“Both” seems to be the best way to describe brothers Jalan and Javian Butts as great contributors to the John Milledge Academy (JMA) football program for the past three years. Both became starters in their junior year, and both have made major impacts on both sides of the ball.
“Both guys have started for us the last couple of years and each guy brings a little something different to the game,” JMA head coach J.T. Wall said. “They do a great job pushing each other to get better each day.”
Jalan and Javian are close brothers who are always looking to help each other succeed.
“Yes, we’re always pushing each other to get the best out of one another. We love to see each other shine,” Jalan said of he and Javian. “For example, if we see one another slacking we tell each other to ‘tighten up,’ which means do what you got to do to win the rep or anything.”
JMA had one of the best defenses in the state last season, posting three shutouts, including a dominating 49-0 win in the state championship game over Deerfield-Windsor last fall.
Jalan was a major part of that team’s defensive success, racking up 42 tackles and a teamleading seven interceptions on the season. He also was the Trojans top pass catcher, hauling in 20 passes for 459 yards and four touchdowns for the year.
Meanwhile, Javian became the starting running back as a sophomore in 2021, rushing for 618 yards and 11 touchdowns. In his junior year, he cemented his place as the team’s top back by rushing for 1,097 yards and 18 touchdowns. Javian also caught 11 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns to bring his offensive numbers to 1,346 total yards of offense and 20 touchdowns last season.
Both also mentioned they have worked over the summer on getting bigger and that they have been going to the gym twice a day, once in the morning during team workouts and again in the afternoon with each other.
The standard for success at John Milledge Academy has been set very high for several years now with the Trojans having won five state titles, including the last four under coach Wall, while appearing in six championship games over the past dozen seasons.
The standard remains the same and the Butts brothers understand those standards that have been set.
“The team goals are to get a state and region championship, stay humble, and come together,” they both agreed.