No. 1-ranked Milton ends Lee County’s perfect season

ALPHARETTA – Top-ranked and defending state champion Milton ended Lee County’s unbeaten run Friday night with a decisive 56-28 victory in the state semifinals. The win propels Milton into the state championship game and concludes the No. 2-ranked Trojans’ season with an impressive 13-1 record.

Lee County faced one of the toughest schedules in the state this year, which included matchups against three state champions and several ranked opponents.

“We had a phenomenal season,” said Lee County Head Coach Dean Fabrizio. “To go 13-1 against the schedule we played and end the season ranked nationally is a great accomplishment. These seniors have accomplished so much here, and we are really going to miss them.

“But I’ve got to take my hat off for Milton,” Fabrizio added. “They’ve got a great team. They are ranked second in the nation for a reason.”

Milton jumped out to an early lead, but the Trojans battled back to tie the game at 21-21 in the second quarter. The momentum shifted after Milton quarterback Luke Nickel fumbled a snap, recovered by Lee County’s Justyn Tanksley. Moments later, Trojans quarterback Weston Bryan broke through the line for a short touchdown run.

Milton quickly regained control. TJ Lester broke a tackle and scored on an 18-yard run, and Nickel connected with Georgia signee CJ Wiley for two touchdown passes before halftime, giving the Eagles a commanding 42-21 lead at the break.

Lee County’s offense was limited in the second half, managing only a 31-yard touchdown run by Bryan in the fourth quarter. Bryan, who signed with Georgia Southern earlier in the week, had an outstanding individual performance with 287 rushing yards and all four of Lee County’s touchdowns on 32 carries. However, Milton’s defense stifled the Trojans’ passing game, holding them to just 50 yards through the air.

Milton’s offensive dominance was evident, as the Eagles totaled 594 yards—292 on the ground and 302 through the air. They now advance to face Langston Hughes in the state championship, aiming for back-to-back titles.

By Jim Griffith
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