Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021
GHSA plan would reshape A-3A
More smaller private schools expected to be moved up
Class A private schools such as Wesleyan, Eagle’s Landing Christian and Athens Academy will be moved up to 3A or 2A to compete with public schools next year if the Georgia High School Association approves a plan to apply the 3.0 enrollment multiplier to all Class A schools and eliminate the public-private split that has existed in Class A since 2012.
 
A ripple effect would send Class 2A football powers Rabun County, Bleckley County, Heard County and Swainsboro into Class A, where a few smaller but prominent private schools, such as Prince Avenue Christian, would remain. (See the proposed classifications for 3A, 2A, A-1 and A-2 below.)
 
The GHSA’s reclassification committee approved the plan 15-1 on Wednesday. The GHSA’s executive committee still must approve it.
 
The reclass committee’s plan would place five Class A private schools - Hebron Christian, Mount Vernon, St. Vincent’s Academy, Savannah Christian and Wesleyan - in Class 3A. Thirteen other Class A private schools, including football powers Athens Academy, Calvary Day, Darlington, ELCA and Fellowship Christian, would go into Class 2A.
 
Other private schools would remain in Class A, which would be restructured into two divisions based on size after applying the 3.0 multiplier.
 
The most notable private schools remaining in Class A probably would be Prince Avenue, a football powerhouse, and St. Francis, a basketball juggernaut. For the first time in a decade, they would compete for the same state championships with existing Class A public programs such as Irwin County and Brooks County but also with schools falling into Class A from above, such as Rabun and Bleckley, along with Elbert County.
 
Under this plan, the GHSA would recalculate 3A, 2A and A to ensure a similar number of schools reside in each. With private schools going up, others must fall.
 
The GHSA had hoped it was done with reclassification last month, with all schools assigned to their 2022-23 classifications and regions. Classes 3A and 2A had only one private-school member. And that one, Aquinas, was granted permission only because of extreme geographic isolation.
 
Many public schools believe that private schools have an unfair competitive advantage because they lack natural school boundaries. To combat that, the GHSA this year adopted a 3.0 multiplier, which means that students outside a school’s attendance zone are counted three times to determine a school’s classification. That effectively moved larger private schools such as Westminster, Lovett and Greater Atlanta Christian out of 3A and 2A and into 4A and above.
 
However, the 3.0 multiplier wasn’t used on Class A private schools because they already competed as a private-only classification. But change has become necessary because the GHSA could be down to about 25 or fewer Class A Private schools that field football teams next year.
 
Ten Class A private schools left the GHSA for another association last month, and more departures are almost certain if the GHSA doesn’t give the remaining Class A private schools what they believe are meaningful region alignments and playoffs.
 
The reclass committee will meet again Wednesday to hear appeals from schools in classes 3A, 2A and A. They can petition to move up or down.

Below is how the four lower classifications would look if the GHSA executive committee approves the latest plan. The numbers for each school represent the enrollment, the out-of-zone students and the total for reclassification purposes. Schools marked with an asterisk do not play football.
Class A Private
Trinity Christian at ELCA
When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Commitment Field, McDonough
Records, rankings: Trinity Christian is 12-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 4-A Private and No. 1; Eagle’s Landing Christian is 7-6, the No. 1 seed from 2-A Private and No. 5.
Last meeting: Trinity Christian won 34-3 on Oct. 1.
Things to know: Trinity Christian, the A Private runner-up in 2020, returned to the semifinals with a 56-7 victory over Darlington last week. The Lions are the state’s highest-scoring team, averaging 53.25 points per game, and their closest game this season was the 31-point win over ELCA in the regular season. David Dallas passed for 228 yards in that game and has thrown for 3,307 yards and 41 touchdowns with just three interceptions for the season. His brother, Josh, has 1,043 receiving yards, and Dominick Cosper has 1,200 yards rushing and 496 receiving. ELCA, which started the season 2-6 against a schedule loaded with top-10 opponents from higher classifications and out-of-state powerhouses, is now two wins away from its sixth state title in seven seasons. Charlie Gilliam passed for 257 yards in a 35-28 victory over Holy Innocents’ last week. He has 1,831 yards and 16 TDs this season. Brandon Hood, a 1,300-yard rusher, ran for 81 yards and two touchdowns. His 19-yard TD run with about three minutes left gave the Chargers a 35-21 lead, and they held on. ELCA is averaging 27.42 points for the season but 43.25 during their five-game winning streak (one win was a forfeit).
Maxwell Ratings’ projected score: Trinity Christian 34, Eagle’s Landing Christian 14
 
