Game Balls: Region 5AAAAAAA Championship
In this article:
It was one of the best games in the state on the final week of the season — a region championship in AAAAAAA — and the talent on both rosters proved why scouting directors circled this game on their calendars.…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt was one of the best games in the state on the final week of the season — a region championship in AAAAAAA — and the talent on both rosters proved why scouting directors circled this game on their calendars.
Milton defeated Cherokee 41-29 last Friday, securing an undefeated regular season and No. 1 playoff seed for the Eagles. Milton (9-0, 5-0) was led by players on both sides of the ball, many of who you’ll see compete on Saturdays, while Cherokee (8-2, 3-2) was led by its junior quarterback who continues to be drastically under-recruited.
Jordan McDonald, RB, Class of 2022
Milton
One week after rushing for a season-high 244 yards with four touchdowns, McDonald posted his best performance in the region title game. The 6-foot-1-inch, 215-pound back finished with 259 yards and another four touchdowns against one of the best defenses in the state and helped secure the victory for Milton in the fourth quarter. A powerful back with enough top-end speed to outrun defensive backs, McDonald is quickly becoming more known amongst college recruiters in Georgia.
.@Jordan1Mcdonald with the 8-yard TD run opens the scoring.@MiltonEagles_FB 7@WarriorsCHS 0
2 min left in first pic.twitter.com/So8wpe6ByK
— Patrick O'Shea (@Patrick_J_OShea) November 21, 2020
Lebbeus “LT” Overton, DL, Class of 2023
Milton
Arguably the best prospect in the country for the Class of 2023, Overton did not disappoint. The versatile defensive end finished with five total tackles, three tackles-for-loss and two sacks. Overton (6’5”, 245) will occasionally serve as a lead blocker in Milton’s running packages but his quickness and strength in pass-rush situations is why he’s so heavily sought-after.
Riley Lyons, DB, Class of 2021
Cherokee
Lyons was a large piece for the Warriors’ secondary on Friday while also chipping in on offense. The rangy defensive back (6’3”, 175) finished with five tackles and one interception on defense while adding one pass for a short touchdown on offense. The interception helped Lyons finish as Cherokee County’s leader interceptions this regular season with four.
After throwing a TD on offense, @riley_lyons records an interception on defense.
Cherokee has recorded an interception in every game played this season.
10:00 left in 2nd@MiltonEagles_FB 7
@WarriorsCHS 6 pic.twitter.com/N4gVkKi8Cn— Patrick O'Shea (@Patrick_J_OShea) November 21, 2020
Derrick Battle, OL, Class of 2021
Cherokee
Matching up against Overton is never an easy task but Battle more than held his own. The senior right tackle was a key piece to giving the Cherokee passing game enough room to work and the tape against Milton’s defensive line should help Battle in his recruitment. Cherokee posted big numbers offensively on Friday and Battle (6’3”, 270) was a major factor in keeping his quarterback upright.
A.J. Swann
A.J.
Swann
6'3" | 200 lbs | QB
Cherokee | 2022
State
GA
, QB, Class of 2022
Cherokee
Swann’s name has been known around recruiting circles for the past year or so, but Friday night’s performance may send the junior signal caller to the next tier. Against the No-1 ranked scoring defense in AAAAAAA, Swann finished 18 yards shy of setting a new Cherokee passing record. He finished 27-for-36 for 437 yards with three passing touchdowns. Swann (6’3”, 200) also caught one ball for a touchdown.
.@ajswann10 has really played well tonight
Hits @slimmharshaw for the score here to keep Cherokee in the game. Potentially a huge play.
9:31 left in 4th@MiltonEagles_FB 27@WarriorsCHS 22 pic.twitter.com/rHDgFDGBWC
— Patrick O'Shea (@Patrick_J_OShea) November 21, 2020
Now reaching the end of his junior season, Swann is approaching multiple Cherokee program career records. Facing an elite defensive line, Swann showed excellent pocket awareness and mobility while keeping his eyes downfield and displaying the arm strength needed at the college level.
On the biggest stage of his high school career, Swann played possibly his best game. He continues to develop as one of the best quarterbacks in the state of Georgia, and in my estimation should be drawing much more attention from FBS schools.
Co-Players of the Game: Milton RB @Jordan1Mcdonald and Cherokee QB @ajswann10
McDonald finished with 19 carries for 255 yards and four TDs while Swann finished 27-for-36 passing for 439 yards with four TDs. Swann added one catch for TD as well.
Two outstanding juniors. pic.twitter.com/0iJpdo7xk0
— Patrick O'Shea (@Patrick_J_OShea) November 21, 2020