St. Frances Academy football has become a true force on the national high school scene. Playing an independent schedule filled almost exclusively with nationally ranked opponents, they’re constantly tested but never back down. Without the structure of a conference or a championship game to play for, their season typically crescendos with a marquee matchup against Florida powerhouse IMG Academy. This has become one of the most intense and exciting rivalries in high school football.
The scene on Friday night was electric at Hughes Stadium on the campus of Morgan State University, where the No. 2 St. Frances Panthers hosted the No. 5 ranked IMG Ascenders. According to MaxPreps, these teams came in with national rankings of No. 17 and No. 5, respectively, but both squads were ready to prove who truly deserved the top spot. In a thrilling display of athleticism, grit, and precision, St. Frances delivered a resounding 30-3 win, leaving little doubt about their dominance.
St. Frances’ Fifth Straight Win: Taking Control of the Rivalry
The victory marked St. Frances’ fifth consecutive win this season, and it also gave them an edge in the series against IMG, pushing them to a 3-2 lead since the teams first met in 2019. For the Panthers, it was about more than just the score; this win represented a season’s worth of preparation, resilience, and teamwork coming to fruition.
Quarterback Jae’Oyn Williams was the night’s standout performer, with a dynamic showing in the first half that set the tone for St. Frances. He powered his way to a rushing touchdown early on and threw a clutch 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Damon Hall, a Maryland commit, just three seconds before halftime. That pass gave St. Frances a commanding 17-3 lead and momentum they’d ride through the second half. "This one means so much," Williams shared post-game. "It’s our hometown, our city, and we’re right up the street. I couldn’t let them come in here and beat us."
Williams’ journey to this night was inspiring. He had started the season as a second or even third-string quarterback but worked his way up, capitalizing on every opportunity. When the moment finally arrived, he delivered, embodying the perseverance and work ethic that’s become a trademark of this St. Frances team.
Defense Steals the Show: Five Turnovers, Two Spectacular Returns
If Williams set the stage, the Panthers’ defense stole the show in the second half, producing one jaw-dropping play after another. St. Frances forced five turnovers, including two game-changing touchdowns from defensive behemoths Darrion Smith and Wayne Henry. Smith, who’s committed to Tennessee, scored on an 81-yard fumble recovery, a remarkable show of athleticism for a defensive tackle. Shortly afterward, Henry, committed to Auburn, snagged a 78-yard interception return, putting the finishing touches on the Panthers’ victory in emphatic style.
With more than three minutes left on the clock, the St. Frances sideline was already erupting in celebration. Plans for a Gatorade shower for head coach Messay Hailemariam were set in motion, a well-deserved tribute to a coach who’d pushed his team through one of the toughest schedules in the country.
"In the second half of the season, after the gauntlet of a schedule at the beginning, I told them, ‘Let’s build up to this day, but more importantly, execute all facets,’” Coach Hailemariam reflected after the game. “I can’t ask for anything better tonight. Those guys fought and put it all together, and tonight was a culmination of all their hard work.”
Facing the No. 5 team in the nation, on home turf, and delivering such a decisive performance? It’s exactly the kind of night that players and coaches alike dream of.
A Nail-Biter Early, But Panthers Pull Away Before Half
Going into the game, many anticipated another tight matchup, similar to last year’s close contest where IMG narrowly won 17-14 at home. Friday’s game initially followed that script, staying close well into the second quarter. But as the half wound down, St. Frances started to shift into another gear.
A critical moment came thanks to Dwayne Kelly Jr., a Kent State commit who returned a punt 29 yards, putting the Panthers deep in IMG territory. The drive culminated with Williams sneaking into the end zone from 1 yard out, pushing the Panthers ahead 10-3. And they weren’t done yet. With just over a minute left in the half, Williams exploded up the middle for a 60-yard gain, setting up another scoring chance. A pass interference call against IMG moved the ball to the 3-yard line, where Williams connected with Hall on a play-action pass, sending the Panthers into halftime with a 17-3 lead.
More Than Just a Game: The Significance of St. Frances vs. IMG
For these players, this game represented far more than a number in the win column. It was a chance to prove themselves on a national stage, to defend their home turf, and to show just how much hard work and dedication can accomplish. For Jae’Oyn Williams and the entire team, it’s an experience they’ll carry forward, a testament to resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence.
In just a few years, the rivalry between St. Frances and IMG has quickly become one of the most thrilling and intense in high school football. Two programs, two powerhouse teams, and countless elite athletes. For St. Frances, coming out on top this year means holding bragging rights for another season, a reward they’ll savor as they continue to build their legacy.
As the clock wound down, Coach Hailemariam’s words summed up the night perfectly: "Playing the No. 5 team in the country and putting this type of performance on them, at home, it feels really good, and these kids and the coaching staff are deserving."
In the end, St. Frances didn’t just win a game. They made a statement. A statement about talent, determination, and the unbreakable bond of a team. And for those who witnessed it, this Friday night under the lights will be remembered as one of those rare, unforgettable moments when it all came together perfectly.
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