Prince Avenue at Fellowship Christ.
When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Bob Lord Field, Roswell
Records, rankings: Prince Avenue Christian is 12-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 8-A Private and No. 3; Fellowship Christian is 12-1, the No. 1 seed from 6-A Private and No. 4.
Last meeting: Fellowship Christian won 31-28 in the 2016 Class A Private semifinals.
Things to know: Defending state champion Prince Avenue Christian has won 12 consecutive games since a 21-13 loss to Calvary Day in the opener. Fellowship Christian, which has won 11 straight since a 56-20 loss to Trinity Christian in its second game, knocked out Calvary Day 24-14 last week. Nick Persiano rushed for 110 yards to surpass 1,000 for the season (1,059 with 22 touchdowns). QB Caleb McMickle has passed for 1,850 yards for the year. A victory this week would put first-year Paladins coach Tim McFarlin in the finals for the sixth time (Roswell in 2006, Blessed Trinity in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019). Prince Avenue put up 481 yards in a 41-22 victory over First Presbyterian last week. Aaron Philo was 28-of-35 passing for 397 yards and three touchdowns, putting him at 3,819 yards and 42 TDs for the season. Seven players had at least one catch. Bailey Stockton surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for the year with his six catches for 61 yards. He also ran for 32 yards and two touchdowns on three carries. Elijah Dewitt (917) and Ethan Christian (870) also are closing in on 1,000 yards receiving. Dewitt had seven catches for 140 yards and two TDs last week.
Maxwell Ratings’ projected score: Fellowship Christian 26, Prince Avenue Christian 24
Class A Public
Wilcox County at Irwin County
When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Buddy Nobles Stadium, Ocilla
Records, rankings: Wilcox County is 10-3, the No. 1 seed from Region 4-A Public and No. 8; Irwin County is 11-2, the No. 1 seed from 2-A Public and No. 1.
Last meeting: Irwin County won 14-0 in the second round of the 2020 Class A Public playoffs.
Things to know: These south Georgia schools, about 30 miles apart, had been in the same region since 2006 until last year, and the playoffs have maintained their streak of playing each other annually. Irwin County has won eight straight in the series since Wilcox County’s last region title in 2012. Irwin is trying to become the first Class A public-school team to win three consecutive Class A titles since Lincoln County in 1985-87. The Indians defeated previously unbeaten Macon County 28-15 in the quarterfinals. Damarkus Lundy rushed for 156 yards and three touchdowns. He’s rushed for more than 150 yards in all three playoff games and has 1,414 rushing yards on the season. Wilcox County is in the semifinals for the first time since 2012. The Patriots’ last final was during its 2009 state championship season. Wilcox beat Manchester 20-14 in the quarterfinals. Preseason all-state QB Abe Stowe passed for 181 yards, putting him a 2,068 for the season. Day Day Lawson rushed for 94 yards, giving him 1,353 yards on the season. B.J. Gibson had 93 yards receiving. Irwin’s average score is 39-14. Wilcox’s is 26-22.
Maxwell Ratings’ projected score: Irwin County 31, Wilcox County 8
 
Brooks County at Metter
When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Tiger Stadium/The Jungle, Metter
Records, rankings: Brooks County is 10-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 2-A Public and No. 2; Metter is 13-0, the No. 1 seed from 3-A Public and No. 4.
Last meeting: Brooks County won 35-6 in the 2019 Class A Public quarterfinals.
Things to know: Metter is in the semifinals for the sixth time in history. The Tigers have never reached a final. For the second straight season, they are 13-0 at this point. They lost to eventual champion Irwin County in the 2020 semifinals. In the quarterfinals last week, Metter beat Turner County 60-21 with 574 rushing yards. Two-way starters Kaliq Jordan (150 yards rushing, 10 tackles) and Danny Cheley (161 rushing, eight tackles, one interception) had big games. Metter is the most run-oriented team remaining in Class A Public. Cheley (1,242 yards) and Josh Kelly (1,587) are each over 1,200 yards rushing. Brooks County has been a state runner-up the past two seasons. The Trojans beat Warren County 51-43 last week for their eighth straight victory, each time scoring at least 42 points. Omari Arnold rushed for 249 yards and five touchdowns on 28 carries and went over 2,000 yards (2,071) for the season with 34 rushing touchdowns. Willie Brown had 114 yards receiving. Brooks’ losses are to Irwin County and Thomasville, which also are in their semifinals.
Maxwell Ratings’ projected score: Metter 30, Brooks County 23
Championship games
(All games Friday at Mercer)

