In regional sports news, the East St. Louis Flyers lost to the IMG Academy Ascenders 14-13.
IMG arrived in the Metro East ranked as the #6 team in the nation, while East St. Louis stood at #33.
“I’m just happy for the kids. They played their butts off. There was a lot of adversity throughout the game and they just kept going next play, next play, next play. These kids earned it and I’m just really happy for them,” described Matt Lane, IMG Academy Defensive Coordinator.
The story of this game was hard-nosed defense and a myriad of penalties.
“Getting past one of the top teams here in this environment and playing the way the game was going with a lot of calls on their side — and we probably had over 90 yards of penalties in the first half — I’m so proud of our guys,” stated Billy Miller, IMG Academy National Program Head Coach (via Belleville News-Democrat).
A risky fourth down attempt on their first drive wouldn’t work out for the Flyers.
IMG would have the same outcome on their first drive after a controversial no-touchdown call deep in East Saint’s endzone.
“It’s never a one-play game. These kids fought all day and did an unbelievable job, they did it for each other,” stated Coach Miller.
A called-back fumble recovery scare shook the Flyers during their third drive but pulled through in the end by getting into the end zone
Late in the second quarter, Christopher Bennett Jr. brought in a 21-yard touchdown to make the game 7-0.
East St. Louis shut down any hope of IMG scoring in the first half as Quincy Minor intercepted Ty Hawkins with 30 seconds left.
“(Going into the second half) I’m feeling like we’re going to win,” described IMG Quarterback Ty Hawkins, ‘25.
The hesitance towards field goals would also play a role in the second half as both teams passed up opportunities to take the lead.
“We definitely had a winning mentality and the mentality that we’re going to get it across and score,” stated Missouri commit Donovan Olugbode, ‘25.
“I should have given our guys the opportunity to get that three points,” described East St. Louis Head Coach Darren Sunkett, “The second time, that was out of our (kicker’s) range but the first was definitely on me to kick on a field goal and we should have had it” (via Belleville East-Democrat).
Late in the third, Tranard Roberts would get IMG on the board with a 67-yard rushing touchdown to make the game 7-7.
Both teams would go scoreless in the fourth, and the game would be sent into overtime.
“The outcome will take care of itself in the process. Winning every play leads to winning every drive which leads to winning every quarter which leads to winning the game. Way to buy in and play every single play even though we probably ran a hundred plays tonight,” described an IMG defensive coach.
In overtime, both teams had an opportunity to score from the ten-yard line, and East Saint capitalized off of the field position.
Kendrick Lyons would connect with Ronnie GoMiller on a ten-yard touchdown pass to make the game 13-7.
The noteworthy moment from this possession, however, was not the touchdown, it was IMG blocking the extra point attempt which left them in good standing for their chance.
“These guys blocked the extra point. A defense that isn’t the greatest would have given up after the touchdown and said ‘Take the playoffs. We just lost,’ but moments like those end up winning you the game because they got up and got the ball,” described Coach Miller.
Ty Hawkins would hit Eric McFarland III for the game-winning touchdown and McFarland would kick the extra point to send East Saint home.
“I feel good. It was a good intense game with a good environment, so I definitely feel good being able to go in here and get the win,” described Olugbode.
