Overview
- Gainesville surged to a 24-0 halftime lead and closed out a 37-6 win over Rome in the Class 5A semifinal.
- The Red Elephants will face Thomas County Central for the title next Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
- Sophomore Dwight Lewis replaced injured starter Nigel Newkirk and ran for more than 200 yards with two touchdowns.
- Quarterback Kharim Hughley connected on a 46-yard touchdown pass as Gainesville steadily extended its advantage.
- The run followed a judge’s reversal of GHSA suspensions for 39 players after a brawl, and it secured coach Josh Niblett’s first state final with Gainesville.