Photos: Milton beats Walton for Class 7A championship

Sports

Photos: Milton beats Walton for Class 7A championship

AJC photos from the Walton vs. Milton high school football game for the Georgia Class 7A championship Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Milton prevailed 31-21.

Milton linebacker Jacorey Stewart (18) celebrates with teammates and staff after he returned an interception for a touchdown in the closing minutes of their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton linebacker Jacorey Stewart, center, returns an interception for a touchdown in the closing minutes of their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton linebacker Jacorey Stewart (18) celebrates with teammates after he returned an interception for a touchdown in the closing minutes of their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton linebacker Jacorey Stewart (18) celebrates with teammates and staff after he returned an interception for a touchdown in the closing minutes of their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton linebacker Jacorey Stewart (18) celebrates with teammates and staff after he returned an interception for a touchdown in the closing minutes of their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton head coach Ben Reaves celebrates as time expires as they defeat Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton head coach Ben Reaves pose for a photograph with players after their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton head coach Ben Reaves lifts the trophy up after their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Walton running back Makari Bodiford (3) and defensive back Christian Ferrell (20) react after their loss to Milton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

The Milton football team pose for a photograph after their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Walton running back Makari Bodiford (3) celebrates his touchdown run with Walton offensive lineman Daniel Calhoun (77) during the first half against Milton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Walton running back Makari Bodiford (3) runs for a first down during the first half against Milton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton wide receiver Marc Essley (2) makes a catch against Walton defensive back Wyatt Sonderman (10) during the first half in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Walton defensive back Wyatt Sonderman (10) breaks up a pass intended for Milton wide receiver Tristan Payne (19) during the first half in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Walton running back Austin Williams (2) runs for a first down during the first half against Milton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton quarterback Luke Nickel (5) runs for yards during the first half against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Walton quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (12) throws a touchdown pass during the first half against Milton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Walton defensive back Christian Ferrell (20) celebrates a turnover the defense recovered during the first half against Milton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Walton tight end Hunter Teal (9) catches a touchdown pass against Milton defensive back Faisal Sokoya (6) during the first half of the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton wide receiver CJ Wiley (4) fumbles the ball on a hit by Walton linebacker Hunter Teal (9) during the first half in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Walton recovered the fumble. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton head coach Ben Reaves kisses the trophy after their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton quarterback Luke Nickel (5) celebrates as he points to his ring finger after their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton wide receiver Debron Gatling (1) is unable to make a catch against Walton defensive back Christian Ferrell (20) during the second half in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton running back Tj Lester (21) is brought down by Walton defensive back Jordan Bride (8) after a long run by Lester during the second half in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton wide receiver Marc Essley (2, right) celebrates his touchdown reception with running back Amauri Anderson (14) and wide receiver CJ Wiley (4) during the second half of their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton quarterback Luke Nickel (5) celebrates his rushing touchdown with offensive lineman JP Katzmark (64) during the second half against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton wide receiver Marc Essley (2) makes a touchdown catch during the second half of their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton wide receiver Marc Essley (2) makes a touchdown catch during the second half of their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton wide receiver Marc Essley (2) makes a touchdown catch during the second half of their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton wide receiver Marc Essley (2) makes a touchdown catch during the second half of their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton quarterback Luke Nickel (5) attempts a pass during the second half of their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Milton linebacker Jack Lawson (7) keeps his feet in bounds as he makes an interception intended for Walton tight end Hunter Teal (9) during the second half in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Walton runs onto the field before their game against Milton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

1/33

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Milton linebacker Jacorey Stewart (18) celebrates with teammates and staff after he returned an interception for a touchdown in the closing minutes of their win against Walton in the Class 7A GHSA State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Wednesday, December. 13, 2023, in Atlanta. Milton won 31-21. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Today's Gallery Headlines

Alonzo Herndon

PHOTOS: Philanthropists leave mark on Atlanta

gainesville, thomas county central

PHOTOS: Thomas County Central pummels Gainesville for 5A state title

jefferson, sandy creek

PHOTOS: Sandy Creek defeats Jefferson for Class 3A championship

Savannah Christmas Train Villages

PHOTOS: Savannah Christmas model train garden began under the tree

More Galleries

aajc 121725 class 3a-a private

PHOTOS: Calvary Day and Hebron Christian battle for Class 3A-A title

Fani Willis testifies

PHOTOS: Fani Willis testifies before state Senate panel

YOUNG THUG CONCERT

PHOTOS: Young Thug hometown show in Atlanta

aajc 121625 class 6a buford vs. carrollton

PHOTOS: Buford defeats Carrollton in Class 6A title game