The John Milledge Academy (JMA) Trojans will make the long trip south to Chula on Friday night for a first-round playoff match against the Tiftarea Academy Panthers.
The Panthers have enjoyed a great regular season, finishing with a 9-1 record that included a 46-21 victory over JMA in week three. Tiftarea went on to win six of their next seven games throughout the rest of their season, while JMA lost six straight games.
The Trojans eventually finished with a 2-8 record after beating rival Mount de Sales at home in the last game of the regular season.
JMA has improved since early this season, and the recent return of quarterback Kolt McMichael from injury, combined with the play of Jamel Cooper, should provide a spark for the Trojans’ offense on Friday night.
The Panthers are a wellrounded team that has put up a lot of points this year while holding opposing teams to low scores. The most points the Panthers allowed all season was 27 in a 49-27 win over Deerfield-Windsor.
Tiftarea is 5-0 at home this season but has allowed double-digit scores in all but one of their home games.
Meanwhile JMA has struggled on the road this season, but one of their two victories did come at an away venue. The Trojans beat Augusta Christian 39-19 in week two before their long losing streak began.
The Trojans and Panthers will kick off in Chula at 7:30 p.m. Friday.