High School Football
Wayne County Yellow Jackets Hire New King Bee
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Wayne County has found a new leader in Jesup. The Wayne County Board of Education unanimously approved Superintendent Toni Williams’ nomination of Scott Roberts as the new head football coach for the Yellow Jackets.
Roberts comes to Jesup after a 1-9 season that saw the departure of former head coach John Mohring after a 0-5 start.
Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Justin McDonald took over as interim head coach. In his first game as interim head coach, McDonald led the Yellow Jackets to their first win since 2023 on the field.
John Mohring, who just accepted the defensive coordinator position at Parkview High School earlier this week, technically resigned mid-September after a 0-5 start.
In the 15 games under Mohring between 2024 and the beginning of 2025, Wayne County was winless on the field.
One caveat to that was the 2024 matchup with Appling County. Appling defeated Wayne on the field, but Appling County was forced to vacate wins for the 2024 season due to GHSA violations in regard to recruiting and an ineligible transfer player.
Scott Roberts comes to Jesup after 11 seasons in two stints (including the last 9 years) leading the Swainsboro Tigers program.
Roberts amassed an overall record of 92-43 in his 11 seasons in Swainsboro including a 75-36 record since taking over the Tigers most recently in 2017.
Roberts had made the Tigers and the GHSA State playoffs synonymous with a playoff appearance in every season since he took over Swainsboro in 2017.
The playoff streak includes 3 region titles along with 2 state championship game appearances in back-to-back years of 2022 and 2023 as well as a semi-final game showing in 2021.
Prior to taking over for the Tigers, Roberts spent the 2013-2016 seasons at Bainbridge High School as the offensive coordinator for the Bearcats.
While in Southwest Georgia, Roberts helped the Bearcats to three consecutive playoff appearances including a semifinal match-up in 2015.
He has spent virtually his entire coaching career in South Georgia with stops on staff at Fitzgerald, Cairo, Colquitt, Tift County and Washington County.
After many years of success for Wayne County that came to a rather abrupt end when Jaybo Shaw left after the 2023 season, Justin McDonald did an admiral job getting the first win in almost 2 years, as well as trying to keep the team together and reset the program for the future.
There is plenty of optimism on the field entering the “Roberts Era” and feels like a critical time for the Yellow Jacket program.
While there are many more wins expected, the crucial part of this hire seems to be off the field with the relationships around the program.
Wayne County is an exceptionally invested community that rallies around the Yellow Jackets, and while there were some questions around that piece of the equation with Roberts in Swainsboro, it will be arguably the most important piece to embrace the community to be able to find success again in Jesup.
Wayne County is a program that has the support to be successful on the field, and quite frankly, the Yellow Jackets are a program that makes the South Georgia area better when they are at their best.
Scott Roberts has won everywhere he’s been and looks to continue that in Jesup!
Camden’s Homerun Hire
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
After a month of unexpected change and uncertainty, Camden County believes it has found stability and direction in its football program with the hiring of Tucker Pruitt as the Wildcats’ new head coach.
Pruitt, one of the most successful coaches in South Georgia over the past decade, arrives in Kingsland following time as head coach at Appling County High School.
His hiring comes just weeks after Camden County was forced back into the coaching market following the sudden resignation of Jon Lindsey, who stepped down due to personal, unforeseen reasons shortly after being introduced as the program’s head coach.
Now, the Wildcats turn to a coach with a résumé defined by consistency, championships, and long-term program building.
Pruitt brings an 82–27 career record, including 60 wins since 2020, a total tied for the most among South Georgia coaches during that span.
He spent eight seasons at Fitzgerald High School, where he transformed an already proud program into a perennial state title contender.
Under his leadership, Fitzgerald reached five consecutive GHSA Class 2A semifinals, won the 2021 state championship, and finished as state runner-up in both 2020 and 2022.
The title was Fitzgerald’s first since 1948, cementing Pruitt’s reputation as a coach capable of pushing programs to historic heights.
Before taking over at Fitzgerald, Pruitt served as offensive coordinator at Valdosta and Lowndes, two of Georgia’s most storied programs, and also coached under his father, longtime head coach Robby Pruitt, at Coffee.
That background has shaped Pruitt into a coach known for offensive flexibility, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of how to sustain success over time.
Pruitt spent the 2025 season at Appling County, stepping into a difficult situation after the program was forced to forfeit 10 wins due to a GHSA ruling involving an ineligible player.
Despite the challenge, Appling County responded by finishing strong, clinching a region championship and reestablishing competitive footing.
