The Gainesville Red Elephants’ 2025 football season will officially resume this Friday, Dec. 5, in the Class 5A state quarterfinals at Langston Hughes.
The Georgia High School Association has also rescheduled the final two rounds of the playoffs for Class 5A with the semifinals now set for Dec. 11 and the finals for Dec. 17. Rome, Thomas County Central, and Roswell have already made the semifinals; the winner of Friday’s game will play at Rome.
GAINESVILLE HIGH ATHLETICS NEWS RELEASE:
‘“Our boys have earned the opportunity to see their season continue and have been working in the meantime to make sure we put our best foot forward when given word it would continue,” said Gainesville football coach Josh Niblett. “To God be the glory and Go Big Red.”
The season was briefly paused last Wednesday night when the GHSA postponed the Red Elephants’ scheduled playoff game, originally set for Friday, Nov. 28. The postponement was executed by the GHSA in an effort to begin an appeals process regarding a judgment levied earlier that afternoon.
The judgment, issued by Northeastern Judicial Circuit Judge Clint Bearden, placed a temporary restraining order (TRO) on a GHSA ruling that had suspended 38 GHS football players. The suspensions were in the wake of an on-field incident that occurred during the Red Elephants’ second-round matchup against Brunswick at Glynn County Stadium on Nov. 21.
“We are incredibly proud of our players and coaching staff for maintaining their focus and resolve during a challenging and unpredictable week,” said GHS Athletic Director Adam Lindsey. “The Red Elephants are ready to get back on the field and represent our community in the state playoffs. We encourage all of Red Elephant Nation to travel and support the team this Friday.”
The playoff game against Langston Hughes is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at GoFan and travel details will be made available through the GHS athletics website and social media channels.”