HIGH SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: Gainesville High School Gainesville, GA Class 5A, Region 8 2025 Results: 12-3 (State runner-up) Players to watch: 2027 3 ⭐️ RB Nigel Newkirk (@NigelNewkirk2) 2027 3 ⭐️ OL Bryson Hurt (@Brysonhurt71) 2027 WR Collin Porterfield (@_C8___) 2027 S Jeremiah Proctor (@TheJermiahproct) 2027 LB Darryn Williams (@Darryn_W2) 2028 RB Dwight Lewis Jr. (@PjLewis_1) Despite losing multiple key players — two of which include Alabama signees Jamarion Matthews and Xavier Griffin, Gainesville is expected to compete for another state title in 2026. With Josh Niblett accepting a job on Colorado’s staff, the Red Elephants hired former Grayson HC Santavious Bryant. He finished his coaching tenure with a 37-5 record with the Rams. Given the immense amount of talent and elite coaching staff, I fully anticipate Gainesville to continue to attract national attention. This will be one of the more experienced squads in the state in 2026. The large contingent of rising seniors have amassed a large amount of P4 offers and interests over the last few months. I fully anticipate this Red Elephants squad to compete for a region title and state championship in 2026.