Last Friday night’s win in Macon over First Presbyterian Day (6-3, 2-1) may have been the biggest so far this season for John Milledge Academy (7-1, 2-0).
FPD was undefeated in region play this year and have always been one of JMA’s toughest opponents, but with a 34-17 victory the Trojans established themselves as the top team in District 6 of GIAA AAA classification.
JMA defeated FPD largely due to a great second-half performance from the Trojans’ defense. The JMA defense allowed just one touchdown in the second half while the team’s offense capitalized off Vikings mistakes and scored three touchdowns.
“It’s always a good thing to get a region win,” John Milledge head coach J.T. Wall later told The Baldwin Bulletin. “We know that win put us one step closer to achieving some of our goals for this season.”
The Trojans’ defense set the tone on the opening drive of the game, forcing the Vikings to punt from their own 26-yard line. That led to a three-yard rushing touchdown for Asa Wall and a 7-0 JMA lead.
FPD answered back to start the second quarter by driving downfield to the Trojans’ goal line and scoring on a quick one-yard pass.
Soon after, Wall answered for the Trojans with a two-yard rushing score to reclaim the lead 14-7 after a successful PAT.
Just before halftime, Vikings kicker Dominic Economopoulos drove a 20-yard field goal through the uprights to cut the Trojans’ lead to 14-10 at halftime.
FPD came out swinging to start the second half, scoring on a 46-yard touchdown pass from Walker to tight end Tinsley Lewis to make it 17-14 and claim their first lead of the night.
However, JMA trailed for only a short time before running back Jamel Cooper scored on a three-yard rush to regain the Trojans’ lead. JMA would not look back from that point, as the defense shut down the Vikings in the final quarter while the Trojans scored twice more.
This included Cooper’s second rushing TD of the night and quarterback Lewis Cheney’s only passing touchdown of the game to wide receiver Parker Soltay.
Bryce McDonel also made a big play on special teams in the fourth quarter, blocking a Vikings’ field goal attempt that ultimately led to JMA’s final touchdown and the 34-17 victory.
The Trojans’ running game was the key to their offensive success against FPD, with Cooper leading the team in rushing with 167 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Duke Hurt had an impressive night as well, gaining 71 yards on 10 carries, while Wall racked up 49 yards on 10 carries.
As pass catchers, Wall and Soltay had solid performances as well with Wall hauling in six catches for 69 yards while Soltay caught two passes for 28 yards and one touchdown.
Coach Wall knows the Trojans played some great football, but acknowledges his team still has room for improvement with two games left before playoff time.
“We need to continue to try and minimize penalties and create more turnovers on defense,” he said.
JMA will host the winless Tatnall Square Trojans at 7:30 p.m. this Friday, at home in Milledgeville.