Milton outlasts Gainesville in 49-46 thriller: Tennessee, Clemson, Indiana, Boston College commits shine, future stars emerge

Two of Georgia’s best high school football teams put on a show Friday night. Milton traveled to Gainesville for a matchup loaded with Power Four commitments, highly ranked underclassmen and rising recruits. The game lived up to the hype.

The offenses traded big plays. Both teams made timely defensive stops. And the outcome remained in doubt until the final moments. Milton escaped with a 49-46 victory after Michigan kicker commit Ryan Jung connected on a late field goal.

Gainesville controlled much of the first half. Milton took over in the third quarter. The teams traded blows in the fourth before the Eagles made the final plays. Four-star offensive lineman Joshua Evans forced a fumble on Gainesville’s last possession. Milton recovered to seal the win.

The stars showed up. Several younger prospects emerged. And plenty of players gave college coaches more to think about.

Here are the top performers and recruiting eye-catchers from a loaded matchup.

Milton: Tennessee, Indiana, Boston College commits lead loaded group of standouts

Tennessee quarterback commitDerrick Baker showed why Tennessee has plenty to be excited about. The dual-threat quarterback completed 11 of 21 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns. He added 116 rushing yards and two scores on 10 carries. His 60-yard run was one of the game’s biggest plays to open the third quarter.

Baker has the build of a linebacker and runs with the power of a running back. He breaks tackles, accelerates through openings and forces defenses to account for him on every snap. He also made plays through the air. Five total touchdowns and 313 yards of offense against a talented Gainesville defense made this another impressive performance.

Baker has the physical tools to become a dangerous weapon at Tennessee.

Jordan Carrasquillo, an Indiana commit, was Baker’s favorite target. He caught five passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. He runs smooth routes and has natural ball skills. The future Hoosier can make defenders miss in space and showed the ability to win contested catches in the end zone.

Carrasquillo consistently created opportunities for Milton’s passing attack. Indiana is getting a polished receiver with plenty of upside.

Sheldon Atchinson made big plays at the running back position for Milton.He gave the Eagles another explosive weapon. He rushed for 142 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. His 73-yard run highlighted his performance. Atchinson showed good acceleration and the ability to make big plays when he found space. He also brought versatility to the offense with his ability to contribute out of the backfield.

Boston College linebacker commit Blaize Battagliawas one of the most impressive defensive players on the field. He finished with 17 tackles and a tackle for loss. Battaglia directed Milton’s defense from the middle and consistently found the football. His instincts stood out. So did his ability to chase down plays from sideline to sideline. He will compete for early playing time under Bill O’Brien at Boston College.

Joshua Evans is a four-star 2028 offensive lineman, but he made the biggest defensive play of the night. He finished with four tackles and disrupted several plays in Gainesville’s backfield. With the Red Elephants trying to drive late, Evans stripped the football. Milton recovered to secure the 49-46 victory.

Evans also delivered solid work on the offensive line. Georgia, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, NC State, and Tennessee are among the programs that have offered Evans.

2027 EDGEQuentavious Price was another major defensive presence for the Eagles. The senior finished with nine tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack and two quarterback hurries. His quick first step consistently created problems for Gainesville. He spent plenty of time in the backfield and showed the versatility to rush with his hand down or from a standing position. Georgia State and Chattanooga are among the programs involved in his recruitment.

Malik Rolle is a 2029safety to know. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety finished with six tackles and blocked a punt during Milton’s important third-quarter surge. He was active against the run and solid in coverage. Boston College, Minnesota and NC State are among the programs that have already offered the 2029 prospect.

Landon Gheais one of the nation’s premier young offensive linemen, and he played up to it. The Milton standout ranks No. 5 in the 2029 Rivals Industry Rankings. His movement skills separate him from most linemen his age. He plays with balance, controls defenders and has the athleticism to handle speed off the edge.

Ghea visited Alabama over the weekend. He has also spent time at Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee and others this fall. His performance against Gainesville reinforced why so many major programs are pursuing him.