Class A: Piedmont Academy vs. Thomas Jefferson Academy, 1 p.m.

Class AA: Brentwood School vs. Terrell Academy, 4 p.m.

Class AAA: Pinewood Christian vs. John Milledge Academy, 7:30 p.m.
Semis by decade
Thirteen of the 32 semifinal teams are returning from 2020. Are they the next semifinal dynasties of the decade? Below are the schools with the most semifinal appearances in each decade back to 1950-59. There are more semifinal teams in recent years because of more classifications. As recently as 1999, there were only four. There are eight today.
 
2020-21
2 - Benedictine, Brooks County, Buford, Callaway, Collins Hill, Fitzgerald, Grayson, Irwin County, Metter, Pierce County, Prince Avenue Christian, Trinity Christian, Warner Robins
 
2010-19
9 - Buford
9 - Eagle's Landing Christian
8 - Colquitt County
7 - Calhoun
6 - Clinch County
6 - Greater Atlanta Christian
6 - Irwin County
6 - Prince Avenue Christian
5 - Blessed Trinity
5 - Cartersville
5 - Cedar Grove
5 - Northside (Warner Robins)
5 - Peach County
5 - Tucker
 
2000-09
8 - Buford
7 - Clinch County
6 - Camden County
6 - Lincoln County
5 - Charlton County
5 - LaGrange
5 - Northside (Warner Robins)
5 - Statesboro
 
1990-99
7 - Lincoln County
5 - Carrollton
5 - Marist
5 - Thomasville
5 - Valdosta
5 - Washington County
 
1980-89
7 - Lincoln County
7 - Palmetto
5 - Marist
 
1970-79
6 - Dalton
5 - Commerce
5 - Lakeside (Atlanta)
5 - Lincoln County
 
1960-69
9 - Carrollton
7 - Valdosta
6 - Monticello
6 - Washington-Wilkes
5 - Davis
5 - Gainesville
5 - Westminster
 
1950-59
7 - Valdosta
6 - Richmond Academy
6 - Rockmart
5 - Decatur
5 - Thomasville
5 - Wayne County
Davis High School is in today's List of schools with the most semifinal appearances in the 1960s. Where was Davis High School? (Answer Friday)
 
Answer to Wednesday’s question: Walton in Class 7A and Blessed Trinity in Class 5A are the only semifinal teams that have won three rounds on the road.
 
Jostens is the leading provider of yearbooks, caps and gowns, class rings and championship rings and is the Official Championship Ring of the GHSA. Click here to learn more.
Here are this week’s playoff games with projected margins of victory, courtesy of the Maxwell Ratings. The projected winner is on the left. The projected margin of victory is on the right. The Maxwell computer ratings take into account each team’s historical and current season performance. The projected margins also consider actual scoring patterns and so may not match the projected margins when using the ratings alone.
 
Class 7A
Collins Hill vs. Grayson -32
Milton vs. Walton -6
 
Class 6A
Buford vs. Carrollton -22
Hughes vs. Dacula -11
 
Class 5A
Calhoun vs. Blessed Trinity -10
Warner Robins at Creekside -7
 
Class 4A
Benedictine vs. North Oconee -17
Cedartown at Carver, Columbus -2
 
Class 3A
Cedar Grove vs. Appling Co. 0
Pierce Co. vs. Carver, Atlanta -7
 
Class 2A
Fitzgerald at Swainsboro -5
Thomasville vs. Callaway -19
 
Class A Private
Fellowship Christian vs. Prince Avenue -2
Trinity Christian at ELCA -20
 
