Football Fridays in 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.