[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING COACH BEN REAVES, JR. AND THE MILTON HIGH SCHOOL EAGLES 
                             FOOTBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD McCORMICK

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2025

  Mr. McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true leader in 
our community. It is my distinct privilege to honor him and his team by 
sharing their achievements.
  Ben Reaves, Jr. is the Head Football Coach of the Milton High School 
Eagles, who on December 17, 2025, beat Langston Hughes High School 
Panthers scoring 56-35 to clinch back-to-back State Championship titles 
in the highly competitive 5A Division of Georgia High School Football.
  Their high-powered offense, led by starting Quarterback and Miami 
University bound Luke Nickel, University of Georgia commit Tight-End 
Ethan Barbour, and electric Running Back T.J. Lester, steamrolled 
opponents over the previous two seasons. Football is in genetics. Coach 
Reaves inherited his passion for coaching and mentoring young athletes 
from his father, who was a longtime coach at Newton High School. After 
playing for his father in high school as a standout wide receiver, 
Coach Reaves played for a season at the University of Georgia before he 
transitioned to his true calling: coaching. After making multiple 
coaching stops on his journey, Coach Reaves joined Milton High School's 
staff as an offensive coordinator in 2017. As a member of the football 
coaching staff, he helped turn Milton High School into a football 
powerhouse building on top of the three region titles and playoff games 
the team has won since 1950.
  In 2022, Coach Reaves took over the program from his successor, Coach 
Adam Clack, and has since led the Eagles to a strong 23-6 record. Coach 
Reaves exemplifies the tradition of football excellence in our 
community and is known by all as an incredible mentor, coach, father, 
husband, and friend. The success of the Milton High School team is a 
culmination of efforts, from the players to the coaches, parents, 
teachers, and training staff. However, there is no question about who 
the glue is that holds the program together and drives it toward 
excellence. I extend my best wishes to Coach Reaves and the entire 
Milton High School team going into the next season, Go Milton Eagles.

                          ____________________