performers (Lipscomb Academy)</h2>   <p>IMG Academy's defense was nearly unstoppable throughout four quarters, giving Lipscomb Academy's new gunslinger, offense and defense an assortment of challenges. In addition to a dangerous defensive line, the Ascenders made it difficult for Knight to find open receivers in the backfield, were efficient at stopping the running game and had an entire offensive unit filled with next-level prospects.</p>    <p>Lipscomb Academy quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='350918' first='Deuce' last='Knight'] still proved himself on the ground, impressing me on several snaps with his composure under pressure, speed and durable edge. In the first quarter, Knight had an impressive run that resulted in a substantial pickup of yards. In the second half, Knight also stood out with another run that put the Mustangs in scoring position. Knight's communication, ability to maneuver the field and break tackles were all aspects of his game that made him explosive.</p>    <p>One of the strongest offensive prospects on the Mustangs' roster was running back [player_tooltip player_id='841287' first='Micah' last='Burton'], who punched in a touchdown for Lipscomb Academy late in the third quarter. What made Burton such a gamechanger on the ground was his quick execution off the snap, physicality and ability to find good running room in the pocket.</p>    <p>Another offensive playmaker that caught my attention was wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='337300' first='Dillon' last='Lorick'] as he impressed me with an excellent pickup of yards off a kick return as well as a reception that put Lipscomb Academy in solid scoring position later on in the contest. Lorick stood out due to his overall explosiveness down the stretch and ability to hold his own against a tough defense. I am additionally impressed with Lorick's footwork and ability to push off defenders to haul in receptions.</p>    <p>Despite a formidable challenge in the Ascenders' offensive line, Spillman still impressed me with his size, speed, explosiveness and execution throughout the contest. Spillman stood out with his ability to exert his strength off the snap and create heavy pressure. Spillman and the Mustangs' defense impressed me with their ability to work together, make adjustments and stop IMG Academy on third-down at several moments in the contest.</p>   <p></p>

In one of the more anticipated matchups of week one of the high school football season, Lipscomb Academy kicked off their season in an action-packed home matchup against IMG Academy. Despite a solid effort from the Mustangs to regain control in the second half, the Ascenders left the field with a 35-10 victory on Friday.