This week we spoke with new Milton football head coach Ben Reaves about the transition from assistant to head coach and which players will step up to replace LT Overton on the field this upcoming season.
Q: Coach Reaves, first of all, congratulations on being named the new head football coach at Milton. Can you tell us about your coaching history and the path that brought you to this point?
A: Thank you so much. It’s an honor to be sitting in this seat and leading this program. My journey began watching my dad coach high school football when I was just a young child. He was a high school head coach for many years, and I grew up on a football field. Actually, I’ve never missed a practice going back to age 6, with the exception of the four years I was at UGA.
After graduating college I did two quick stints, one in South Georgia and one in Florida, and then in 2011 I made my way back up to Georgia and joined the staff at Collins Hill High School. After six seasons at Collins Hill High School, I connected with Coach Clack in 2017 and was hired to be his offensive coordinator here at Milton High School. I hope to be here as the head coach for many years to come.
Q: Coach, do you feel like being on staff as an assistant gives you a little bit of an advantage over someone else who would come in not knowing any players or anything about the system?
A: Absolutely. The transition was easy for me. The building, the kids, the staff were all familiar to me. I did not have to waste any time at the beginning learning any new names and faces, or strengths and weaknesses; I was able to just go right to work.
On the flip side it was also beneficial that the kids knew me. There is a sense of panic and anxiety that often happens during a coaching change. Our kids knew exactly what direction the program was heading in and also who would be leading them pretty quickly, which eased their minds as well.
Q: You guys made it to the 7A state championship game last season, and even though you came up a little short, it was a very successful season. Do you feel like you and the Eagles have a good shot at making another run at a championship this season?
A: One of the qualities I love about Milton is that we have built a program here, not just a team, which is why we call it The Mpire. When you build a program, from the youth leagues up, you’ll always have a shot to have a shot. Because of this, Milton will always be in the discussion year-in and year-out of being in that final game, this season included.
Q: We know that LT Overton opted for early graduation and his Milton High School career is over. Who will you and your staff be counting on this year as team leaders on and off the field?
A: LT did graduate early to pursue his dreams, and we could not be more proud and happy for him. He will go down as one of the best players ever to wear the Milton uniform, but luckily for us, we have several other players who are primed and ready to make huge impacts this season and to leave their legacies as well.
We have some strong leadership and experience in the senior class and will turn to returning starters like Robert Billings, Bryce Thornton, Scott Moskowitz, Wyatt Smalley, Owen Phillips, Caleb Moran and Brayden Holmes to have a huge impact on our team on the field and in the locker room. I’m also looking forward to seeing how returning starter and four-star 2024 WR Debron Gatling takes his game and his leadership skills to the next level this season as well.
