Georgia High School Football: Nigel Newkirk leads Gainesville past Milton

On the road in a tough environment, Gainesville was in control against Milton for the first three quarters on Friday night. Things still got tight down the stretch.

Leading 21-3 in the fourth quarter, Gainesville quickly saw its lead evaporate down to 21-16 after two quick scores from the Eagles. Enter the closer, running back Nigel Newkirk.

Right at midfield with just over six minutes to play, the senior three-star prospect broke off his second long rushing touchdown of the game to put his team back up two scores. That proved to be the final blow as Gainesville notched a massive 28-16 win.

Newkirk finished with three touchdowns, leading the charge for the now 7-1 Red Elephants. Milton dropped to 6-2, suffering its first defeat since a season-opening loss against Buford on Aug. 14. Gainesville now has two ranked wins on the season, according to the Massey Ratings.

Milton opened the scoring via a 36-yard field goal from kicker Rex Ambrose. Star junior four-star quarterback Kharim Hughley and the Red Elephants immediately responded on the ensuing drive.

Hughley, a Clemson commit, dumped one down to running back Dwight Lewis just beyond the line of scrimmage in the middle of the field. Lewis had blockers in front, broke a couple of tackles and dashed up the right sideline. He was finally brought down at the pylon for an impressive 40-yard touchdown scamper.

Milton was then punished by a turnover around midfield early in the second quarter as wide receiver Ayden Williams fumbled. Gainesville took it down the field and Newkirk punched in his first touchdown.

The Eagles were keen on a response and worked their way into the Gainesville red zone. After a few big stops from the Red Elephants on defense, their special teams unit broke through and blocked another field goal attempt from Ambrose. Gainesville took a 14-3 lead into the break.

After a few defensive stands in a row to open the second half, the Red Elephants delivered a fierce blow in the form of Newkirk, who weaved through the trenches and broke free for a 41-yard score. On the cusp of a knockout, Milton had to find some juice in the final period.

The Eagles did just that. Sophomore quarterback Ben Halevi lobbed an 18-yard touchdown to a streaking Mikey Dircks for their first touchdown of the evening. Just three minutes later, Milton had the ball in the Gainesville red zone again and senior running back Bentley Hickman charged in for a quick score.

While they made it a game, the Eagles couldn’t get up off the mat again once Newkirk broke loose for his third score of the evening.

This story will be updated.

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