A Rocky Start for Lone Peak
On August 21, 2026, the Lone Peak Knights traveled to face the nationally ranked IMG Academy, and the result was a 59‑3 drubbing that left the Utah squad searching for answers early in the season.
From the opening drive, IMG seized control, capitalizing on four early turnovers — a tipped pass, an interception and a muffed punt — to build a 21‑0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Quarterback Jayden Wade was efficient, completing 14 of 20 passes for 214 yards, while speedsters such as Osani Gayles and Eric McFarland turned short gains into big plays that kept the defense on its heels.
Lone Peak’s special teams got on the board with a 45‑yard field goal from kicker Zach Brien, preventing a shutout for the first time since 2007, while return specialist Zachary Zolman contributed to the effort.
Coach Bart Brockbank praised his defense’s resilience but acknowledged the Knights’ struggle to match the Florida powerhouse’s early dominance, a challenge that will shape their preparation for the weeks ahead.
The victory underscores IMG’s reputation as a national high‑school football factory, a program that consistently produces NFL‑ready talent and regularly finishes among the nation’s elite.
For Lone Peak, the loss serves as a stark reminder of the gaps that remain, but the narrow escape from a shutout offers a glimmer of optimism as the team looks to build on its defensive improvements.