Gainesville High School fans packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta Wednesday night for the state championship title.
“It’s a new day, new opportunities,” Tosha Smith said.
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Her son is a freshman on the team, and she said last month there was concern the team might not make it this far. That’s when, during a game against Brunswick High School, a fight broke out on the field to clear the bench.
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Video shows a Brunswick player ripping off the helmets of two Gainesville players and beating them. A Brunswick linebacker ran nearly 50 yards to prepare for the rush, and players from both teams rushed down the field.
“It’s so disappointing,” Smith said. “But I’m very proud of the way our kids handled the whole situation. They handled it very gracefully.”
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Gainesville City Schools must work its way through the court system to try to stop the Georgia High School Association from suspending dozens of players ahead of a crucial playoff game.
The agency ultimately postponed games across the state.
After more pushback last week, the board agreed the suspensions were inconsistent with past circumstances and permanently lifted all Gainesville evictions.
“All we want to do is step up as a community and let them make a difference, it’s the right thing to do and here we are,” Crystal Wilmont said.
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Gainesville City Schools Athletic Director Adam Lindsey reflects on the case Channel 2’s Courtney Francisco before Wednesday’s game.
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“Those three weeks were probably the hardest time of my career,” Lindsay said. “At the end of the day, it’s never been a question. We’re going to do what we think is right for our kids.”
“It’s emotional right now, but, you know, we just want to do well,” Gainesville High School head football coach Josh Niblett said before the game.
Looking back, parents say this season may have shaped Georgia high school football forever.
“It’s about perseverance. Track and field teaches us a lot of lessons. That’s certainly what our kids want to take away from the sport. It’s more than just what the sport is about, it’s something that will stay with them throughout their lives,” Lindsay said.
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