>> JOHN MILLEDGE ACADEMY
One of the greatest runs in Georgia high school football history came to an end last Thursday when John Milledge Academy (JMA) lost 42-21 to Valwood in the GIAA 3A state championship game at Mercer University’s Five Star Stadium in Macon.
The Trojans’ nation-leading, 62-game win streak, which included a sixth-straight region title and five consecutive state championships, ended abruptly after an outstanding second half by the Valiants. The Trojans finished 12-1 and saw 16 different players earn All-Region honors this year.
It was a close first half between rivals who have met five seasons in a row, including three playoff matchups, but for the first time since 2018, the Trojans came up short in the championship game. Still, JMA head coach J.T. Wall says he remains satisfied with his team’s effort and performance.
“I was super proud of our guys this year,” Wall said. “They came out and competed each and every week and were a true joy to coach.”
At halftime, JMA trailed by just one point at 14-13, but Valwood extended its lead early in the third quarter after an interception. A 35-yard rushing touchdown from Valiants quarterback Tayt Snellgrove boosted their lead to 21-13.
JMA showed resiliency, though, tying the score at 21 with a long drive capped by a 28-yard touchdown pass from Kolt McMichael to Bud Veal, followed by a safety.
Unfazed, Valwood took over after that and put another 21 unanswered points on the board to claim the state title.
The Trojans still collected some postseason hardware, though, with several top players earning region honors.
Leading rusher Javian Butts was named Region/ District 6 Offensive Player of the Year after gaining over 2,200 yards through 13 games and reaching the endzone 28 times. Over his four-year JMA career, Butts had over 4,200 yards rushing and 61 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, his brother Jalan Butts had more than 500 yards receiving with 16 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in his three seasons at JMA, making the brothers a duo to remember.
Trojans defensive tackle Tyrecus Harrison accompanied Javian Butts as Region 6 Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 90 total tackles and 11 tackles for loss. Harrisson averaged 7.5 tackles a game and had one fumble recovery in 2023.
The Trojans also saw several new leaders emerge in 2023, including McMichael, who battled through injury for much of the second half of the season. The junior shot-caller suffered a knee injury in late September versus Brookwood but was able to come back just in time for the Trojans’ second region matchup on Oct. 20 against First Presbyterian Day.
The Trojans went on to win their final three regular-season games to take home the region title. Though a successful season for most programs, a region title was only one goal for JMA, but perhaps the most disappointing part for much of the team was the senior class not finishing their careers at JMA with one final championship.
“They challenged each other each day to get better and better and that’s what they did,” Wall observed of this year’s senior class. “They were a close group that played hard for each other.”
In his final message for the season, Wall said he told his players to remember this feeling and to use it as motivation, not only in sports but in life as well.