GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The Gainesville-Langston Hughes 5A quarterfinal football game will be played Friday following a delay for a legal battle over dozens of suspensions due to an on-filed fight in Gainesville’s last game.
A school official confirmed the 5A semifinal games have been moved to next week, with both games being played Thursday, following a meeting with Georgia High School Association members.
Rome faces the winner of Gainesville-Langston Hughes, and Thomas County Central takes on Roswell in the other semifinal.
The state title game, set for Mercedes-Benz Stadium, is being moved to Dec. 17.
They did not give an update on the status of the 35 suspended Gainesville players. A judge previously issued an injunction blocking the GHSA’s decision and temporarily lifting the suspensions, but the GHSA appealed the ruling.
The suspensions came after a brawl erupted on the field Nov. 21 in the matchup between Gainesville and Brunswick.
With Gainesville leading 42-0 in the third quarter, a Brunswick player reportedly ripped off the helmets of two Gainesville students and punched one. Sidelines cleared as dozens of players got involved.
BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Earlier story below.
Gainesville High School football players face an uncertain future as the Georgia High School Association reviews a viral on-field fight that led to suspensions and a legal battle.
Channel 2’s Cory James was live at the high school for Channel 2 Action News at 6:00.
The situation has left coaches, players and parents waiting for a resolution that could determine the team’s playoff fate. The GHSA already postponed Gainesville’s quarterfinal with Langston-Hughes. The winner is supposed to face Rome High School in the semifinals.
Developments from today’s meeting with teams and the GHSA LIVE on Channel 2 Action News starting at 4:00.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
“It’s not just a game,” said Ryan Moledor, a parent. “These kids have been playing this game since they’re 5, 6 years old. And for it to end this way or have potential to end this way, it’s heartbreaking.”
Moledor’s son is an offensive lineman for the Red Elephants and graduating in the spring. He says he is frustrated the team is being sidelined even though Brunswick High School accepted responsibility for the brawl.
“They should all be reinstated, and if you’re looking at a game looking at game film the people who are out there that should be protecting them, they are non-existent,” he said.
RELATED STORIES
- Gainesville High School files lawsuit to block player suspensions from game fight
- GHSA appealing after judge grants injunction for Gainesville football players, delaying game
“It’s kind of like moving the goal post no pun intended but I absolutely believe in the rule of law but also believe in equal punishment. One team is getting punished next year, and one team is getting punished right now,” said State Sen. Drew Echols.
While a judge issued an injunction blocking the GHSA’s decision and temporarily lifting the suspensions, the GHSA has appealed that ruling.
This ongoing legal challenge means the future of the Gainesville football team remains undecided.
It also impacts the rest of the bracket. GHSA officials are expected to meet virtually with Thomas County Central and Roswell High School teams on Monday to determine if their playoff game will also be postponed.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2025 Cox Media Group
