Gainesville (Ga.) head coach Josh Niblett voices frustration at GHSA decision

On Monday afternoon, the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) suspended 39 Gainesville players after the conclusion of their investigation into the sideline-clearing brawl took place in the third quarter of a Class AAAAA second round contest between the Red Elephants and Brunswick last week.

Gainesville head coach Josh Niblett spoke out about his frustrations shortly afterwards regarding the GHSA’s decision, which the Red Elephants are appealing according to multiple outlets, as the team prepares for its quarterfinals matchup with Langston Hughes this upcoming Friday.

“You watch the two helmets get ripped off, you don’t see our kids throw a punch, you don’t see our kids push the kid, you see our guys step in between them and then get his helmet ripped off and then the guy jabs him with a punch. And they still back away,” Niblett said via a 11Alive report.

“Hey, if there was a guy that threw a punch, he should be ejected, I don’t condone that at all. There’s defending yourself, there’s other guys trying to defuse the deal, but then at the same time we have 11 defensive players on the opposite side of the field that may jog down there but they’re on the opposite side of the field they get ejected. I mean, they’re just on the field. The two guys who had their helmets ripped off and punched that got waylaid, they got ejected. I don’t understand what they are supposed to do.”

GHSA executive director Tim Scott reviewed the officials game report and film from the 42-0 playoff win for the Red Elephants in deciding what punishment would be regarding the major fight that took place at Glynn County Stadium. Scott expedited the punishment for Gainesville as they have a game this week and the GHSA is still determining what the exact penalties will be still for Brunswick from the brawl that took place.

“While we typically do not condone this type of behavior, we will not sit back and watch our teammates be assaulted by ripping off helmets, punching, and barreling over a helmet-less player,” Gainesville City Schools superintendent Jeremy Williams said via a Atlanta Journal-Constitution report. “The large majority of our team entered the field with the intent to separate and resolve the incident, not escalate. Every true team would do the same. It’s disappointing a hard-line interpretation of the rule was applied, and we will be appealing.”

Gainesville is slated to take on Langston Hughes, a 49-31 winner over Lee County, in the state quarterfinal round of the GHSA AAAAA playoffs. The winner will secure a spot in the state’s Final Four, with a trip to the state championship game being on the line.

How to Follow Georgia High School Football

For Georgia high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Peach State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across the state of Georgia.