GHSA to meet virtually Monday to discuss playoff schedule after brawl

ATLANTA - A new development in the ongoing court fight between Gainesville High School and the Georgia High School Association is now affecting several other football programs preparing for the Class 5A semifinals.

What we know:

Roswell High School, which is scheduled to face Thomas County Central on Friday, is among the teams waiting to learn whether its playoff game will move forward. According to social media posts shared by coaches and school officials, GHSA Executive Director Robin Hines notified the remaining playoff teams that Friday’s semifinal matchups could be postponed.

The association is holding a virtual meeting Monday afternoon with all parties involved, including Roswell and Thomas County Central, to determine next steps and finalize a plan.

The uncertainty follows last week’s delay of the Gainesville–Langston Hughes quarterfinal game. That game was put on hold while GHSA appeals a Hall County judge’s ruling that allowed most previously suspended Gainesville players to participate. Gainesville sought an injunction blocking GHSA’s suspension of 35 players, arguing the rules fail to take self-defense into account.

Thirty-nine players were initially suspended after the recent on-field brawl with Brunswick High School. The association argued that allowing every player who perceived a teammate was in danger to run onto the field would create "absolute chaos."

PREVIOUS STORIES

• Gainesville–Langston Hughes playoff game delayed; GHSA appeals judge’s ruling
• Judge upholds Gainesville HS injunction; most players cleared to compete
• 4 Gainesville football players reinstated; dozens still suspended
• Gainesville football appealing GHSA suspension of 39 players after brawl
• 39 Gainesville football players suspended after Friday night brawl

What's next:

The board decided the game will take place this Friday. Read more about their decision here.