Brentwood Seeks Historic Road Win Over John Milledge in Matchup of Two Friends as Head Coaches
The 5-0 Brentwood War Eagles face the 4-1 John Milledge Academy Trojans in Milledgeville for the 52nd all-time matchup
SANDERSVILLE, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Brentwood War Eagles are off to a dominant start in 2025, and Friday night, they look to extend that success in one of the state’s longest-running rivalries when they travel to Milledgeville to face John Milledge Academy.
Led by third-year head coach Adam Lord, the War Eagles are 5-0 and have outscored opponents 186-31 this season. Brentwood is aiming to build on last year’s 12th region championship and fourth Class AA state title in program history, a season in which its only loss came by a single point.
With 11 seniors back, including leaders like Z.J. Scott, Cordy Francis, and Will Hodges, the War Eagles have relied on both veteran leadership and younger players stepping into key roles. Sophomore running back Tristan Robinson, who already holds offers from South Florida and Georgia Southern, has bolstered the offense alongside all-state junior quarterback Baylor Cobb and senior Abe Williams.
Lord said his team has maintained focus despite its fast start. “This team has not been complacent. They are not okay with what they did last year,” he said. “Last year’s trophies win you nothing. What you did last year means nothing. This group has done a fine job week to week of making sure we’re at our best every day so that Fridays come easier to us.”
Brentwood ended a long drought in the series last fall with a 33-6 home win, its first victory over John Milledge since 2013. Now the War Eagles are looking for their first win in Milledgeville since 1997, when Lord was Brentwood’s senior quarterback and John Milledge head coach J.T. Wall was the Trojans’ senior fullback.
The two close friends will meet as opposing head coaches for just the third time in a series that dates back to 1973. Brentwood will be seeking its 17th win in the 52nd all-time matchup.
Williams said team chemistry has pushed the War Eagles to a higher standard. “It would mean a lot to go over there and win in their home stadium,” he said. “We beat them last year at our place for the first time, and I think it had been 13 years. But to go beat them at their place, it hasn’t been done in 20 years, it’d be so fun.”
Francis emphasized a simple approach. “We just need to not overthink and just go out and play,” he said.
Lord expects a physical test against a familiar opponent. “J.T. is a hard-nosed coach. He does a great job. At this point, I don’t think he’s going to fool us, and we’re not trying to fool him,” he said. “They’re going to be disciplined and physical, and we’ve got to match that. We’ve talked about physical and mental toughness. There’s going to be some adversity Friday, and how we respond to that is going to be very important.”
As Brentwood looks to stay unbeaten, the War Eagles will aim to make history again, this time on the road in Milledgeville. Kickoff between Brentwood and John Milledge is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Ted Smith Stadium. Catch highlights from this game and more during Friday’s edition of The End Zone on 41NBC News at 11 p.m.
