The John Milledge Academy (JMA) Trojans football team hit the field July 27 for the first time in its 2026 season.
The Trojans return with a lot of junior talent this season as well as senior leadership. Following their 7:30 a.m. practice, head coach J.T. Wall said team leaders will be important for the Trojans when the season begins next month.
“We’ve had great senior leadership so far,” Wall said. “The pace of practice needs to pick up. One of the hardest parts of the beginning of each year is getting a team to learn how to practice.”
The Trojans mostly went through basic drills on Monday as well as a short but physical scrimmage with no tackling of the ball carriers.
Quarterbacks Lane Rhodes and Nathan Snow continue to compete for the starting job after battling it out over the summer during seven-on-seven competition. That rivalry has carried over to the preseason, so both will have to perform at their best before the Trojans begin their season Aug. 14 at Brentwood.
“They both are working hard and learning,” Wall said.
JMA wrapped up practice this week on Wednesday and will be back on the field next Monday. Following the season opener, JMA will play the next Friday at Piedmont Academy, with its first home game scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Sept. 11, against Loganville Christian Academy.