John Milledge Academy (JMA) struggled at home Friday night in a rare blowout loss to the Athens Academy Spartans who put on an offensive clinic in winning 47-14 over the young Trojans.
Athens Academy jumped out to a 14-point lead after the first quarter, but turnovers became the Trojans’ downfall.
The Spartans recovered two fumbles, including one that went 30 yards for a touchdown to extend the Athens lead. By halftime, JMA faced a 47-0 deficit, but a valiant second-half effort saw the Trojans hold the Spartans backups scoreless.
However, little offensive success came for the home team and JMA lost 47-14. JMA was able to put together only two scoring drives with the injured Kolt McMichael watching David Todd replace him under center and starters Bryce McDonel and Jamel Cooper sidelined as well.
Running backs Carter Ivey and Luke Elliot scored the Trojans only two touchdowns in the second half and may start this Friday’s game with Todd versus Bulloch Academy, too. Bulloch (4-0) has had a great start to its season and like Athens Academy will push JMA to its limits with an injured roster.
The Trojans, however, may present the Gators’ toughest opponent thus far in the 2024 season. The opponents Bulloch has faced so far have a combined 3-10 record, though only Portal has kept the score close versus Bulloch in a 19-18 Gators victory.
Bulloch’s offense has shown explosiveness, too, posting 42 points against Robert Toombs last Friday and 38 points over Claxton in Week 2. The Trojans will host the Gators from Statesboro at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Trojans Field in Milledgeville.