Overview
- Gainesville must forfeit its 37-6 semifinal win over Rome, and its Class 5A championship game appearance has been vacated.
- GHSA says the player had transferred during the season after playing elsewhere, which violates state eligibility rules.
- Executive director Dr. Tim Scott said the school will also be fined in addition to the forfeiture.
- Gainesville had advanced to the title game and lost to Thomas County Central 62-21 before the postseason record was altered.
- The ruling follows a turbulent season that included mass suspensions after a playoff brawl, court challenges, and head coach Josh Niblett’s resignation, with Santavious Bryant hired as his successor.