Class A Public
Irwin Co. vs. Wilcox Co. -23
Metter vs. Brooks Co. -7
On TV
Friday
*Grayson at Collins Hill, 7:30 p.m., GPB
*Walton at Milton, 8 p.m., WPCH Peachtree TV (Atlanta)
 
On the Web
NFHS Network
The NFHS Network will present live streaming of football games from around the state each week. To sign up for the network or watch the games, click here. The NFHS Network partners with more than 100 Georgia high schools to give their students the opportunity to train and learn to broadcast their school's sporting events. Contact the NFHS Network to find out how your school can serve its students and fans with sports broadcasting opportunities.
Today’s interviewee is Ahmand Tinker, organizer of the two-day Fall Metro Atlanta College Football Recruiting Fair that concluded Wednesday in Atlanta. More than 120 high schools and 80 college teams were represented. A former high school football head coach, Tinker is also executive director of the Minority Coaches Association of Georgia, owner of FRE Sports and principal at Maggie Brown Middle School in Coweta County.
 
Ahmand Tinker, recruiting fair organizer
1. What's the best advice you could give a high school football player who wants to play in college? “Be realistic on the level that you can play at the collegiate level because so many players have unrealistic expectations of ‘I'm D-I’ and miss out on opportunities to succeed at colleges or universities showing genuine interest in them.”
 
2. What's the best advice you would give a high school coach? “I encourage all high school programs to have a dedicated college recruiting coordinator on their staff because they are just as important as your special teams and offensive and defensive coordinators. In addition, the college recruiting process has changed so much with the transfer portal. Therefore, you need a coach who focuses on this area for your high school to ensure that your players have the best opportunity to receive possible scholarship opportunities in academics and athletics.”
 
3. What's the best advice you would give parents about recruiting? “Parents should research the entire recruiting process to make the best decisions possible on when to start working with a trainer, attending combines, prospects/exposure camps, 7-on-7, all-star games and more. Parents must control your child's recruiting process, so don't allow anyone else to make decisions for your child that will negatively impact your child's future success in life or athletics.”
 
4. How has the transfer portal changed recruiting for high school players? “The transfer portal has hurt the high school recruiting process in so many ways that I cannot begin to start. The high school prospects who are high-level FBS and FCS prospects will still have the opportunity to be recruited and signed by those levels, but so many other prospects will lose the chance because of the high demand for college coaches to win today. They need players who can play from day one and don’t always have the time to develop high school players; therefore, they go into the transfer portal to sign players for immediate help who already have college playing experience. In addition, the transfer portal has made high school players the last option on the food chain in the recruiting process. Many colleges will choose to sign four-year transfer portal prospects first, two-year junior college prospects next, one-year post-graduate prospects third, and finally high school senior prospects. Also, the transfer portal has forced high school prospects to commit earlier in the recruiting process to hold a spot or lose their scholarship offer while overplaying their hand. I encourage prospects to find a school that best fits their academic and athletic needs and commit if they offer you an opportunity.”
 
Northside Hospital and Sports Medicine South of Gwinnett are official sports medicine partners and exclusive provider of athletic trainers at GHSA state championships in football, basketball, wrestling and tennis. As an all-inclusive practice, NSH and SMS offer leading providers, the newest innovative procedures and state-of-the-art rehabilitation practices to make our patients, athletes and community beyond better.
Please send all-region teams to GHSF Daily at ghsfdaily@bellsouth.net. We will publish any team that we receive. GHSF Daily encourages those selecting and providing all-region teams to include each player's year in school. All-region players who are recognized as underclassmen have a better chance of being recruited and getting recognition on preseason all-area or all-state teams in 2022.
 
