GHSA looking into Gainesville-Brunswick fight; possible decision coming Monday

For those around the Georgia high school football world wondering what’s exactly being done about the sideline-clearing brawl took place in the Class AAAAA second round contest between Brunswick–Gainesville, the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) is investigating the matter per a report.

According to Atlanta-Journal Constitution’s Jack Leo, GHSA executive director Tim Scott is reviewing the officials game report and film from the 42-0 win for the Red Elephants in deciding what punishment will be handed out. Scott, per the report, did not rule out the possibility of eliminating Gainesville from the GHSA Class AAAAA postseason altogether.

The report states a decision could come as a soon as Monday morning from the GHSA.

“Any time we have an unsportsmanlike situation as we did last night, we hate that,” Scott said via the report. “I know the schools hated that, both their administration and coaches. We take that seriously, it’s under investigation, we’re looking at it, and we’ll hopefully have a decision no later than Monday morning.”

The report also provided a statement provided by Glynn County assistant athletic director Steve Waters regarding the brawl that took place late in the third quarter between the two squads.

“The Glynn County School System and Brunswick High School deeply regret the unfortunate incident that occurred last night at Glynn County Stadium,” Waters said in the statement. “We are working closely with Gainesville High School and the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) to thoroughly review the situation and assess all relevant details. We are fully committed to cooperating with the GHSA to ensure a swift and appropriate resolution.”

Gainesville is currently slated to face Langston Hughes, a 49-31 winner over Lee County, in the third round of the AAAAA playoffs. If Scott deems the evidence supports a harsh punishment, the Red Elephants could be out of the playoffs and Langston Hughes would advance to the state semifinals.

In the 2025-2026 GHSA Constitution and By-Laws listed under ‘2.70 – SPORTSMANSHIP‘ it reads the following:

All players who are involved in a fight and any substitutes who leave the bench area during a fight or potential fight and are ejected from the current contest, will be subject to the sit-out rule.

The GHSA office may review film to determine participants in a fight situation, or to determine athletes leaving their bench to go to a fight, or to verify the correct number worn by a player in either of these situations. Note: penalties may then be levied, modified or changed based on this film review.

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