>> JOHN MILLEDGE ACADEMY
John Milledge Academy (JMA) got its 2023 season off to a dominant start last Friday when it hosted the Brentwood War Eagles. In a battle of defending state champions, the Trojans beat the War Eagles 43-3 at Trojan Field.
Last season, Brentwood won its first state title since 2003 and it arrived in Milledgeville with hopes of ending one of the greatest winning streaks in state history, held by a team coming off its fourth-straight state title after notching 50 consecutive victories.
JMA quarterback Kolt McMichael enjoyed his first-career start, throwing two touchdowns and rushing for two others. Jalen Butts also had a hot start to the season with three interceptions on the night and hauling in a receiving touchdown as well.
JMA opened the scoring with a McMichael 29-yard rushing score. JMA newcomer Jayden Dorsey then picked up his first interception as a Trojan when he intercepted a pass on Brentwood’s first drive of the night.
JMA’s ensuing drive would end on an interception as well, but Brentwood was unsuccessful on its possession, turning the ball over to Jalan Butts on another intercepted pass. Justin England also made an interception for the Trojans later in the night.
The Trojans reached the end zone again on a McMichael 18-yard rushing touchdown, shortly before Jalan Butts got his second interception of the night. That set up the Trojans for a 31-yard McMichael touchdown pass to Butts, giving JMA a 21-0 lead with the extra point after.
JMA’s lone score in the second quarter came on an obscure punt return with Davis Todd rushing past defenders to the end zone for six.. Brentwood would score their only points of the game with a 34-yard field goal as the first half wound down.
To start the second half, a crowd of Trojan defenders tackled a Brentwood ball carrier in their own end zone for a safety, extending the Trojans' lead to 30-3.
JMA lost the ball to a fumble on its following drive, but Brentwood quickly turned the ball over to Jalen Butts’ final interception of the night. The Trojans then went on another long touchdown drive that ended with McMichael throwing to Bud Veal in the end zone for a 36-3 Trojans lead.
JMA had one more scoring drive left as they ended the game at 43-3 after Bryce McDonel made a 9-yard touchdown carry, followed by the extra point.