Region 8-4A
Player of the year: WR/DB Khalil Barnes, North Oconee, Jr.
Offensive player of the year: QB David Renard, Flowery Branch, Sr.
Defensive player of the year: DE Jeronimo Marin, Chestatee, Sr.
Athlete of the year: LB/RB Kadin Bailey, Jefferson, Sr.
Coach of the year: Tyler Aurandt, North Oconee
 
Offense
QB - Clete Cooper, East Hall, Sr.
QB - Luke Bornhorst, Chestatee, Sr.
RB - Dom Elder, North Oconee, Jr.
RB - Sammy Brown, Jefferson, So.
RB - Jerdavian Colbert, Cedar Shoals, Sr.
WR - Hunter Fouche, Chestatee, Jr.
WR - Victor Hajdu, Madison County, Jr.
WR - Darius Holcomb, East Hall, Sr.
WR - Cayden Barnes, Cedar Shoals, Sr.
WR - Jaheim Hayes, Flowery Branch, Sr.
WR - Seth Larson, Flowery Branch, So.
TE/HB - K.J. Moon, North Oconee, So.
OL - Bo Stanley, North Oconee, Sr.
OL - Jayden Williams, North Oconee, Sr.
OL - Dylan Ryoul, Jefferson, Sr.
OL - Brian Habeck, Jefferson, Sr.
OL - Shaun Hockley, Flowery Branch, Jr.
 
Defense
DL - Zahmerius Shiflet, Madison County, Sr.
DL - Cole Davidson, North Oconee, Jr.
DL - Isaiah Copeland, Jefferson, Jr.
DL - Sam Westbrook, Flowery Branch, Sr.
LB - Tyler Wright, Madison County, Sr.
LB - Luke Kincaid, North Oconee, Sr.
LB - Ryland Laturell, North Oconee, Sr.
LB - Austin Redmon, Jefferson, Sr.
LB - Jordan Perry, Jefferson, Sr.
LB - Juan Silas, Cedar Shoals, Sr.
LB - Tyson Saylors, Cedar Shoals, Sr.
DB - Drew Knickel, Chestatee, Sr.
DB - Jack Fabris, North Oconee, Jr.
DB - Brett Biga, North Oconee, Sr.
DB - Malaki Starks, Jefferson, Sr.
DB - Toby Bolton, Cedar Shoals, Jr.
DB - Tre Augustine, Flowery Branch, Sr.
 
Special teams
PK - Chase Johnson, Jefferson, Jr.
PK - Owen Botts, Jefferson, Jr.
P - J.J. Poole, North Oconee, So.
SP - Tre Reese, Jefferson, Jr.
SP - Devin Hester, Cedar Shoals, So.

Honorable mention: Cedar Shoals - P Michael Hermantano, QB Mandrell Glenn, DL Kyrus Browner. Chestatee - OL Levi Stowers, OL Bryan Cantrell, DB Elijah Pruitt, P David Diaz. East Hall - OL Connor Tompkins, RB Marcus Holmberg, DL Caleb Pruitt. Flowery Branch - OL Jonathan Garrison, RB Myles Ivey, DL Yolando Barrett, LB Cam Haynes. Jefferson - DL Zack Combs, DE Oscar Escobedo, DB Justin Beatty, DT Xavier Richie, OL Hayden Dial, OL Jamarcus Hill, OL Cole Patterson, DB Dawson Crawley. Madison County - OL Drew Brown, OL Vicente Abarca, OL Braxton Waller, LB Bryson Drake, DB Casen Duggins, OL Eli Akins, RB Trey Slayton, RB Camden Smith, DB Cooper Brown, DB Zane Milz. North Oconee - WR/DB Brooks Thompson, OL Ashton Hefner, DL Kaleb Dock, QB Max Wilson, LB Rod Finch, OL Jameson Martin.
Register for Southeast, Kicking, Punting and Snapping Competition
Be a part of the Southeast Kicking, Punting and Snapping Competition to be held Dec. 12 at Mount Pisgah Christian School. Participants will compete against other top kickers, snappers and punters and get a chance improve their skills to become an All-State kicker, punter or snapper. Winners will get honored at the Georgia Kicking Punting and Snapping Awards. Each participant will also be placed into our ranking system based on their performance at the competition to assist them with college recruiting. Contact Cedric Oglesby via email by clicking here if you have questions. Click here to register.

Exit Strategy Planning - Family Owned Businesses
Are you a business owner considering how you plan to pass down your company to family, sell it, or continue to grow it? If so, we can help. We specialize in financial planning and exit strategy planning for family owned companies. Please contact Casey Bradley via email by clicking here to schedule a call.
 
