Football Fridays in Georgia

This episode of the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast highlights the impact of the “Make That Kid an Offer” segment and the evolving world of high school football recruiting. Southwest DeKalb head coach Marion Bell joins the show to discuss Aaron Barber’s rise from an overlooked defensive lineman to a Kentucky State signee, along with the growing role of social media, NIL, academics, and the transfer portal in recruiting student-athletes across Georgia.

Flag football is growing fast across Georgia, and North Oconee is leading the way. The Titans cap their season with a state championship and a national top-five ranking. Head coach Nicole O’Mara joins the show to talk about building a program, growing the sport, and what comes next.

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 Godfree, 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.

In this episode of the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast, you explore two of the state’s most legendary high school football rivalries: Calhoun vs. Cartersville and Thomasville vs. Thomas County Central. Coaches share what makes these matchups unforgettable, from the history and tradition to the pride each community brings to Friday night lights. Tune in to discover why Georgia high school football rivalries are among the fiercest in the nation.

This week on the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast, you will hear the stories behind one of the state’s most passionate rivalries as Warner Robins and Northside prepare for battle. Coaches, players, and fans share what this matchup means to their schools and community. The episode also highlights standout performances, first wins, and the moments that make high school football unforgettable across Georgia.

The Football Fridays in Georgia podcast welcomes GHSA Executive Director Dr. Tim Scott for his annual visit to kick off the season. He joins Jon and Hannah to discuss reclassification, the new transfer eligibility rules, the rapid growth of girls' flag football, and how NIL is shaping high school sports in Georgia.

This episode features conversations with four standout Georgia high school football coaches about the drive, discipline, and community pride that fuel their teams. Ware County’s Jason Strickland, Appling County’s Tucker Pruitt, Fitzgerald’s Wes Tankersley, and Irwin County’s Larry Harold share how they build a winning culture, inspire their players on and off the field, and preview their big match-ups this week. 

This special All-Star episode of the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast previews the high school football season just five weeks out. Jon and Hannah are joined by top journalists from across the state to break down major coaching changes, rising programs, and key regional storylines. The episode also explores broader issues like GHSA reclassification and what it means for teams statewide.

This episode of the Football Fridays in Georgia Podcast spotlights the explosive growth of girls' flag football across the state, from new high school teams to emerging college scholarships. Coaches from Pope and Southeast Bulloch share how their programs are setting the standard and reshaping perceptions of the sport.

GPB's Make That Kid an Offer is a segment featured during the Football Fridays in Georgia halftime show that highlights under-the-radar Georgia high school football players who excel on the field and in the classroom but may be overlooked in college recruiting, aiming to boost their visibility and help them secure scholarship offers. This podcast episode highlights just a few of the student-athletes who have signed scholarships after being featured on MTKAO. 

The Georgia high school football coaching landscape has seen significant shifts. In this episode, Jon and Hannah talk with three of the biggest names on the move. New Northside Warner Robins coach Boone Williams, Dalton's Chris Prewett, and Prince Avenue Christian's Jon Richt discuss their transitions, challenges, and visions for their storied programs.

This episode highlights the 2025 GHSA Basketball Championships and features interviews with coaches Chaz Clark of Butler, George Brown of Savannah High, and Kassie Scott of Cherokee Bluff. Clark discusses his team's victory and what it means to the Butler community, Brown talks about the challenges of playing a familiar opponent in the championship game, and Scott shares her experience as a head coach with a husband who is also a head coach.

National Signing Day has evolved, but its impact remains profound for athletes and coaches alike. Jon and Hannah break down the shift from the traditional signing day to the early signing period, with insights from high school and college coaches navigating the recruiting process. The episode also features the inspiring story of Brookwood kicker Caitlyn Soroka and the challenges she faced while navigating the college football recruitment process. 

In the final Football Fridays in Georgia Podcast episode of the season, Jon Nelson is joined by the FFIG All-Stars to break down all 12 GHSA State Championship games. Four flag football championships, eight tackle football championships, and one final 2024 episode. 

The 2024 Georgia High School Football Championship matchups are set! The Football Fridays in Georgia Podcast All-Stars join Jon and Hannah to preview the upcoming championship games. Plus, who is Gunner Stockton? Rabun County Head Coach Mike Davis joins the podcast to fill us in on UGA's backup QB. 

Join Jon and Hannah as they break down the big upsets from the state quarterfinals and the Ju Ju Lewis injury news. Plus, they take a look forward to the semi-finals with Fitzgerald head coach Tucker Pruitt and Buford head coach Bryant Appling. Both teams are no strangers to the championships, the Purple Hurricane have been in the finals 3 of the past 4 seasons and Buford is… well… Buford. 