Pruitt used the season to install new schemes, revamp strength and conditioning, and build a culture centered on accountability and toughness.
That experience may prove valuable at Camden County, which has now seen multiple head coaching changes in recent years. The Wildcats have remained competitive, but continuity at the top has been elusive.
Pruitt’s hiring signals an effort by the school system to stabilize the program with a coach who has demonstrated the ability to build and sustain winning cultures.
Like Lindsey before him, Pruitt is stepping into a community where football carries enormous expectations.
Unlike recent hires, however, Pruitt arrives with a lengthy track record as a head coach who has navigated adversity, rebuilt rosters, and maintained success across multiple seasons.
At Appling County, Pruitt often spoke about failure as a teaching tool and growth as a process. His teams were known for adjusting, improving, and peaking late in the season.
That philosophy aligns with a Camden County program that expects physical football, discipline, and steady development rather than quick fixes.
Camden County officials have not yet announced a formal introductory event, but players, parents, and fans will soon get their first opportunity to hear directly from a coach tasked with guiding the next chapter of Wildcat football.
After a whirlwind stretch that included optimism, surprise, and renewed uncertainty, Camden County believes Tucker Pruitt represents a clear step forward. His arrival brings experience, credibility, and a history of winning to a program searching for long-term stability and a return to championship contention.
For the Wildcats, the reset button has been pressed once more. This time, the hope is that it leads to something lasting.
New Captain For Brunswick Pirates
By: Jason Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Brunswick High Pirates have reportedly found a new Head Football Coach.
The Pirates have reportedly hired former Cook County Head Football Coach Byron Slack.
Slack led the Hornets to a 5-6 record last season and playoff appearance. Cook County went down in the first round of the 2A GHSA playoffs to North Murray 22-14 last season.
Slack went 4-7 with Cook in 2024, bowing out in the first round Burke County in the first round of the playoffs 27-21.
However, Cook made a deep playoff run and lost to Rockmart 34-24. The Hornets went 11-4 in the 2023 campaign.
In fairness to Slack, his football teams have been devasted by injuries the last two seasons.
Slack will be charged with taking over a Brunswick High Pirates program that made national news in the 2025 playoffs due to a sideline clearing brawl during the second round of the GHSA playoffs against the Gainesville Red Elephants.
He will also step into a program that has enjoyed a lot of success over the last decade under former coaches Sean Pender and Garrett Grady.
One of the things Slack will be tasked with as the new Pirates Head Coach is getting the Pirates out of the 2nd round of the playoffs and potentially make some deeper playoff runs.
The Pirates have not advanced out of the second round in the GHSA playoffs since 1999 when the Pirates lost in the state title game to the Lowndes County Vikings.
The Pirates former coach, Garrett Grady, resigned before the Christmas break and took a job on staff with the Coffee County Trojans.
Slack was 28-21 over his four seasons with Cook High School.
Slack has spent time on coaching staffs at Colquitt, Lowndes and Camden. He also spent one season as the head coach at Hillgrove High School before coming to Cook. Slack spent 13 seasons as an assistant on the Camden County Wildcats staff.
The Glynn County School Board will officially vote on a hire on Thursday evening according to Glynn County Athletic Director, Steve Waters.
Camden Wildcats Transition…Again
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Just weeks after being formally introduced as the next leader of Camden County football, Jon Lindsey has stepped down from the position, forcing the Wildcats to once again turn the page and begin a search for a new head coach.
Camden County Schools recently announced that Lindsey has resigned due to what the district described as “personal, unforeseen reasons.”
The announcement comes as a surprise to players, parents, and the broader Wildcat community, particularly given the enthusiasm and optimism surrounding Lindsey’s hiring earlier this winter.
Lindsey was hired in November to replace Travis Roland, who was dismissed after two seasons at the helm. At the time, Lindsey’s return was widely viewed as a stabilizing move for a program seeking consistency.
A familiar face with deep roots in Camden County, Lindsey had previously served as an assistant coach during some of the Wildcats’ most successful years, including the 2008 and 2009 state championship seasons, and later helped guide the team to a Final Four appearance in the 2023 GHSA Class 6A playoffs.
During his public introduction, Lindsey spoke passionately about restoring the identity that once defined Camden County football, emphasizing physicality, discipline, and community involvement.
He also outlined plans to strengthen development across all levels of the program, from youth leagues through varsity, and stressed the importance of unity among coaches, players, parents, and supporters.
That vision will now remain unrealized, at least under Lindsey’s leadership.