GPSA helps students grow in athletics, education and life skills
Georgia Storm Prep Academy, named for owner and head coach Storm Johnson (a former UCF standout and NFL running back), is a pre- and post-graduate football program. The program includes a complete academic program with NCAA approved classes, athletic training and competitions against other Prep programs and JUCOs to gain additional exposure. We will provide the best opportunity for student-athletes to grow and mature within athletics, education, and life skills while in attendance. For information, call 678-346-8144 or contact us via email by clicking here.
 
Fundraise from anywhere with Double Good virtual app
The Double Good virtual app provides an excellent way to stay focused on your team while providing the funds you need to participate at the highest level. Our platform is 100% contactless, and our popcorn ships directly to your supporters. You could have results like these football programs which profited: Eastside - $26,000; East Coweta - $27,000; Milton - $25,000; Westlake - $39,000; and Woodstock - $24,000. For more information or to get started, contact Westlake head coach Robert May via email by clicking here.
 
Let’s build your financial game plan
At Thrivent, we believe everyone deserves a financial plan. But money can seem complicated and life gets busy, especially during football season. I know this first-hand, as a financial advisor who is also blessed to coach high school football in this state. Whether it’s investment guidance, budgeting, life insurance, debt management or retirement planning, I can help. Please reach out with any questions or needs. Have a great season! Contact Andrew Frerking by phone at 404-772-0909, via email by clicking here, or on the web at www.thrivent.com.

New sports fiction book geared toward teen athlete readers
Mike Tierney, a former longtime sports editor and writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, has drawn from his experiences as a basketball coach in the Decatur school system to write the sports teen fiction book "Perfect To A Fault" about a high school player who goes through an entire season without missing a shot. Mike now coaches at Notre Dame High in the Los Angeles area, where he briefly worked with Ziaire Williams, the No. 10 pick in the NBA draft. Order the book by clicking here.

'Nobles Strong' out in paperback
Jon Nelson followed the story of the Irwin County Indians' 2019 season for GPB Sports and the chronicling of the eventual Single-A Champs is now in book form. Head Coach Buddy Nobles was given a cancer diagnosis before the season started. An entire community - on the field and off - united with the Nobles family and the Indians for a season no one touched by the story would ever forget. Order the book by clicking here.
 
DeKalb County Football Recruiting Video Forum set for Dec. 8
The annual DeKalb County Football Recruiting Video Forum is set for Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tucker High School. The forum has representatives from all 19 DeKalb County School District football programs along with city of Decatur, Marist and St. Pius. The forum is free to all college coaches, with free Chick-Fil-A sandwiches and drinks available. Contact Chris Chilton at 678-676-1825.
 
Southeast Georgia Football Recruiting Fair hosted by FCA on Dec. 7
The 2021 Southeast Georgia Football Recruiting Fair hosted by FCA will be held Dec. 7 (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) at Camden County High School in Kingsland, Ga. Free to high school coaches and college recruiters. To reserve your spot, contact Suzie Tippins via email by clicking here. RSVP requested by Dec. 1.

East Paulding accepting applications for head coach
East Paulding High School in Dallas, Ga., is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of head varsity football coach. Interested individuals may apply by clicking here. In addition, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Andy Dorsey via email by clicking here.
 
Jasper County/Monticello taking applications for head football coach
Jasper County/Monticello High School in Jasper County, Ga., is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of head varsity football coach. Multiple teaching positions are available. Individuals interested in applying for the position may submit a letter and resume to superintendent Kenny Garland via email by clicking here. Deadline for submission is 5 p.m. on Dec. 3, 2021.

McIntosh seeks head football coach
McIntosh High School, located in Peachtree City, Ga., is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of head varsity football coach. The teaching vacancy is in physical education/health. Interested individuals can apply at www.fcboe.org. In addition, please submit a letter of interest and resume to athletic director Leon Hammond via email by clicking here.
GHSF Daily classified ads
Reach 23,000 readers per day in GHSF Daily’s classified ads. Rates are $50 per week. Ads must be a maximum of 75 words and include a headline and contact information. Click here to contact us.
About Us
Georgia High School Football Daily is a free e-mail newsletter produced and owned by Todd Holcomb and Chip Saye. Holcomb is a former lead high school football writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and co-founder of the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. Saye is a 35-year veteran of the newspaper industry who has covered high school sports for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Athens Banner-Herald, Anderson (S.C.) Independent-Mail and Gwinnett Daily News.