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GHSA suspends nearly 40 players from Gainesville-Brunswick fight

IMG_8358by: Andy Villamarzo11/24/25Andy_Villamarzo

The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) has handed out suspensions for Gainesville stemming from the investigation into the sideline-clearing brawl took place in the Class AAAAA second round contest between the Red Elephants and Brunswick last week, according to a report.

According to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution report, the GHSA has suspended 39 players stemming from the fight that occurred from last week’s playoff game against Brunswick.

“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 the 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.”

According to Atlanta-Journal Constitution’s Jack Leo on Saturday, GHSA executive director Tim Scott was reviewing the officials game report and film from the 42-0 win for the Red Elephants in deciding what punishment would be regarding the major fight that took place at Glynn County Stadium. Scott, per the report, did not rule out the possibility of eliminating Gainesville from the GHSA Class AAAAA postseason altogether.

“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.”

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

“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 was slated to face Langston Hughes, a 49-31 winner over Lee County, in the third round of the AAAAA playoffs.

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