“The school system remains committed to providing a positive and stable athletic experience for students,” the district said in a statement released Tuesday. “Plans are underway to ensure leadership and continuity within the football program, and additional information will be shared when appropriate.”
District officials did not provide further details regarding Lindsey’s resignation, citing only personal circumstances.
No interim coach has been publicly named, though the statement indicated efforts are already underway to maintain continuity within the program.
The school system confirmed that a search for a new head football coach will begin immediately.
Interested candidates have been instructed to contact Camden County High School athletic director Welton Coffey.
Lindsey’s departure marks yet another abrupt change for a program that has now seen multiple head coaching transitions in a relatively short span.
While Camden County has remained competitive, including a playoff berth in 2024 and strong performances against top competition, sustained stability at the head coaching position has proven elusive.
For players currently in the program, the focus now shifts to navigating uncertainty while preparing for offseason training and the upcoming season.
For administrators, the task becomes finding a leader who can steady the program, establish long-term continuity, and align with the expectations of a community where football holds deep significance.
Camden County officials emphasized that further updates will be shared as the search process moves forward.
Until then, the Wildcats find themselves once again at a crossroads, searching for the next voice to lead a proud program into its next chapter.
King Bee Out At Southeast Bulloch
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Southeast Bulloch and the Bulloch County School system announced Monday that Jared Zito has been relieved of his duties as the Head Football Coach for Southeast Bulloch.
Zito finished his 5th season at the helm of the Jackets with an overall record of 31-24.
As of now, Zito will stay at Southeast Bulloch as a physical education teacher, but Defensive Coordinator Jason Anthony will serve as the Interim Head Coach to begin the off-season program.
Southeast Bulloch narrowly missed the GHSA State Playoffs in 2025 with a 5-5 record but made 2 appearances in the postseason in the 5 years under Zito.
In Zito’s first season in Brooklet, SEB finished 10-2 with the first playoff win for the program since 1973.
After 2 years of playing in the 4A Ranks, SEB returned to the 3A playoffs in 2024. The Jackets advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to Stephenson to finish the season with a 10-3 mark.
Zito’s SEB tenure wraps up his 22nd year as a head coach where he holds a 112-123 overall record between time in both Georgia & Florida.
Now the process to find the next head coach fall into the very capable hands of SEB Principal Dr. Julie Mizell and Athletic Director Mark Oliver.
While this process will unquestionably be scouring the state and country to search for the best leader of the program. That said, there are a couple of names that are already on staff that I’m sure will get some looks too.
Jason Anthony has been the defensive coordinator for Southeast Bulloch for the past five seasons and is remarkably respected among players and supporters.
I have said for years that “Ant” is one of the most underappreciated coaches in the country.
Anthony has been recognized multiple times by Parker Resources as one of the Defensive Coordinators of the year. I can’t overstate the impact that Anthony has on the players. The level of respect and love from players, from other coaches, and supporters/parents around the program is that which every coach across the country strives for.
The other name currently on staff that is likely to get looks is Offensive Line coach Brandon Peterson. “Pete” has been at Southeast Bulloch for nearly 15 years (spanning four previous head coaches).
Much like was mentioned about Anthony, Peterson has unbelievable respect among the team. While Peterson hasn’t been a head football coach in his career, he currently serves as the head baseball coach for Southeast Bulloch.
While the title was only O-Line coach, Peterson was integral in the offensive gameplan and was the right-hand man for Zito in the offensive execution.
Southeast Bulloch has so much potential, especially with the growing area and new school construction along the horizon, so it will be interesting to see how the process of finding the new Head Jacket unfolds.
On a personal note, I do want to say “Thank You” to Coach Zito. I’ve had the honor of being the “Voice of the Jackets” broadcasting SEB Football on radio for all 5 years he was in Brooklet.
He was exceptional with us, letting us feel like and be fully involved with the program to be able to better cover the team. I really appreciate everything he did to welcome our crew in and help us do our jobs.
State Championship Games
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
We’re going to take a look at the state championship games for the highest classifications.
The GHSA 6A state championship game between Buford (14-0) and Carrolton (14-0) is a national championship game.
Buford is the consensus No. 1 team with top rankings in USA Today, ESPN and The Sporting News. Carrollton is No. 1 in MaxPreps and Hsratings.com (formerly CalPreps).
That means Georgia could have its first national champion since Colquitt County finished No. 1 in the High School Football America and Prep Force rankings in 2015. Milton was named the No. 1 public-school team in America last season by High School Football America but finished No. 2 overall.
