VENICE (SNN-TV) – With High School football back on the Suncoast beginning tonight, we’re just one day away from Friday Football Fever, and there’s no better way to start the season by highlighting our Game of the Week.
The defending 8A state champion, Venice Indians, look to get back to their winning ways this season, in Friday’s kickoff classic against the formidable Ascenders of IMG Academy.
Entering this season, per MaxPreps, IMG Academy ranks #1 in Florida and #4 in the country, whereas Venice slides in at #3 in the state and #36 in the nation.
Friday’s clash will tell the tale of two behemoths of the gridiron colliding to kick off the 2022 season in style. A behemoth in his own right is Venice senior defensive end, and one of the country’s most sought after prospects, Damon Wilson. The 6’4 QB nightmare says he ready to finally get after someone not wearing a Venice High jersey.
“Its pretty exciting. It feels like we’ve been hitting each other for a long time now. So, to go out and hit somebody else, its a good feeling.” – Damon Wilson, Venice DE
Where many of the players are exciting to be on the field again, many also want to return to glory as State Champions. Head Coach John Peacock looks forward to riding the road to success, but is also intrigued to see the fight his team will show on Friday first.
“One thing I’m going to look for is, who is going to compete. You’re going to find some kids that’ll step up to the occasion and compete, and you’re also going to find some kids that shy away from competition. We got to figure out who those people, because we want the kids that’ll compete when we start the regular season.” – John Peacock, Venice HC
The Ascenders are just as talented as Venice, if not ten-fold. Led by Alabama commits Jihaad Campbell and Tyler Booker, as well as Georgia commit Daylen Everette, IMG Academy is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, following a 9-1 season.
Along with Wilson, Venice is led on defense by another senior standout, recent Penn State commit, defensive back Elliot Washington. The future Nittany Lion says he happy to have made his collegiate decision, but still has one goal to be attained before heading out.
“I’m focused on helping this team and being able to try and go back and win another state championship.” – Elliot Washington, Venice DB
These two teams last met in Venice in 2020, where IMG won 49-6. Kickoff tomorrow from Powell-Davis Stadium is set for 7:30pm. Be sure to catch those highlights and more tomorrow on Friday Football Fever, only on SNN following our late edition.
