Both Milton (Ga.) and The First Academy (Fla.) got their first taste of high school football action this season last week and are looking for redemption when they meet at Warden Stadium on Friday night. The Eagles head in after playing a hard fought Thursday night opener against rival Buford, coming out on the short end […]
Both Milton (Ga.) and The First Academy (Fla.) got their first taste of high school football action this season last week and are looking for redemption when they meet at Warden Stadium on Friday night.
The Eagles head in after playing a hard fought Thursday night opener against rival Buford, coming out on the short end of the stick in a 20-13 loss to debut the Wolves’ $62-million Phillip Beard Stadium.
For the Royals, it was a kickoff classic, but not no regular preseason tilt. The Royals got a chance against Florida’s top-ranked IMG Academy to start the 2025 campaign, but couldn’t keep up in a 41-6 rout.
With a chance to get back on the field once again, who will come away with a much-needed confidence boost early in the season? For games around the Central Florida region, this one arguably is one of the best.
Eagles to Watch
Milton graduated several four and three star recruits from last year’s Class 5A state championship team, but the Eagles still return a bevy of talent on both sides of the ball. Rivals was able to get an in-person look at who are the Eagles players to watch
QB Derrick Baker: The 6-foot, 225-pound quarterback transferred into Milton over the offseason from St. Thomas Aquinas and looked solid in his debut at Milton. Baker, a junior three-star, finished last week completing 6-of-15 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown pass and also added 78 on the ground rushing.
WR Jordan Carrasquillo: When it came to reliable pass catchers in last week’s loss, the 2027 three-star receiver was the go-to-guy for Baker. Carrasquillo caught three passes for 44 yards and a touchdown against Buford.
LB Billy Weivoda: The three-star Iowa commitment at linebacker is the leader of what is a more youthful front seven compared to a year ago. Weivoda in last week’s game against Buford racked up eight tackles and batted a pass away.
DB Keelan Wonsley: As Buford was driving the ball downfield just before halftime and looking to add to their lead, it would be none other than the sophomore defensive back that halted the Wolves’ drive in its tracks. Wonsley picked off a pass last week and is a player the Royals should look to throw away from.
Royals to Watch
The First Academy Royals have one of the region’s most talented rosters, featuring over half a dozen players that have already verbally committed to Power Four programs and a handful others receiving looks as well.
S Devin Jackson: Arguably the best player for the Royals, the Oregon commit will need to be a difference maker this week. The rangy safety is ranked No. 20 in Florida and the No. 13 safety overall via the Rivals Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all three of the major recruiting networks.
IOL Reed Ramsier: When it comes to battling up front in the trenches last week against IMG Academy, The First Academy had its issues against undoubtedly one of the deepest units in the country. The four-star junior interior offensive lineman will need to help the Royals control the line of scrimmage this week.
ATH Brian Dillard: The do-everything athlete is the proverbial Swiss Army knife when it comes to the offensive side of the ball. Whether Dillard is lining up at quarterback or wide receiver, the fleet-footed talent can hurt opposing defenses in a multitude of ways.
WR Brian Williams: It was a rough outing for the Royals’ offense and the unit will look to bounce back behind what was a explosive group back in the spring against Lake Mary (Fla.). Williams transferred in from the Rams to the Royals and will need to make an impact on Friday night.
How to Watch the Milton Eagles vs. The First Academy Royals Football Game
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Warden Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
Livestream: YouTube
How to Follow the Milton Eagles vs. The First Academy Royals Football Game
For high school football fans, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the country.
Category: General Sports
