The Georgia High Association announced Tuesday morning that they will extend the regular season one week.
It comes in the wake of Hurricane Helene's damage that forced several high school football games to postpone regular season games indefinitely.
"As a result of the severe damage in several areas of the State, the GHSA has decided to change the original football playoff schedule by adding a week to the regular season," the statement said. "Currently, the last Friday of the regular season is November 1st. This will change to Friday, November 8th. The opening round of the state playoffs, originally slated for November 8th, will be pushed back to Friday and Saturday, November 15th and 16th. Therefore, the bye week originally scheduled for November 29th will now be replaced by the quarterfinal round of the playoffs. The semi-finals and championship dates will NOT change."
The move will allow make-up games. Schools that were able to reschedule games from last week and make the playoffs will now have an off week before the first round begins.
"Schools affected by Hurricane Helene for two or more weeks may still have to double up and play a Thursday, Tuesday, and Saturday sequence," the statement said. "Regions will determine these scenarios with approval from the GHSA. Associate Director of Football, Jay Russell, will communicate directly with athletic directors, coaches, and principals."
The GHSA also said they'll release other fall sports schedule changes later this week.
In the AccessWDUN coverage area, most of the 18 Week 7 games were completed on Wednesday and Saturday. However, two games were played on Monday. Cherokee Bluff and Oconee County will make up their game on October 16. Lanier Christian and Skipstone Academy are set to play on October 11, and the Dixie, SC-Towns County game was canceled.
According to Georgia High School Football Daily, 45 games are postponed with no makeup date, and close to 20 are postponed indefinitely.
UPDATED GHSA FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
November 1: Original last Friday of the regular season
November 8: New last Friday of the regular season. Make-up games for hurricane-impacted schools.
November 15 and 16: First round
November 22: Second round
November 29: Quarterfinals
December 6: Semi-Finals
December 16-18: Finals at Mercedes Benz
http://accesswdun.com/article/2024/10/1265130/football-ghsa-extends-regular-season-to-nov-8