Podcast
Football Fridays in Georgia
Hosted by Georgia Public Broadcasting · EN
Hosts Jon Nelson and Hannah Goodin of GPB Sports share highlights of high school football games from around Georgia. They also share stories from players, coaches, play-by-play announcers, and other people who live and breathe Georgia high school football.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How Thomas County Central Stays Hungry After Winning It All
5d ago00:20:32Tap to summarizeThomas County Central head coach Justin Rogers joins the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast to reflect on the Yellow Jackets’ undefeated championship season, the challenge of replacing record-setting seniors, and the pressure that comes with sustained success. We also talk spring football, power rankings, South Georgia rivalries, the Hype Squad, and why winning never gets easier.
Transcribe →The Power of Social Media in High School Football Recruiting
3w ago00:22:02Tap to summarizeThis episode of the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast highlights the impact of the “Make That Kid an Offer” segment and the evolving world of high school football recruiting. Southwest DeKalb head coach Marion Bell joins the show to discuss Aaron Barber’s rise from an overlooked defensive lineman to a Kentucky State signee, along with the growing role of social media, NIL, academics, and the transfer portal in recruiting student-athletes across Georgia.
Transcribe →Inside North Oconee’s title run and the growth of flag football
Apr 2700:26:27Tap to summarizeFlag football is growing fast across Georgia, and North Oconee is leading the way. The Titans cap their season with a state championship and a national top-five ranking. Head coach Nicole O’Mara joins the show to talk about building a program, growing the sport, and what comes next.
Transcribe →Coaching Carousel 2026: 89 Changes and What They Mean
Apr 1400:23:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode, you get a breakdown of the massive Georgia high school football coaching carousel with 89 changes across the state. Jon Nelson and Hannah Goodin sit down with new Rockmart head coach Rich Fendley to discuss his move, reclassification challenges, and expectations in Class AAA. We also highlight key hires, major program shifts, and what this unprecedented offseason means for the future of Georgia football.
Transcribe →Hoops Edition - Butler Bulldogs: From Hunter to Hunted
Mar 1300:13:33Tap to summarizeButler High School basketball head coach Chaz Clark joins the Hoops Edition of the podcast to discuss the Bulldogs’ breakthrough state championship and their pursuit of another title. Coach Clark explains how Butler built one of the best defensive teams in Georgia and what changed when the program went from hunter to hunted. Hear how the Augusta program developed a winning culture and prepares for another run at the top.
Transcribe →Hoops Edition - Georgia High School Basketball Championship Preview
Mar 900:27:01Tap to summarizeThe GHSA basketball championships are just around the corner, and Jon Nelson takes you inside the action heading to Macon. Legendary Hebron Christian coach Jan Azar joins us to talk about leadership, building a team culture, and chasing another state title. Plus, 13WMAZ sports reporters Cecily Stoute and Sami Kostas preview the Middle Georgia teams and the electric atmospheres fans can expect during championship week.
Transcribe →Buford Head Coach Bryant Appling on a Perfect 15–0 Season and National Championship
Feb 2300:15:32Tap to summarizeBuford head coach Bryant Appling joins the show to reflect on the Wolves’ 15–0 season, the GHSA 6A state championship, and the team's national title recognition. He shares how senior leadership shaped the playoff run, how recruiting has shifted in the NIL and transfer portal era, and what comes next as Buford prepares for a new season. If you follow Georgia high school football, this is an inside look at sustaining excellence at the highest classification.
Transcribe →How the Transfer Portal Changed High School Football Recruiting Forever
Feb 1000:32:39Tap to summarizeNational Signing Day has changed, and February is now one of the most misunderstood moments in the recruiting calendar. In this offseason episode, we examine how the early signing period, the transfer portal, and NIL have reshaped opportunities for high school players across the state. You hear candid insight from analysts and coaches on why patience matters, how smaller programs function as farm systems, and what families should consider before rushing to sign.
Transcribe →2025 Georgia High School Football Championships All-Stars Breakdown
Dec 1901:10:34Tap to summarizeThe Football Fridays in Georgia Podcast wraps up the GHSA state championships with an All-Stars edition featuring journalists and broadcasters from across the state. Jon Nelson and Niki Noto Palmer break down dominant performances, unforgettable finishes, and what this championship class says about Georgia high school football. From Buford’s national title case to flag football’s rise, this episode captures the full scope of championship week.
Transcribe →Rome Hosts Gainesville, Buford vs. Carrollton, and State Final Previews
Dec 800:51:53Tap to summarizeOn this penultimate Football Fridays in Georgia podcast, you join the crew as they preview a packed week of GHSA high school football, from the Gainesville vs. Rome 5A semifinal at Barron Stadium to the Buford vs. Carrollton clash for the 6A state title. Gainesville head coach Josh Niblett and Rome head coach John Reid share how their teams handled an unusual playoff delay, how they build program culture from second grade through varsity, and what it takes to survive a schedule full of state contenders.
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