Happy Thanksgiving Football Week! On this episode, Hannah and Jon talk with Langston Hughes head coach Boone Williams and Thomasville head coach Jonathan DeLay. Both coaches are very familiar with Thanksgiving Day practices and making a run at a title. They share their thoughts on keeping players focused, holiday practice traditions, and stuffing vs. dressing.   

The GHSA Playoffs are in full swing. On this episode of the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast, Hannah and Jon recap week one, catch up with Ware County head coach Jason Strickland and Houston County head coach Jeremy Edwards, and preview the next round.

The Football Fridays in Georgia Podcast All-Stars join Jon Nelson to preview the 2024 playoffs. Join Todd Holcomb of the Georgia High School Football Daily, Jack Patterson of WRBL - Columbus, Marvin James of 13WMAZ in Macon, Phil Jones of ITG Next, and the voice of Football Fridays in Georgia, Matt Stewart as they share their views on the 2024 GHSA playoff picture. 

As the playoff picture starts to come into focus, Jon and Hannah welcome two region champion coaches to the podcast: Appling County's Jordan Mullis, the Region 3-2A champion, and Colquitt County's Sean Calhoun, the Region 1-6A champion.

In this episode of the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast, the team explores the intense final weeks of the high school football regular season, with playoffs just around the corner. While some region champions have been crowned, other parts of the state are facing mathematical complications to see who will reign in their respective region. Special guests include Lowndes Vikings head coach Adam Carter and Fannin County head coach Chad Cheatham.

In this action-packed episode, we cover Richmond Hill's stunning upset over Valdosta, Roswell's region title push, and other key matchups around the state. Plus, you may discover your new favorite restaurant after suggestions from the Richmond Hill and Roswell coaches and hosts, Hannah and Jon.     

This episode of Football Fridays in Georgia explores the latest developments in the GHSA, including safety initiatives, competitive balance discussions, and schedule changes. In-depth interviews with coaches Shane Queen and Matt Burleson provide insights into the challenges and rewards of coaching in the new six-classification system and navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

A Georgia high school football coaching legend, Alan Chadwick of Marist, joins the podcast to discuss navigating this year's erratic season. Plus, we'll hear from Irwin County head coach Casey Soliday and find out the impact of Hurricane Helene. After a week of upsets, this episode highlights the chaos that is the 2024 Georgia high school football season. 

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, what is the plan for making up football games? What will happen to the playoff schedule? Dr. Hines and Dr. Scott of the GHSA join Jon and Hannah to answer those questions and more. In this episode we learn more about NIL in Georgia, the future of reclassification, and how the GHSA is dealing with the chemical fire in Rockdale County. 

In this episode, you'll get a closer look at the Camden County Wildcats, led by head coach Travis Roland. Hear about their impressive start to the season and their upcoming showdown against Valdosta. And we preview the highly anticipated Grayson Rams vs. Newton Rams matchup with Grayson head coach Santavious Bryant. This showdown will determine the top spot in their region. Plus, thanks to Hannah Goodin, you will learn the meaning to the phrase "it was literally like a soup in my crockpot."

It is time for region play! Plus, we have interviews with Creekside Seminoles head coach Maurice Dixon and Peach County Trojans head coach Marquis Westbrook.

Many teams across Georgia travel 250 miles or more to play road games. As a coach, how do you deal with five-hour road trips? On this episode of the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast, Jon Nelson is joined by Valdosta Head Coach Shelton Felton and Toombs County Head Coach Buddy Martin to discuss how their teams win on the road.     

Last Friday, Mary Persons in Forsyth, GA hosted a team from British Columbia, Canada. In this episode, Jon Nelson talks with New Westminster Offensive Coordinator Darnell Sikorski and Mary Persons Head Coach Brian Nelson to discover how this match-up came to be. Plus, we get an update on Bremen's injured QB, Carson Kimball, and a preview of Douglas Co v. Langston Hughes. 

Ahead of the Rome vs. Carrolton game this weekend, Jon and Hannah talk with Trojans head coach Joey King about coaching one of the top players in the state, Juju Lewis. Then, Savannah Christian head coach Baker Woodward talks making a comeback in 1A with the Raiders.   

Week one is in the books! Join Jon and Hannah as they break down the big upsets and even bigger wins. Hear from Cartersville's Head Coach, Conor Foster, and preview this week's match-up with Rockmart. And Gordon Central's Head Coach, Lenny Gregory, joins the podcast to celebrate a huge win!