Hillsboro
Hillsboro, GA · Education
USA TODAY
Undefeated Georgia high school football team faces GHSA investigation ahead of playoffs
Newton High School's (Covington, GA) undefeated football season could face scrutiny after the Georgia High School Association confirmed it's investigating a report alleging the program used an ineligible player. The GHSA received a report concerning Newton's roster, executive director Tim Scott told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday, Nov. 5. However, the association will not complete its investigation or issue a ruling until after the state playoffs conclude, in accordance with GHSA bylaws. Newton enters the final week of the regular season with a 9-0 record, marking the best start in program history. The Rams are one of the top teams in Class 7A. The potential consequences could be significant if the allegations are substantiated. Under GHSA rules, teams found to have used an ineligible player must forfeit every game in which that player participated. That could include postseason contests, depending on the findings of the investigation. The GHSA has forced five football programs to forfeit at least six games over the past decade following eligibility violations. Several of those cases included playoff victories that were subsequently vacated. Scott cautioned against assuming Newton will face disciplinary action, noting that allegations submitted to the association frequently do not result in penalties. For
Gwinnett Daily Post
Two Gwinnett grads part of Mercer University's Stamps Scholars class
Mercer University welcomed 14 students this fall, including two from Gwinnett County, as part of the University’s 15th class of Stamps Scholars. Mercer is one of just 37 institutions nationwide to partner with the prestigious Stamps Scholars Program, which covers full tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees, as well as an allowance for research or study abroad, books and supplies. Alana Smith, a graduate of the Gwinnett School of Math, Science and Technology, is one of the Stamp Scholars. As is Parkview High School graduate Christopher Field. “Mercer University has partnered with the Stamps Scholars Program since 2012 to invest in students who show remarkable vision and initiative,” said Director of University Honors David A. Davis, Ph.D. “Mercer Stamps Scholars have gone on to become physicians, attorneys, scientists, engineers, musicians, bankers, poets and dozens of other careers that change the world. We are excited to enroll this new cohort of scholars who will contribute to the program’s impact.” Eleven freshmen joined Mercer’s newest cohort of Stamps Scholars, including: ♦ Smith from Lawrenceville ♦ Mahi Dsouza from Cumming ♦ Luke Harris from Youngsville, Louisiana ♦ Avi Jaiswal from Kennesaw ♦ Aavi Patel from Alpharetta ♦ Lily Piepenbrink from Chandler, Arizona
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Shaw beats Monroe to secure Georgia high school football state playoff berth
The Shaw Raiders (5-5, 3-5) are back in the Georgia High School Association football state playoffs for the first time since 2024. They defeated Monroe 12-8 (2-8, 2-5) Thursday night at Kinnett Stadium in Columbus. Monroe got on the scoreboard first on a 77-yard run by sophomore running back Carter Hudson, and they converted on the two-point conversion to go up 8-0. Shaw responded when sophomore quarterback Daylen Peterson scored on a quarterback keeper, but the Raiders failed on their two-point try. After the first quarter, Monroe led Shaw 8-6. In the second quarter, Monroe was driving down the field and was stopped by the Shaw defense at the 8-yard line. Shaw moved the ball to the other side of the field when the Raiders converted on a third-and-18 as Peterson connected with junior wide receiver Marquell Charleston for a 35-yard gain that put the Raiders at first-and-goal. But failed to score as Monroe’s defense made a goal-line stop. Monroe flipped the field and moved the ball to the 50-yard line but was forced to punt. The Raiders were pinned deep after the punt landed on their 1-yard line. Shaw drove the ball away from the goal line but didn’t
Gwinnett Daily Post
Grayson football closes regular season with home game against Rockdale
After watching a lead slip away at unbeaten Newton on Oct. 16, the Grayson football team delivered one of its most complete games of the season two weeks ago. It stifled a talented South Gwinnett offense and rolled up the points in a convincing 52-0 victory on Oct. 23, taking some positive momentum into last week’s bye. The Rams return to action Friday at home against Rockdale County in the regular-season finale, looking to shore up their state playoff position. Before Friday, Grayson boasts a No. 13 ranking in the Georgia High School Association’s PSR Power Rankings. Rockdale has dipped to No. 37 after its run through a tough region. The Rams’ balanced offense has played better as the season has progressed with quarterback Deuce Smith and a stout running game leading the way. Smith has thrown for 1,472 yards and 13 touchdowns, while a bevy of Rams have shared the carries at running back. Cam Hurst (29 catches, 356 yards, four TDs) and Saif Bin-Wahad (27 catches, 350 yards, three TDs) have emerged as the top receivers. Grayson’s defense has totaled 76 tackles for losses and 23 sacks (six by Aaron Black and four by Elijah Tillman). Black and
Gwinnett Daily Post
Norcross fighting for playoffs in game at surging Duluth
Norcross’ defense of its position in the state football playoff race is at the forefront of Friday night’s rivalry game with Duluth, which is playing its best late in the season. Heading into the regular-season finale, Norcross sits at No. 29 in the Georgia High School Association’s PSR Power Rankings and among the 32 teams who will qualify for state. A loss to No. 42 Duluth would give the Blue Devils a losing record and would put their playoff hopes in great peril. Norcross has won 18 straight games in the longtime rivalry, including 35-21 last season. Its last loss to the Wildcats came in 2003, well before the current players were born. Maintaining that streak looks tougher with how Duluth has played of late, including back-to-back wins over Hebron Christian and Berkmar. Though the Wildcats lost 40-34 in double overtime to Peachtree Ridge last week, they show considerable moxie in a second-half comeback. Down 21-0 at halftime, they outscored Peachtree Ridge 27-6 over the final two quarters to force OT. There were no shortage of offensive stars for Duluth in that loss. Quarterback Marion Luckett completed 15 of 29 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed for
cobbcountycourier.com
KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig, trustees, and alumni recognized in Georgia 500
[This article and photo first appeared on the Kennesaw State University website, republished with permission]. Kennesaw State University’s impact across Georgia is reflected in Georgia Trend magazine’s 2026 edition of the Georgia 500, an annual compilation of the state’s most influential business, education, community and political leaders. President Kathy S. Schwaig heads a distinguished group of KSU-affiliated leaders included on this year’s list.
Gwinnett Daily Post
Brookwood chasing region title, win over Peachtree Ridge
With a little help in northern Gwinnett and a win Friday over Peachtree Ridge, Brookwood can win its first region football title since 2021. The Broncos have to avoid an upset by Peachtree Ridge first and foremost, then hope for North Gwinnett to topple Parkview in Suwanee. If Parkview beats North, Parkview would be the region champion. Both Peachtree Ridge (No. 15 in the Georgia High School Association’s PSR Power Rankings) and Brookwood (No. 5 in PSR) are firmly in the top 32 for state playoff berths, but Friday’s results will impact their seedings and first-round opponents. Brookwood returned from a rare two-week bye last Friday with a 53-0 win over Berkmar. Plenty of Broncos got game action and the regulars played sparingly, but both Brayden Tyson (five rushes, 102 yards, three touchdowns) and Michael Johnso (four rushes, 104 yards, TD) made the most their limited touches. Tyson went over 1,000 yards in the win (1,098) and is up to 15 TD runs on the season. It’s been a shaky three-game stretch for previously unbeaten Peachtree Ridge, which lost to Norcross and North Gwinnett before last week’s win over Duluth. The Lions jumped out to a 21-0 halftime lead on