Friday night’s matchup in Gainesville brings together two teams with plenty of recent success and a lot of college talent on both sidelines. Milton rolls in at 6-1, while Gainesville is 6-2, and with the playoffs closing in, this Class 6A Region 7 game has the feel of a late-season measuring stick.
The last time these teams met, Gainesville got the upper hand. The Red Elephants beat Milton 28-16 last October, and that result is part of what makes this one worth watching again.
Kickoff is set for Friday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET at City Park in Gainesville, Ga. Fans can stream the game live on the NFHS Network.
Milton has been one of Georgia’s heavyweights for a while, and the Eagles’ recent résumé says plenty. Two seasons ago, they went 15-0 and won the GHSA Class 6A state championship. This year’s team is once again powered by senior quarterback Derrick Baker, a Tennessee commit who has thrown 20 touchdown passes.
The Eagles’ offense gives Baker plenty to work with. Sheldon Achison is part of the backfield, while wide receiver Jordan Carrasquillo, an Indiana commit, and 4-star tight end Grant Haviland, a Vanderbilt commit, add more firepower.
Milton’s defense has its own headline names, starting with linebacker Blaize Battaglia, a Boston College pledge. Edge rusher Roman Tumminia and safety Malik Role are also central pieces for the Eagles.
Gainesville has built its own strong recent track record. The Red Elephants reached last year’s GHSA 6A state title game, and their lone state championship came in 2012 under current Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
This season, Gainesville is led by dual-threat quarterback Kharim Hughley, a Clemson commit. The supporting cast includes running back Nigel Newkirk, an Alabama commit, along with linebackers Jeremiah Proctor, a Pitt commit, and Darryn Williams, a Wake Forest commit, plus cornerback Zachary Ingram, a Miami (OH) commit.
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