FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Braves, Bulldogs stumble; JMA runs its winning streak to 38 games

Helmets courtesy of https://www.gahelmetproject.com

PEACH CO. – 50
BALDWIN – 20

A large crowd turned out for the season opener at Braves Stadium, but the home fans left without much to cheer about.

In their last three home games in Milledgeville, the Braves now have been outscored by a combined 109-28, dating back to last season.

Peach's offense scored a touchdown on its first two plays from scrimmage, while Baldwin's offense turned the ball over on its first two possessions.

The score was 14-0 with 11:11 left to play in the first quarter.

The Braves answered back, as star junior running back Micah Welch scored on a 95-yard kickoff return to narrow the gap to 14-6. Welch, who's turning out to be BHS' best running back prospect in at least 15 years, also scored the Braves' other first-half touchdown of the night on a touchdown reception on the final play of the first half.

The score was 37-13 at halftime and 50-13 at the end of the third quarter.

The Braves better bounce back in hurry in order to avoid further risk of injuring their pride. Next Friday night is a trip to Eatonton to take on Putnam County. Baldwin is GHSA Class AAAA and Putnam Class AA. The War Eagles had their best season in more than 40 years in 2021, finishing 12-1 and advancing to the Class AA quarterfinals.

Believe it or not, Baldwin and Putnam haven't played each other in football since 1977, despite being immediate neighbors. The all time series is tied at 3-3-1.

GMC PREP – 14
WHEELER CO. – 42

After finishing 10-1 last season and enjoying their best season since before World War II, the Dawgs were humbled on Friday night, learning the hard way that it's easier to be the hunter than the hunted.

For GHSA Class A football pundits, it was a really surprising score, as Wheeler finished 5-5 last season and only 3-5 in its region.

The Dawgs now must regroup, as they host ACE Charter next Friday night in the home opener at Davenport Field. The Gryphons are a team on the rise and should be a formidable opponent for GMC.

JOHN MILLEDGE – 42
BRENTWOOD – 7

The Trojans haven't lost a football game in going on 60 months now.

JMA traveled east into kaolin country on Friday night and administered another Brentwood beatdown. The Trojans now own a nine-game winning streak in the series, which dates back to 1973. 

Out of those nine victories against Brentwood, five have come by at least 30 point, one by at least 40 points and one by at least 50. 

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