Carrolton beat previous No. 1 Grayson 34-14 in the state semifinals.
“We’re aggressive up front on the defensive side of the ball,” Carrolton coach Joey King said. “Our guys, they fly around and play extremely hard. Our word of the week this week was effort, which means for every phase to play with great effort. I definitely thought our defense did that.”
“I think we’ve got one of the best offensive lines in the state,” senior quarterback Mason Holtzclaw said. “They do a great job with anything we run. Our coaching staff was able to dial up some run plays for both of us as quarterbacks, dial up the pass plays and be able to beat them on the perimeter. So we had a great plan going into this game, and I’m really proud of the team.”
Freshman CJ Cypher finished the game 12-of-20 passing for 226 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 12 yards on two carries. Holtzclaw was 4-of-6 passing for 65 yards and rushed for 31 yards on six carries.
“They do a good job,” King said. “Whatever we ask them to do, they’re willing to do, whether that’s take a deep shot, throw a quick screen, hand the ball off or run the ball at times. They’re both just tough kids, gritty kids and unselfish kids that are willing to do whatever it takes for the team.”
Buford can win its 15th state title. Only Valdosta, with 24, has more. The Wolves beat No. 5 Valdosta 39-7 in the semifinals.
I think this will be a very close game. I believe Buford will win.
Let’s take a look at the 5A state title game.
Thomas County Central is 14-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 2-5A and ranked #2 in the state; Gainesville is 12-2, the No. 2 seed from 7-5A and ranked #4 in the state.
The Yellow Jackets beat No. 3 Roswell 49-28 in the semifinals. They have not had any close games this season. The closest game they’ve had was a 35-21 win over No. 8 Lee County during the regular season.
Thomas County Central has a chance to win their seventh state championship. It would also be their second state title in three seasons. Jaylen Johnson (2,503 passing yards) and Deuce Lawrence (1,836 rushing yards, signed with Wake Forest) lead an offense that averages 53.3 points per game. WR Jaydon Dunbar (signed with Pitt) and WR Jabari Watkins (committed to Nebraska) are top recruits.
The Red Elephants beat Rome 37-6 in the semifinals. They are led by Kharim Hughley, a junior committed to Clemson and he’s thrown for 2,467 yards.
Nigel Newkirk is a 1,400-yard rusher but he was injured in the semifinals. The defensive front seven has highly recruited players like LB Xavier Griffin (Alabama), DL Jamarion Matthews (Alabama), DL Ayden Cain (Duke) and DE Kadin Fossung (Tulsa).
I think Thomas County Central will win this game.
Garrett Grady Leaving The Ship
By: Teddy Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Brunswick High School Head Football Coach Garrett Grady recently announced his resignation from that position, after four years at the Pirate helm.
“After much thought and reflection,” he said in a press release, “I am announcing my resignation as head football coach at Brunswick High School.”
Grady also thanked his wife for “sharing the journey every step of the way;” his players for their “hard work and pride they brought to the field every day;” and Pirate Nation “for all its’ support.”
Grady came to BHS in 2017 as offensive coordinator under Head Coach Sean Pender. When Pender departed following the 2021 season, Grady was elevated to Head Coach.
“From serving as offensive coordinator . . . to leading this program as head coach,” the press release continued, “. . . we have built something to be proud of and created opportunities for many of our student-athletes to continue their football careers at the next level.”
Indeed, during the nine years that Grady served as OC and then Head Coach, 65 Brunswick High Pirates have gone on to play college football.
Grady took Pirate Pride in helping to shape his student-athletes “into strong, resilient, and dedicated young adults.”
During his four seasons as Head Pirate, Grady compiled a won-loss record of 36-10, including three region titles (2022; 2024; 2025) and three City Championships over Glynn Academy. Grady was also selected Region Coach of the Year three times, including the recently completed 2025 campaign.
Grady’s winning percentage of.782 is the highest in school history.
BHS also made the playoffs four consecutive times under Grady, including three second-round appearances.
Grady’s 2025 squad set a school record for scoring, averaging 43.7 points per game.
Glynn County Schools Assistant Superintendent Steve Waters had high praise for the departing Grady.
“Our football program is undeniably better because of Garrett Grady,” Waters said. “I want to personally thank him and his wife Erica. You will not find two better people, and we wish them all the best as they transition into the next chapter of their lives.”
Waters lauded Grady as a coach, teacher, mentor, role model, and leader in the community.
Waters also announced the search for Grady’s successor will begin immediately, but a comprehensive search will be conducted to make sure the “tradition of excellence” continues for the Pirate Program.
