ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia High School Association ordered the two football teams involved in a pre-game brawl that led to the game’s cancelation to forfeit the game.
The Rockdale County School District, which announced the GHSA’s decision on Sept. 4, said it’s implementing changes in wake of the fight.
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The canceled game between Heritage High School and Rockdale County High School on Aug. 28 will also be counted as a loss by both teams, the GHSA announced.
The decision includes suspensions for 39 student-athletes and both head coaches.
Under the disciplinary sanctions issued by the GHSA, 11 student-athletes from Heritage High School and 28 student-athletes from Rockdale County High School are suspended from their next scheduled varsity football games.
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As reported by Channel 2 Action News on Thursday, both head football coaches received one-game suspensions.
Before returning to athletic competition, all suspended student-athletes must complete the National Federation of State High School Associations Sportsmanship Course and submit proof of completion to the GHSA.
Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Johnson addressed the ruling in a statement:
“Rockdale County Public Schools holds all student-athletes, coaches, employees and spectators to the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect and personal conduct. We are deeply disappointed by the events that occurred. We respect the role of the GHSA as the governing authority for high school athletics. Our focus remains on accountability, learning from this incident and ensuring that our athletic programs reflect the values of our school district and community.”
— Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Johnson
District officials noted that the sanctions were issued directly by the governing body and that RCPS, as a member organization, is required to follow GHSA enforcement decisions.
In response to the incident, Rockdale County Public Schools conducted an internal review and announced several safety and oversight measures.
The district said corrective actions will include adjusting start times for intercounty games, holding enhanced safety meetings with administrators, athletic directors, coaches, safety personnel and law enforcement, establishing strict pregame supervision protocols and requiring both schools to share financial responsibility for the cancelation of game officials.
Rockdale County Public Schools retains the option to appeal the ruling through the process outlined in the GHSA Constitution. Any final financial penalties associated with the incident remain pending the outcome of the appeal process.
The state association cited provisions from its 2026-2027 Constitution and Bylaws governing sportsmanship expectations, conduct unbecoming of coaches or school personnel and prohibitions against fighting, taunting and unsportsmanlike behavior.
The conflict between the two Rockdale County teams wasn’t the only fight that broke out during Friday night’s games.
Five people were arrested after a fight broke out during the East Coweta High School versus Newnan High School football game. A stolen gun was found on the ground after the fight.
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