Trojans hosting winless Creekside Christian
Oct. 27—Two football programs on complete opposite ends of the spectrum will meet in Milledgeville Friday.
John Milledge Academy, winner of 32 consecutive games (including one opponent forfeit) dating back to the start of 2019, is set to host winless Creekside Christian Academy (0-7 overall, 0-1 region) in a region game this week. The Cougars of McDonough have struggled mightily this season as they have been outscored 245-48 across their seven contests, including a 46-0 season-opening loss to undefeated GMC Prep. They will likely receive no mercy from the two-time defending GISA AAA state champion Trojans (8-0, 1-0).
Head coach JT Wall's team accumulated no rust in its back-to-back off weeks, as shown by last week's 53-14 drubbing of Bethlehem Christian.
"The guys responded the best way they could respond," Wall said. "They obviously need reps, but there's a point in the game where you've got to get these other guys in who have earned the right to play just as much as the starters. I'm proud of the way we protected the football and started fast on defense with a pick-six on the third play."
The Trojans will try to bring that energy into the upcoming matchup against Creekside, who is still looking to keep a ballgame close. Their smallest losing deficit was 20 points against Augusta Prep on Oct. 8. The Cougars are dropping contests by an average of 32 points while John Milledge is battering opponents to the tune of 36-point margins per night.
Coach Wall did say Creekside has an elusive quarterback in junior Donovan Brazley and good size along the offensive and defensive fronts. The Trojans will try to counter by staying in their lanes defensively in addition to putting their better depth and conditioning to use.
Speaking of depth, JMA spent time in its consecutive off weeks building depth up front. Wall said offensive linemen are learning multiple positions so that if someone else goes down with an injury, a replacement can be ready to step in.
"We want those guys to understand the entire play, not just what they have to do," Wall said. "If they know what the guy beside them does, it makes their job a lot easier. You don't have to think as much, so you can play a lot faster."
Looking at the bigger picture, the Trojans stand atop the the latest MaxPreps power ratings of AAA teams. Those ratings determine postseason berths and seeding. Sitting at second are the 6-1 Westfield Hornets who John Milledge will face in Perry next week, likely with the region championship on the line. That outcome could also have an impact on the rankings one week before the playoffs begin.
"It's not going to carry near as much weight if we don't care of this one this week," Wall pointed out. "Our guys these last few years have done a great job of being able to lock in on this week's opponent and not really look ahead. We'll get to Westfield Friday night at about 11 o'clock."
Before moving on to Westfield, the Trojans will tackle Creekside. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at John Milledge.
