Game Preview: Milton at Denmark

Milton and Denmark have both solidified themselves as two of the premier programs in Metro Atlanta. Yet, this is only the 1st time these teams meet on the gridiron. Playoff implications are on the line, and here is what you can expect from each team.   Key Storylines   Milton Looking to Build Momentum   The Eagles have locked up a postseason spot, but their work isn't done yet. They are riding a 3 game winning streak into this game, and a victory will help them build a massive amount of momentum as they enter the postseason. It was a bit of an unceremonious start for Milton, who limped to a 2-3 start through its first 5 games. Granted, they faced a juggernaut of a schedule to start the season. Since then, the Eagles have dominated region play and have a stronghold on 1st place. Milton has played good defense all season, it was the offense that struggled to get going early on. However, in the last few weeks, they have come alive, especially in the run game. As the run game has come along, it has happened up opportunities for star QB [player_tooltip player_id='338659' first='Luke' last='Nickel'] to make plays. This is not the same one-dimensional football team we saw at the beginning of the season. They are balanced, focused, and riding high on momentum.   Denmark Trying to Get Back on Track, Lock up Playoff Spot   Unlike Milton, Denmark got off to a fast 5-1 start, but find themselves in a more uncomfortable situation after dropping the last two games against South Forsyth and Lambert. Offensively, it has been a tough year for the Danes, but they have shown some flashes by hitting explosive plays all year long. Against a stout Milton defense, they will have to play their best game of the season. Fortunately, [player_tooltip player_id='179373' first='Amon' last='Williams'] is one of the most productive backs in the state, so there has to be some confidence coming from Denmark. On defense, Denmark has been extremely stout all season long. While they are coming off their worst defensive outing of the year, there is reason to believe they can bounce back and give their offense a chance to put some points on the board. This isn't necessarily a "must-win" for the Danes, but a victory would lock up a playoff birth and give them loads of momentum to end the year.   5 Players to Watch for Each Team   Milton   [player_tooltip player_id='338659' first='Luke' last='Nickel'] - QB - 2025   Nickel is one of the best 2025 QBs in the state, and he has been proving it for the last few weeks. He had a rocky start to the season, but since he has settled in, he has been extremely efficient and has brought balance to the Milton offense. Milton might not be able to run the ball the same way they have recently against a stout Denmark defense, so that means Nickel will have to make some plays. At this point in the year, he is battle tested and is starting to prove the hype. Best believe Milton is confident playing on the shoulders of their young QB.   Scott Moskowitz - RB - 2023   Moskowitz had a disappointing first half of the season, only breaking the 50-yard mark once. Since then, the ground game is starting to work and Moskowitz has provided a spark to the Milton offense. Against Forsyth Central, Moskowitz rushed for nearly 180 yards on 4 TDs on just 18 carries. With Moskowitz getting in a groove, the Milton offense is more balanced and has opened up a lot more in the final few weeks.   [player_tooltip player_id='137437' first='Debron' last='Gatling'] - WR - 2024   All season, Gatling has been the go-to weapon for Milton, and for good reason. He is a big-bodied receiver that is physical and dangerous after the catch, which is why he is a blue-chip prospect on the trail. The thing is, he is still getting better. Gatling is coming off one of his best performances of the season, and it is clear that Milton will do whatever it can to get their top playmaker involved.   Owen Phillips - DE - 2023   Phillips, who has tallied 7 sacks and 28 QB hurries on the year, is Milton's top edge rusher, so you can certainly expect him to have plenty of eyes on him this week. Denmark will have to make some plays in the air in order to win this game, and you best believe Phillips will be in the back of everyone's mind each time the QB drops back to pass.   [player_tooltip player_id='320344' first='Robert' last='Billings'] - DB - 2024   Billings will line up at safety and will impact the ball all game. Lurking over the middle of the field, he has proven that he can read the QB extremely well and play very disciplined football. The Clemson commit is one of the best 2024 DBs in the entire country, and his combination of physicality and IQ is what makes him such a polarizing prospect.   Denmark   [player_tooltip player_id='179373' first='Amon' last='Williams'] - RB - 2023   Williams, who has rushed for over 2,000 yards of offense in his career, could be the X factor in this game for Denmark. Milton is strong against the run, but Williams has played some of his best football against some really good teams. Whether it's in the air or on the ground, I would expect Denmark to try and get one of their most experienced players the ball as they look to lock up a playoff spot.   Jacob Nelson - QB - 2024   Denmark will need some big plays from Nelson, who has a knack for making explosive plays. Nelson has always looked the part, but he is finally starting to tie things together and turn into a noteworthy QB prospect worth tracking. Against Milton, the Danes will need some of those explosive plays in order to complete the upset.   Sham Umarov - OL - 2023   Best believe Milton will try and rush the passer, as it is one of their strengths. For that reason, the entire Denmark offensive line, especially Umarov, needs to be on top of their game. Umarov, a 4-star Tennessee commit, is one of the best offensive tackles in the entire country, and for good reason. However, this may be his biggest test yet against a strong Milton pass rush.   Che Ojarikre - ATH - 2023   Ojarikre is a highly recruited athlete that can make plays on both sides of the ball. On defense, he is a long and physical corner. On offense, he is a dangerous receiver with the ball in his hands. Denmark might need him to do both. If he lines up across from [player_tooltip player_id='137437' first='Debron' last='Gatling'], a stud Milton receiver, we will be looking at a very competitive matchup.   [player_tooltip player_id='94017' first='Dee' last='Crayton'] - LB - 2023   Crayton, a Clemson commit, is one of the best LBs in the nation, and he is proving it this season. He is the general for the Danes on defense and makes plays all over the field. He has also made some impact plays on offense at times this season. Denmark will need their best players to step up and make plays, and that includes [player_tooltip player_id='94017' first='Dee' last='Crayton'].

Milton and Denmark have both solidified themselves as two of the premier programs in Metro Atlanta. Yet, this is only the 1st time these teams meet on the gridiron. Playoff implications are on the line, and here is what you can expect from each team.