“Serving as the Head Football Coach at Brunswick High School has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Grady’s press release concluded. “Brunswick High School and Pirate Nation will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
South Georgia Commits
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
One of the most important days on any football program’s calendar…National Signing Day.
Once again, the state of Georgia and more specifically South Georgia had some of the most coveted high school talent in the country.
According to 247, the #2 player coming out of the state of Georgia is Benedictine’s LaDamion Guyton. The 5-star edge player signed to continue his career with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Guyton began his career with Savannah Christian before transferring to Benedictine for the 2025 season.
Jae Lamar, a running back from Colquitt County signed to play for Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs. The 4-star speedster racked up over 1,000 yards rushing and scored 17 rushing touchdowns in 2025 while adding 2 receiving scores.
One player that is heading off the beaten path is Lee County’s Lesiah Jackson that signed with the Stanford Cardinal. Jackson was rated as the 23rd best safety in the nation and the 22nd best overall player in the state of Georgia.
The Leesburg native is a bigger-bodied defensive back that began his first two years as a two-way player before transitioning full-time to the defensive side for the final two years of his prep career.
One of the more interesting recruitments comes in Brunswick as the Pirates’ Heze Kent is listed on the recruiting sites as an Athlete at 6-6 and 310 pounds.
Kent was primarily a tight end for the Pirates, but likely projects as either an offensive tackle or defensive tackle as he signs with the Florida Gators just three days after the Gators announced the hiring of new head coach Jon Sumrall.
It wouldn’t be right to talk about National Signing Day without bringing up Benedictine in Savannah. Yet again, the Cadets have a top recruit as 4-star wide receiver Bubba Frazier signed his NLI to play at Notre Dame.
Frazier was one of the most dominant offensive weapons in the country over the past three years for Benedictine. While mainly looked at as a slot receiver, Frazier has also rushed for over 1,100 yards in his 3 years. For a grand total of 3,300 total yards, Frazier scored 33 offensive touchdowns in his 3-year career.
Traeviss Stevenson anchored the defensive secondary for Brooks County and looks to head to the ATL to bolster the Georgia Tech safety room.
The consensus 4-star recruit that goes by “stick” had offers from Georgia, Texas, Michigan, and Florida, but chooses the Ramblin Wreck (who just signed Head Coach Brent Key to a big-time extension).
That gets us through the top 30 prospects in the state from the area, but the talent pool goes much deeper than that. That’s a trend that has carried throughout the state to keep the in-state talent within the Georgia borders.
In addition to Jae Lamar, the Georgia Bulldogs also bring in Jordan Smith. Smith is a 4-star safety from Houston County.
Head Coach Clay Helton and Georgia Southern tap into the local talent too. The Eagles early on signing day reported the signing of a pair of teammates from West Laurens as O-Lineman Grady Howell and Running Back Ty Cummings. In addition, Camden County’s 3-star linebacker Xavier Brown.
Not surprisingly to those in the College Football world but the state of Georgia high school talent shines again and plants the next wave of stars to the next level from South Georgia…Just how it should be.
Let Me Introduce You To John Lindsey
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Camden County officially ushered in a new chapter of Wildcat football recently as longtime coach and familiar face Jon Lindsey was formally introduced as the program’s new head coach.
The jubilant introduction was in front of a packed auditorium at Camden County High School in Kingsland.
For Lindsey, who has spent much of his career connected to Camden County, the moment felt both unreal and deeply right.
“Three weeks ago, I would have told you there was no way I would be standing here,” Lindsey told a room full of parents, players, alumni, and community members. “This happened extremely fast, but I am so grateful for the chance to live out a dream, to be a Camden County Wildcat again.”
Lindsey first arrived in Camden in 2005 and later served as offensive coordinator during some of the most successful seasons in program history, including the state championship run in 2009.
He left to become a head coach and athletic director at other programs in Georgia, but the lessons he learned in Kingsland always stayed with him.
In recent years he returned as an assistant, then stepped away from coaching, though he never really left the game.
“My wife would see me watching football clinics on a Saturday night and say, ‘You do not even coach anymore,’” Lindsey said with a smile. “But it was still in my heart. I missed it.”
When the Camden County administration approached him about taking over the program, their energy and commitment made the decision clear.
“This is a job you dream about,” he said. “What sold me was the passion of our administration and how much they love the Wildcats. You do not take on something like this unless the people leading it are completely invested.”
Lindsey also made it clear that this move is a family and community decision.
