John Milledge Academy seeks fifth consecutive GIAA title

John Milledge Academy will seek its fifth consecutive state championship when it takes on Valwood in the GIAA Class 3A final tonight at 8 at Mercer's Five Star Stadium in Macon.

John Milledge, of Milledgeville, comes into the game with a state-record and nation's best 62-game winning streak. The Trojans’ last loss came on Nov. 30, 2018, in the 3A championship game against Frederica Academy. John Milledge is 12-0 this season, and its closest game was a 27-22 victory against First Presbyterian, which will play in the Class 4A final on Friday.

The Trojans are led by running back Javian Butts, who has rushed for 2,180 yards and 27 touchdowns. Butts ran for 284 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries in a 63-28 victory over Pinewood Christian last week.

Valwood of Valdosta is 10-1 this season, its only loss against North Florida Christian 35-21 on Sept. 22. The Valiants are seeking their first state title since 2017.

The other three GIAA championship games will be played Friday in Macon. Flint River Academy will take on Robert Toombs Christian in the Class A final at 2 p.m., followed by the Class 2A game between Edmund Burke Academy and Gatewood at 5 and the 4A game between First Presbyterian and Brookstone at 8.

John Milledge is the only defending champion in any GIAA classification that returned to the finals this season.