The Skinny
2018 was a historic season for the Milton Eagles as they won the first state title in school history, in Coach Adam Clack’s first season as head coach. While we are sure there is still a buzz in the hallways at Milton and in the community, Coach Clack and his staff know that there are new challenges in 2019.
We asked Coach Clack about the biggest challenge for the upcoming season.
“Replacing key leaders and contributors from last year’s senior class,” he said.
Perhaps the building block for the Milton offense in 2019 will start with the offensive line. The Eagles return 3 players with significant experience up front. Headlined by Clemson commit Paul Tchio at guard, Alec Hutchinson and Anthony Minella round out a the building blocks up front.
The Eagles will be breaking in new players at the skill positions. Ahmad Junearick is the leading returning rushing from a year ago. Last season Junearick rushed for 329 yards and 2-TDs. Will Stax and Jake Walter are the teams returning receivers with experience. Expect to see Junearick, Stax, and Walter to see a lot more action in 2019 with the graduation of a talented senior class.
The Milton defense will return it’s two bookends on the defensive line in Zander Barnett and Marcos Rangel. Barnett and Rangel combined for 160 total tackles and 17 combined sacks a year ago. Jonathan Pittman’s stock has also been rising this offseason. The senior should compliment Barnett and Rangel well. The line backing corps is led by Furman commit, Jack Rhodes. Rhodes was second on the team in total tackles last season with 97. Stephen Michaels is also one of the top-returning linebackers from a season ago.
When we asked Coach Clack what games stood out in the schedule, he said,
“Game 1 of the season because it’s the next on, and game 1 of the region. We are extremely excited to compete in the Corky Kell, host the Freedom Bowl, and travel to California all in the first 3 weeks!”
The Eagles will certainly be busy early.
When we asked Coach Clack how the Eagles will define success, he responded,
“The level to which we embody our core values of Brotherhood, Relentless Effort, and Competitive Toughness.”