He introduced his wife, Dr. Melissa Lindsey, an assistant principal at Camden County High School, and he also spoke proudly of their three children, all of whom have Camden ties as students and athletes.
He shared how, when the family had a chance to return a few years ago, his son simply said, “Dad, I have always wanted to be a Wildcat.” That, Lindsey said, told him everything he needed to know.
Throughout his remarks, Lindsey laid out a clear vision for the future of Wildcat football. He promised a program that honors God, demands effort, and develops players mentally, physically, and spiritually.
He stressed the importance of building a complete football system from recreation ball and middle school, all the way through junior varsity and varsity so that young athletes grow up learning Camden County football from the beginning.
“Why can’t a kindergartner wear a Camden jersey and be doing the same things we do,” he asked. “We are built for that. We just have to bring it all together.”
On the field, Lindsey wants a return to the physical, gritty style that once defined the Wildcats. He talked about past teams that may not have had the biggest players but played harder and tougher than anyone they faced.
“Our kids played above their level,” he said. “That is how you beat great teams. You take an average player and help him perform like a great one. That is the standard.”
Lindsey also challenged parents and fans to be part of the process through the booster club, support in the stands, and patience as the schedule toughens and expectations rise.
“Trust the process,” he said. “It will not happen overnight. But if we come together as coaches, players, administration, parents, and community, we can get this program back to where we all know it can be.”
As the introduction wrapped up, Lindsey’s final message was simple and direct.
“Camden County football is the pride of this community,” he said. “I am honored to lead these young men. Let’s come together and get back to that championship level we all remember.”
Brunswick’s Season Ends
By: Teddy Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Unfortunately, when you start talking about the 2025 Brunswick High football season, you have to talk about the last game of the season.
With 1:57 left in the third quarter, and the Pirates trailing Gainesville 42-0, the biggest fight I’ve ever seen in high school football broke out.
Players from both sidelines ran onto the field at Glynn County Stadium. Players shoved players from the other team, helmets were ripped off, and punches were thrown before officials, coaches and police were able to restore order.
To their credit, not all players participated in the melee.
When a shaky calm returned to the field, the officials conferenced for several minutes before calling the game—and rightfully so. The 42-0 score with 1:57 left in the third period became the final score.
This article is not the place to assess blame—the Georgia High School Association is, of course, dealing with that, and I suspect the consequences will be severe for both schools—and rightfully so.
Unfortunately, the fight distracts from the stellar season that Brunswick High had.
Head Coach Garrett Grady’s Pirates went 9-3 for the season, winning the Region 1-5A championship; the City Championship (beating Glynn Academy); and a first-round playoff game (beating Winder-Barrow 78-30) before losing the second-round game to the Gainesville Red Elephants.
(All of the following stats are unofficial.)
Senior quarterback Grant Moore claimed every passing record in BHS history except for total yards in a season. He needed 99 yards going into the Gainesville game to claim that record but couldn’t quite get there against the rugged Red Elephants defense.
The records for career touchdown passes, career passing yards, and single-game passing yards do, however, now belong to Grant Moore.
Moore also had over 300 yards rushing for the season.
Senior tight end Heze Kent also had an outstanding year, catching 40 passes for nearly 700 yards and 10 touchdowns. Kent has committed to take his talents to a different Gainesville city—the Florida Gators.
Brunswick High’s running backs duo of Josiah Gibbons and Nigel Gardner, both juniors, also had very good seasons. Gibbons ran for over 1300 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Gardner rushed for over 1200 yards as he scored 17 TDs.
Waseem Murray, a junior, had well over 700 all-purpose yards and scored five touchdowns.
Dontre’ Butler, only a sophomore, had over 500 all-purpose yards as he scored six touchdowns.
Defensively, BHS was paced by Braylen Johnson, Adrian Volland and Zi’yan Rankin. Johnson and Volland were the leading tacklers, while Rankin led the Pirates in interceptions with five.
Rankin and Johnson are juniors, while Volland is a senior.
Senior Aviyon Addison also contributed heavily to the defensive success of the Pirates,.
Senior kicker Landon Ethridge capped off a very good career at BHS, even though he missed some time with a leg injury.
And, thus, the 2025 football season for the Brunswick High Pirates is at an end.
With a lot of talented underclassmen returning next year, BHS figures to be very good again.
The consequences for the fight BHS were severe. The GHSA find Brunswick High $5,000, suspended 41 players from their next GHSA sanctioned event and banned the Pirates football team from the 2026 playoffs.
