Home / Sports / Rivalry Reignited: St. Frances and IMG to Clash Again
Rivalry Reignited: St. Frances and IMG to Clash Again
3 Feb
Summary
- St. Frances Academy and IMG Academy will resume their rivalry in 2026.
- The coaches have resolved past disagreements to prioritize player opportunities.
- The series between the two ranked teams is currently tied at three wins apiece.
The storied high school football rivalry between St. Frances Academy (Maryland) and IMG Academy (Florida) is set to be reignited. Head coach Messay Hailemariam confirmed that the Panthers will face the Ascenders on November 13, 2026. This agreement signifies a reconciliation following a previous dispute when IMG Academy withdrew from a scheduled game in November 2025. Hailemariam expressed initial displeasure, viewing IMG's actions as disrespectful, but stated that time has healed the wounds, prioritizing the opportunity for his players to compete against the best.
The series between the two nationally ranked programs, which began in 2016, is currently tied at 3-3. Neither team has achieved a winning streak longer than two games. Hailemariam emphasized that it would be a disservice to both programs not to play annually, highlighting the competitive nature and great opportunity each game presents for St. Frances Academy. The Panthers concluded the 2024 season with a 9-1 record, finishing as the No. 2 ranked team nationally.
