State finals preview: Faith, family, football; Gainesville is in good hands

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Gainesville head coach Josh Niblett is all about family. 

The first-year Gainesville coach has built the Red Elephants into a state title contender with his four pillars to success: making good choices, being a great student, hard work and football.  

"If it's all about football, you're not going to make it," Josh Niblett said. "What happens if you don't get a football scholarship? What happens when football ends for you? What's your family going to depend on? So now [when football is over], it becomes about commitment and responsibility."

Coach Niblett's son, Sky, has seen the change in his teammates.

"When my dad came in, he changed the whole culture," Sky said. "I don't think they realize how it changed them, but you could see it day by day."

Gainesville will play Hughes in the Class 6A state championship game on Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and can be heard live on AM 550 and FM 102.9 WDUN. 

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