Ben Davis adds national power IMG Academy to 2023 high school football schedule

Ben Davis completed its 2023 high school football schedule with the addition of a national powerhouse.

The Giants will play IMG Academy, a prep school based out of Bradenton, Fla., Sept. 8, at Ben Davis. IMG Academy was ranked No. 7 in the country at the end of last season by USA Today and finished the season 8-1, losing only the season opener to Miami Central, which went 14-0 and was ranked No. 4 in the country.

IMG has four juniors — defensive end Ernest Willor, running back Jerrick Gibson and defensive tackle David Stone and safety Jordon Johnson-Rubell — who are ranked as top-25 prospects in the country by Rivals.

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The Indiana High School Athletic Association modified its 300-mile rule in June to allow Indiana schools to play schools from beyond the 300-mile limit as long the contest is played within the limit and the school is good standing with its state association. This will be the first time IMG Academy has played a football program from Indiana.

Ben Davis, coming off a 6-4 season, will play IMG Academy in Week 4 instead of former Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference rival Center Grove, the three-time defending Class 6A state champion. The Giants will also pick up a Week 1 nonconference game at Cincinnati Moeller. Ben Davis returns quarterback Thomas Gotkowski, running back Alijah Price and linebacker Nylan Brown, among others.

Ben Davis' full 2023 football schedule

Aug. 18 – at Cincinnati Moeller

Aug. 25 – vs. Avon

Sept. 1 – vs. Pike

Sept. 8 – vs. IMG Academy

Sept. 15 – vs. Warren Central

Sept. 22 – at Lawrence North

Sept. 29 – vs. Carmel

Oct. 6 – at Lawrence Central

Oct. 13 – vs. North Central

Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.