John Milledge Academy has now won 14 games in a row by double digits, most recently bouncing Brookstone Academy 21-10 at Trojan Field.
Early on, it looked headed for another lopsided victory for JMA (6-0), as the Trojans took a 21-2 lead into halftime. However, Brookstone made adjustments and played great defense in the second half.
Still, the Cougars never did find enough momentum on offense, as JMA’s defense shut them down with outstanding plays of its own to finish the night with six sacks and two forced turnovers.
“[Brookstone] made some good adjustments,” JMA head coach J.T. Wall said. “I feel like we kind of got out of who we were and kind of got out of a rhythm, and we could never get that traction. I felt like in the second half we did, we were driving, and then we would get a penalty and kind of go off script and throw a pick. We’ve gotta get better at what we’re doing.'
The Trojans’ defense was key to maintaining the lead throughout the night.
“Very proud of them,” Wall said of his defenders. “That running back they’ve (Brookstone) got can fly. Just proud of the way our guys rallied and just kept fighting. He would get a big play, and we would bend but not break, and they got that last one on us where we were kind of out of position. We’ve gotta do a lot better job of that.”
John Milledge now has a bye week to prepare for its region-opening game Oct. 2 against First Presbyterian Day (FPD). The Vikings are 4-2 after losing to Frederica last Friday.
This week, FPD will host rival Stratford in their region opener. The Vikings are always one of the GIAA’s tougher teams to play, Wall said.
“Very well coached.
Coach Carter does a great job of getting those guys ready. We’re gonna be in a dogfight with them for sure,” Wall said. “These next four region games with these Macon schools, they’re probably the best four teams we’ll see all year. They can roll, they can play, and we’ve got our hands full with those guys.”
Wall added the Trojans will look to “get healed up” and “get back to who we are” during their bye week.