>> JOHN MILLEDGE ACADEMY
In another lopsided victory last Friday, the John Milledge Academy (JMA) Trojans beat the Pinewood Patriots 63-28 on Nov. 24 to secure their spot in the GIAA Class 3A state championship game this Thursday in Macon.
The Trojans (12-0), who currently have the longest active winning streak nationwide at 61 games, will play in their sixth-straight state title game and will be seeking their fifth championship in a row and sixth overall. Their opponent will be the Valwood Valiants (10-1), who beat Frederica Academy 56-30 last Friday to advance to the championship game for the first time since 2019.
The Trojans have been dominant throughout their short playoff run, scoring 111 points to 47 against in a two-game postseason so far. In comparison, Valwood outscored its two opponents 91-43 in playoff action.
In the game against Pinewood, JMA running back Javian Butts surpassed the 2,000-yard mark, officially gaining 2,180 yards rushing on the season with 27 touchdowns. The Trojans’ first quarter was a little slow despite scoring two touchdowns to lead 14-7 going into the second quarter.
The second quarter saw the Trojans put another 28 points on the board to lead 42-14 at halftime.
Javian Butts made a long run to open the quarter and set up a touchdown pass from Kolt McMichael to Isaiah Womble, followed by the extra point kicked by Jacob Noles.
Pinewood answered with a long pass from Banks Booth to Walker Todd, followed by a quarterback sneak by Booth to cut JMA’s lead to 21-14. However, Butts and Bud Veal added rushing scores, giving JMA a 35-14 lead as the Trojans responded.
A fumble recovery then led to McMichael making his second touchdown pass, this time to David Todd to cap off JMA’s dominant second quarter.
In the second half, the Trojans powered their way to the 63-28 final behind two more rushing scores from Javian Butts and Jamel Cooper, plus a pick-six by Todd.
First-year head coach Brad Wells has done an impressive job in leading Valdosta-based Valwood back to amongst the best teams in the GIAA.
The Valiants have relied heavily on their running game, with three backs who have rushed for more than 800 yards this season. De’mar Riley is Valwood’s leading rusher at 1,246 yards with 13 touchdowns. Riley has averaged 14 yards on 89 carries on the season.
With 878 yards rushing, 378 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns this season, freshman running back Marquis Fennell is another dual-threat player the Trojans will need to have their eyes on Thursday night.
Valwood quarterback Tayt Snellgrove also is an efficient runner and passer, throwing 13 touchdowns and rushing for eight more this season. Snellgrove has rushed for 430 yards total and thrown for more than 1,000 yards as well.
Valwood’s defense has been excellent this season, too, posting three shutouts through the regular season and recording multiple tackles for loss in every game this season. Defensive back Landen Ryan is the Valiants’ leading tackler with 65 total for the year, plus one interception and a fumble recovery.
Regardless, JMA has proven capable of handling some of the toughest and best competition in the state this season. JMA beat the FPD Vikings 27-22 on the road during the regular season and the Vikings are now set to play Brookstone in the GIAA 4A state championship game.
The Trojans also held Brookwood quarterback Rodge Waldrop to just 150 yards passing and one touchdown pass, plus two forced interceptions in a 62-28 win over the Warriors. Waldrop finished the season leading the GIAA in three major passing categories with 3,408 yards passing, 40 touchdown passes, and an average of 309.8 yards passing per game through 11 games this year.
Kickoff for this Thursday’s championship game is scheduled for 8 p.m. at Mercer University’s Five Star Stadium in Macon.