Gainesville: Clemson, Pitt, Wake Forest commits shine alongside rising young talent

Kharim Hughleywas off to an impressive start before an injury ended his night early. The Clemson quarterback commit completed six of nine passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns. He added 73 rushing yards on six carries.

Hughley suffered an injury after getting rolled up on during a running play early in the second quarter. He did not return. Clemson quarterbacks coach Tajh Boyd watched from the sidelines.

Hughley showed impressive arm talent, athleticism and playmaking ability before leaving the game. He made difficult throws and created opportunities with his legs. Clemson fans have a lot to be excited about.

Dylan Lewis is a 2028 running back to know. He helped Gainesville keep its offense moving after Hughley’s injury. The 2028 running back rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.

Lewis is compact, strong and difficult to bring down in traffic. He has the tools to become a notable prospect in the 2028 class. Duke, Florida State, UCF and others have offered.

Legend Wilmont delivered one of the biggest breakout performances of the night. The 2028 receiver caught five passes for 81 yards and three touchdowns. He consistently found openings in Milton’s defense and made plays in the red zone.

Colorado State, Oregon State and UNLV are among the programs that have already offered him. Wilmont showed why his recruitment is beginning to attract attention.

Doyle Morrison is another 2028 receiver to know. Morrison was another reliable target in Gainesville’s passing attack. He caught seven passes for 73 yards. Morrison showed good hands, route-running ability and a feel for finding space. Duke, Georgia Tech, Pitt and Kansas State are among his offers.

Pitt safety commitJeremiah Proctoralways shows up when Rivals is in attendance. In this game, he intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. At 6-foot-4 and nearly 220 pounds, Proctor has rare size for a safety. He combines that length with impressive ball skills and an ability to make game-changing plays. Pitt is getting a versatile defensive back with significant upside.

Darryn Williams will make plays for Wake Forest. He is a leader of Gainesville’s defense. The senior linebacker showed excellent instincts and consistently attacked downhill. The future Demon Deacon reads plays quickly, communicates well and brings a physical presence to the middle of the defense.

Timothy Cole and Jason Johnson are two 2029 linebackers to know. Cole is one of Gainesville’s most intriguing young defensive prospects. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound linebacker moves well and has the range to make plays in space. Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Penn State are among the programs that have already offered him. His combination of size, athleticism and upside makes him a major name to watch in the 2029 class.

Johnson flashed his athleticism and range throughout the game. He moves well, reacts quickly and showed his ability in coverage by batting down a pass. He is another linebacker worth tracking in Gainesville’s talented defensive front seven.

Quick hits

+ DeMarcus Simmonsis a 2028 defensive lineman for Gainesville and he flashed along the defensive front. He showed encouraging quickness and the ability to disrupt plays.

+ Luke Nabors made the mid-season move from Buford to Gainesville and he is starting to get settled in. He is a true pass rusher with length and speed off the edge. He had moments in this game as he works into the rotation.

+ After Hughley went down, Cooper Papka came in for Gainesville and completed a high percentage of passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns. He is a 2029 talent and will be a name to track in the coming years.

+ Tyler Ford is a Miami commit, and the Gainesville offensive lineman has really improved over the last year. He is in better shape and has become more consistent in the trenches.

+ Jai’lil Goley was active early in the game, but then got banged up and played very little in the second half. He is an elite cornerback who has Notre Dame and Vanderbilt high on his list.

+ Keelan Wonsley is a versatile defensive back for Milton with major offers. He is a very physical defender with the ability to play anywhere in the secondary on the next level. Georgia, Ole Miss and Tennessee are among the programs that have offered the 2028 prospect.

+ Christian Edwards was very active for Milton. He finished with around a dozen tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass break-up. Connecticut, Vanderbilt and others have already offered.

+ Milton’s Roman Tumminia stayed around the football. He has multiple quarterback hurries coming from all angles and finished with 12 tackles. He was playing with high energy all night.