Football Fridays in Georgia

In this episode, you get a breakdown of the massive Georgia high school football coaching carousel with 89 changes across the state. Jon Nelson and Hannah Goodin sit down with new Rockmart head coach Rich Fendley to discuss his move, reclassification challenges, and expectations in Class AAA. We also highlight key hires, major program shifts, and what this unprecedented offseason means for the future of Georgia football.

Butler High School basketball head coach Chaz Clark joins the Hoops Edition of the podcast to discuss the Bulldogs’ breakthrough state championship and their pursuit of another title. Coach Clark explains how Butler built one of the best defensive teams in Georgia and what changed when the program went from hunter to hunted. Hear how the Augusta program developed a winning culture and prepares for another run at the top.

The GHSA basketball championships are just around the corner, and Jon Nelson takes you inside the action heading to Macon. Legendary Hebron Christian coach Jan Azar joins us to talk about leadership, building a team culture, and chasing another state title. Plus, 13WMAZ sports reporters Cecily Stoute and Sami Kostas preview the Middle Georgia teams and the electric atmospheres fans can expect during championship week.

Buford head coach Bryant Appling joins the show to reflect on the Wolves’ 15–0 season, the GHSA 6A state championship, and the team's national title recognition. He shares how senior leadership shaped the playoff run, how recruiting has shifted in the NIL and transfer portal era, and what comes next as Buford prepares for a new season. If you follow Georgia high school football, this is an inside look at sustaining excellence at the highest classification.

National Signing Day has changed, and February is now one of the most misunderstood moments in the recruiting calendar. In this offseason episode, we examine how the early signing period, the transfer portal, and NIL have reshaped opportunities for high school players across the state. You hear candid insight from analysts and coaches on why patience matters, how smaller programs function as farm systems, and what families should consider before rushing to sign.

The Football Fridays in Georgia Podcast wraps up the GHSA state championships with an All-Stars edition featuring journalists and broadcasters from across the state. Jon Nelson and Niki Noto Palmer break down dominant performances, unforgettable finishes, and what this championship class says about Georgia high school football. From Buford’s national title case to flag football’s rise, this episode captures the full scope of championship week.

On this penultimate Football Fridays in Georgia podcast, you join the crew as they preview a packed week of GHSA high school football, from the Gainesville vs. Rome 5A semifinal at Barron Stadium to the Buford vs. Carrollton clash for the 6A state title. Gainesville head coach Josh Niblett and Rome head coach John Reid share how their teams handled an unusual playoff delay, how they build program culture from second grade through varsity, and what it takes to survive a schedule full of state contenders.

Join Niki and Jon for a look at one of the most unsettling weeks in Georgia high school football. They revisit the Brunswick vs Gainesville playoff fight and the court ruling that has placed Class 5A in legal limbo. GHSA executive director Dr. Tim Scott explains the incident, the suspensions, and how the association reads its bylaws. The crew also previews semifinal matchups across every classification, including Carrollton vs. North Gwinnett and Buford vs. Valdosta. It is a clear and detailed look at the place where player safety, due process, and the pursuit of a state title all meet on Football Fridays in Georgia.

Jon and Niki talk with Carrollton Head Coach Joey King and Jackson County Head Coach Korey Mobbs about the importance of Thanksgiving Week practice as their teams prepare for formidable matchups this weekend. Also: a brawl at the Gainesville-Brunswick game results in large scale player suspensions; Thanksgiving food favorites, and more!

North Gwinnett head coach Eric Godfree and Lowndes head coach Adam Carter join the podcast to break down their second-round showdown in Suwanee and what it takes to survive the Georgia high school football playoffs. Then, Berrien head coach Jackson Dean shares how his Rebels traveled from Nashville to Barnesville and shocked previously unbeaten Lamar County for just the second playoff win in school history. Hosts Jon and Niki also zoom around the brackets to highlight other favorites and upsets across the state.

Round one of the Georgia high school football playoffs is here, and the Game of the Week sends Colquitt County to Mill Creek. Josh Lovelady, Tyler Aurandt, and Sean Calhoun join to break down momentum, matchups, and the little details that decide November football. We cover travel operations, film study, bye week rhythm, and why field position and patience still win in Georgia.

We bring you a fast, friendly tour of the 2025 Georgia high school football playoffs with the GPB All-Stars. GHSF Daily's Todd Holcomb, 13WMAZ’s Cecily Stoute and Sami Kostas, ITG Next’s Phil Jones, and GPB’s Matt Stewart break down Valdosta’s region title, Hoschton’s marquee Colquitt County–Mill Creek matchup, dark horses, and first-round games worth the drive. You get where to go, who to watch, and why the new power-ranking era matters.

It’s Halloween week on the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast, and the playoff picture is pure chaos. Jon and Niki talk with Carrollton’s Joey King, Lowndes’ Adam Carter, and Douglas County’s Johnny White about rivalries, leadership, and keeping focus through late-season pressure. From the Winnersville Classic to Region 7-6A math, it’s a jam-packed episode of Georgia high school football stories and laughter.

On this episode, Jon and Niki break down the biggest region-title races of the year with North Gwinnett’s Eric Godfrey, Norcross’s Corey Richardson, and Thomas County Central’s Justin Rogers. From 150-career wins to a first-year coach continuing a Gwinnett dynasty to the deafening “vuvuzela” culture of South Georgia football, this episode captures the passion of playoff-season Fridays. Hear insights, strategy, and community stories from the state’s top programs.

We sit down with GHSA Executive Director Dr. Tim Scott to break down the new Postseason Ranking System and what it means for every team fighting for a playoff position. Then we turn to the Battle of Macland Road, where unbeaten Hillgrove and McEachern square off under the lights, with insights from both head coaches. If you’re looking for clear answers on GHSA playoffs and the week’s biggest matchups, this is the episode for you.

Milton head coach Ben Reaves shares how mindfulness, yoga, and a homegrown feeder pipeline fuel the Eagles as they host Gainesville on senior night. Gainesville head coach Josh Niblett explains the Red Elephants’ week‑to‑week standard, while Houston County’s Jeremy Edwards breaks down the Bears’ best start and bye‑week plan before a brutal stretch. Plus, region storylines from South Georgia and a quick nod to Marist legend Alan Chadwick reaching 450 wins.

We’ll talk Benedectine head coach Danny Britt, who led his Cadets to a victory against Ware over the weekend. Jared Hughes, flag football coach at Rome, will tell us what it’s like to create a new sports program from scratch. Finally, Collins Hill head coach Drew Swick talks about his plans to lead a tough defense against Buford this weekend. Plus: flag football season starts today!

We take you inside a packed week of Georgia high school football. Valdosta head coach Shelton Felton details a 5–0 start and the realities of Region 1-6A road trips, while Langston-Hughes head coach Andrico Hines and Newnan’s Chip Walker preview a high-scoring showdown. You get upsets, player spotlights, and a full look at the GPB Game of the Week.

We preview North Cobb at North Paulding with head coaches Shane Queen and Don Stark, dig into Colquitt County coach Sean Calhoun’s whirlwind week with games on Friday, Tuesday, and Friday, and revisit a packed night at Buford’s Philip Beard Stadium. You get notes on Douglas County, a web game check on Benedictine at Westminster, and Sequoyah star Will Rajecki's seven-touchdown performance.

This week, Douglas County visits nationally ranked Buford at The Beard, plus a look at Sprayberry at Sequoyah. Coaches Johnny White and Bryant Appling share how they build trust, manage distractions, and outwork the moment. Rabun County’s Rance Gillespie takes you home to Tiger for a program built on place, people, and pride.