>> JOHN MILLEDGE ACADEMY
John Milledge Academy quarterback Briggs Eady accounted for all of the team’s four TDs, and made an important play on defense at the end of the game, as the Trojans defeated region foe Tattnall Square Academy 28-21 last Friday night in Macon.
JMA is now tied with Buford High for the state of Georgia’s longest winning streak.
The Trojans have won 47 consecutive contests, dating back to the 2018 season. The Buford Wolves won that many games from 2002 to 2004 under head coach Dexter Wood.
JMA has typically won its games easily this year, but the Trojans of Macon made them work for the win.
Tatnall was driving late in the fourth quarter with hopes of tying the game with a TD and PAT. However, the Trojans had other plans.
Eady came down with a drive-ending INT off Trojans’ quarterback Donovan Duncan. The ball was initially tipped by Kolt McMichael as Eady adjusted and made the play.
The pick solidified another solid performance by Eady, who led the offense in passing and rushing. He completed 8-of-14 passes for 133 yards and two scores. Eady also rushed for 156 yards on 25 attempts and two TDs on a historic night for the Trojans.
JMA’s offense got to work early and the Trojans scored on the opening drive. They converted on a 3rd-and-5 as Eady connected with an open Bud Veal for a 56-yard TD.
The two teams traded punts over the next few drives, but Tattnall got on the board late in the first quarter. Duncan heaved up a pass that was caught by Demario Wilmore for six.
The end of the first quarter ended in a 7-7 tie, but there were some offensive fireworks in the second.
Eady scored his first rushing TD on a 4th down from the Tattnall 17-yard line. The Trojans elected to go for it instead of settling for three, and the senior signal-caller found an open gap in the defense. Eady evaded several defenders on his way to the end zone.
JMA’s defense then forced a punt on the next drive, but it was blocked by Grayson Waddell and the Trojans took over the opponent’s red zone. He cashed in that special teams’ play a few minutes later. Eady then hooked up with Waddell for a 20-yard TD.
Tattnall got a break as Jacob Noles’ PAT was no good, but JMA still led 20-7 with eight minutes left in the half. The Trojans wouldn’t roll over, though, as sophomore running back Antone Johnson broke off a run around the edge for a 57-yard TD.
Still, JMA led 20-14 at the break. However, that wouldn’t last long into the third quarter.
Tattnall put together a methodical drive at the start of the third period that ended with a score. Johnson reached the end zone on a 12-yard rush and the Trojans took a 21-20 after the PAT. Their one-point advantage represented the first time JMA trailed so far this season.
The JMA Trojans then regained the lead toward the end of the third quarter.
Eady led the offense on a long drive and capped it off with a 2-yard rushing TD. JMA decided to go for a 2-point conversion and it was successful. The Trojans’ defense then held strong in the fourth quarter to secure the record-tying win.
JMA also secured another region title with the win and finished the season with a 10-0 overall record. The Trojans will now move on to the GIAA Class AAA state playoffs, where they will have a bye next week. They are the top seed entering the postseason.