Jayden Bradford throws 4 TDs, leads IMG past Gray Collegiate Academy (South Carolina)

The South Carolina native throws four first half touchdowns against the Eagles

BRADENTON, FLORIDA- IMG Academy quarterback Jayden Bradford originally started playing high school football in South Carolina before transferring down to Manatee County to become an Ascender. 

On Thursday night at IMG Field, Bradford reminded the folks back in the Palmetto State that he’s still that dude at quarterback. 

Bradford torched Gray Collegiate Academy to the tune of four touchdown passes and led IMG Academy to a dominating 53-7 victory. With the win, IMG Academy improves to 7-0 on the season. 

The Liberty commitment wasted absolutely no time in showing the sparse crowd in attendance that the Ascenders wouldn’t be coming out to a slow start. Bradford hit Jarrae Hawkins on a quick screen and the wide receiver took care of the rest, taking it 61 yards to the endzone. 

.@JaydenBradford7 connects with @Tankk_1k on a quick pass here on the first play of the game that goes 61 yards for a TD. @IMGAFootball 7, @graycollacademy 0, 1st Q 11:49 @SBLiveSports @SBLiveFL @SBLiveSC @LouatTheState @AndrewNemec @Prep_Gridiron @BigCountyPreps1… pic.twitter.com/JLfbMp8qGa

— Andy Villamarzo (@Andy_Villamarzo) October 19, 2023

It wouldn’t take Bradford too long to nab touchdown pass No. 2 on the evening, when he connected with Tennessee Volunteer commitment Jonathan Echols on a 24-yard score. 

Less than five minutes later, the same duo would connect again but this time on a 28-yard pass-and-catch scoring play. Up 21-0 in what seemed like a blink of an eye, the Ascenders’ defense would equal the level of intensity on the other side. 

The IMG front seven would create havoc throughout the evening, with defensive ends TJ Lindsay and Alex McPherson coming for Gray Collegiate Academy quarterback Tyler Waller constantly. 

Gray Collegiate trailing 28-0 in the second quarter decided to try a little trickery backed up against their own endzone. Waller lined up as the punter and saw an uncovered Zai Offord, connecting on an 85-yard touchdown. 

That would be the only touchdown Gray Collegiate would score the entire night. By halftime, IMG Academy was leading 38-7 and began playing backups in the third quarter. Jayden Wade would replace Bradford in the final two quarters. 

Bradford finished the night completing 7-of-11 passes for 174 yards and four touchdowns. Texas commitment Jerrick Gibson rushed for 83 yards on five carries and scored a touchdown. 

Most of the second half was played under a running clock as the Ascenders added a couple more scores. 

---

Vote: Who has been the top running back in Florida so far this 2023 football season?

Vote: Who is the North Central Florida midseason Offensive Player of the Year?

Vote: Who should be the Florida Panhandle Midseason Offensive Player of the Year?

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl