Jackson Buhler
| Special to the News Journal
For the first time since 2000, the Milton football team is 4-0.
The Panthers used a dominant defense and a late 23-yard field goal to defeat visiting Tate, 3-0, on Sept. 12.
Milton’s quest to remain undefeated continues next week against Navarre while Tate will look to bounce back against West Florida.
Milton football uses persistent run game
During the first half, Milton’s offense was stuck in neutral. Neither their veer offense or passing game, led by Florida Gators commit Kaiden Hall, could generate much of everything.
However, that did not faze Milton coach Ronnie Douglas. Even after two lost fumbles deep inside Aggie territory, the Panthers stuck with the run and it ended up paying off.
“We did what we had to do to win and we got the result that we wanted,” Douglas said. “I told them that we were still in the game and we had to keep fighting. They are a tough team and we knew it was not going to be easy.”
Milton’s Kaiden Hall comes up big when it matters most
For most of the game, Hall, the quarterback/safety, was a non-factor. The Gators commit’s first rushing attempt didn’t come until midway through the second quarter.
Still, it was his play late that helped the Panthers win. Hall had his fingerprints all over the second half; he carried the ball more, especially on the Panthers’ scoring drive.
He also made an impact on defense, too. Hall suffered cramps early in the fourth quarter on offense and then made a game-saving play as he broke up a deep pass on the Aggies’ final possession.
West Florida bottled up by Panthers
West Florida’s star on offense this season has been wide receiver Elijah West. Just last week, the senior with scholarship offers to Power Four programs all over the country had two receiving touchdowns, one over 90 yards.
Against the Panthers, West was limited to just one catch for negative yardage.
Give credit to the Milton defense as cornerbacks David Aboya (Southern Miss commit) and RJ Coleman followed West all night long. The Panthers also shaded Hall at safety to whatever side of the field West was stationed. The game plan was simple for Milton — do not let Elijah West beat them. Mission: accomplished.