MILLEDGEVILLE — It was just a matter of time before it happened. After being brought in two years ago to assist former head coach Don Marchman, John Milledge Academy’s very own J.T. Wall has been given the reigns to lead the Trojans to victory in 2011.

Wall is perhaps the best known football player to ever wear the blue and gold and is highly beloved and revered by the school, the students and the community. When Wall speaks, people listen.

Wall graduated from JMA in 1998 and is the only Trojan football player to have his jersey retired by the school. He accepted a full football scholarship at Southwest Missouri Baptist. After two years, Wall transferred to the University of Georgia where he later earned a scholarship, was named a team captain and was the starting fullback on the 2002 SEC Championship team. Wall was later drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL draft.

JMA’s new head coach is now getting the opportunity to coach the school that provided him with a stepping stone in football.

“I feel like it was a great opportunity when I was approached two years ago. It was nice to learn under coach Marchman and see how he was successful doing it,” said Wall Tuesday afternoon. “I really enjoy being around the kids and seeing them work. We have everybody on the same page and buying into what we have been teaching them.”

The Trojans return several talented seniors in 2011 and are looking to improve on 2010 when they won four games on the season. The 2011 group is looking strong, focused and ready to compete with the best this season.

“We have a big group of seniors this year, and we’ve got six guys that started during that sophomore year. And we have other seniors that are starting,” said Wall.

Wall also said his team’s veterans appear to be pulling together after a challenging spring practice period, as well as trips to various camps.

“These guys went through the thick and thin. It says a lot that they stuck around and pulled through it. We feel like we have turned the corner and have bright days in our future,” he said.

The Trojans 2011 schedule will consist of the same opponents they faced in 2011. JMA will also kick off its season on a Thursday.

“We will open up with Gatewood on a Thursday night. We will end with the three big schools in Macon. We feel like we stack up better this year if the injury bug doesn’t hit us,” said Wall.

Participating numbers are also up this year for the Trojans, something that pleases Wall and his staff. Former baseball head coach Gary Sanders is also returning to be JMA’s defensive coordinator.

“We have a pretty good eighth grade class coming up. When I played for JMA we had 24 to 25 kids. The last two years we have had 30. We are now entering summer workouts with 41-42 players,” said Wall.

The Trojans offensive and defensive lines have gotten stouter over the last two years, and Wall said that his team’s success could hinge on how well the older players perform, as well as their influence on the younger generation.

“We are going to rely on our seniors. We have 13 seniors that we are looking to get good things out of. They are really leading in the classroom, on the field and in the weight room,” said Wall.

JMA improved in 2010 but still dropped some close games in the fourth quarter, something that Wall hopes to change.

“We just ran out of gas in some games. We are going to stress that this summer. We are going to turn the heat up a bit this summer,” he said.

The Trojans return experienced junior Ryan Blizzard at quarterback this year.

“We feel pretty confident with Ryan coming back as our quarterback. He stepped in there as a sophomore and he stood tall. He’s a real big leader for us this year,” said Wall.

The Trojans are also hoping that veteran Jon Thrower will fill in for graduating J.T. Stevens, who will soon play for Bert Williams and GMC JC.

The Trojans, after losing senior playmaker Josh Harrison, will have some new faces to catch some passes in 2011. Wall noted that Damian Bacon, Michael Lewis and Rhett Blizzard all had good springs at receiver. JMA’s Will Lovins and Zach Meeks have also looked good at receiver.

Wall said JMA held their spring scrimmage recently versus region opponent Griffin Christian.

“I wasn’t real crazy about the idea because they are in our region,” said Wall with a laugh. “But we went ahead and did it.”

Ryan Blizzard had one long touchdown run in that game, and JMA’s Heath Roberts and Logan Brookins also added touchdowns.

“A lot of guys are looking good for us. Colby McCommon and Trey Beck are both looking good at defensive end and tight end. Jon Thrower also had a big day in the scrimmage. We looked good up front and we should look good getting off the bus,” said Wall.

Key veterans Wynn Owen, Heath McDonald, B.T. Walters, Brandon Bush and Granger Harpe had All-Star seasons last year and should be difference-makers in the Trojans’ upcoming season.

Wall added that Jesse Deariso was looking good at center and that the defensive end position should be one of the team’s strong points.

Other players who had notable springs according to Wall included Blake Harrington, Nick Reeves, Jack Cox, Heath Roberts, Logan Brookins, Tommy Pittman, Tyler Arthur and Joseph Beasley.

JMA’s Cooper Morgan, who made some big plays last season, has been in a non-contact jersey this spring after shoulder surgery.

Outside of Blizzard, JMA does have two other quarterbacks in the mix in freshman McCommon and sophomore Trent Thiel.

“Competition breeds greatness and that’s what we are looking for. Going into this season, we are ready for the challenge. We are looking forward to some good things in the future,” concluded Wall.

For summer football reports, contact Sports Editor Brent Martin at (478) 453-1465 or e-mail sports@unionrecorder.com.