The struggles go on for the John Milledge Academy Trojans, which dropped to 1-4 this season after suffering their third consecutive loss.
The Bulloch Academy Gators arrived in Milledgeville last Friday with a 4-0 record and improved to 5-0 after beating the Trojans 35-6 with a strong running game.
Bulloch put up three rushing touchdowns in the first half with three different backs, while the Trojans did not score a first-half touchdown for the second straight week.
With starter Kolt McMichael still sidelined by injury, backup quarterback David Todd had trouble delivering against a stout Gators defense. Running back Cole Vining got the majority of the carries for the Trojans and had a solid night overall, but was unable to manage more than one score, despite multiple red zone trips for the Trojans.
JMA’s night started off strong as the Trojans kept the Gators out of the endzone and got the ball back. Vining made an 18-yard run but the offense stalled and JMA turned the ball over on downs. The Bulloch offense took advantage and scored on a 14-yard rushing gain to take a 7-0 lead into the second quarter.
JMA punted to Bulloch to start the second quarter, and the Gators quickly drove downfield to score their second rushing touchdown on a 63-yard play.
Just a couple of minutes later, the Gators scored again with a 15-yard rushing touchdown, eventually taking a commanding 21-0 lead to the locker room at halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, Bulloch tacked on another touchdown and extra point to make it 28-0 just two minutes into the final quarter.
JMA finally got on the board about halfway through the fourth quarter with a 31-yard rushing touchdown by Vining, but the Gators quickly responded with their final touchdown and extra point for the 35-6 win.
JMA will face another tough test this Friday as the Trojans travel to Sandersville to play Brentwood (4-1). The Eagles promise to be a tougher opponent than they have been in years, putting up impressive offensive performances in all five of their games this season.
Brentwood has scored no less than 34 points in each of its contests so far in 2024 and is averaging more than 45 points. In comparison, the Trojans have averaged less than 19 points per game this year, highlighted by a 39-19 win over the so-far winless Augusta Christian Lions.