Explore every episode of the podcast Football Fridays in Georgia

Many teams across Georgia travel 250 miles or more to play road games. As a coach, how do you deal with five-hour road trips? On this episode of the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast, Jon Nelson is joined by Valdosta Head Coach Shelton Felton and Toombs County Head Coach Buddy Martin to discuss how their teams win on the road. 

 

 

In this episode, we sit down with John Koon, a veteran play-by-play announcer (and mayor of Soperton, Georgia!) With nearly 43 years of broadcasting experience, John shares his unique journey, from his early days at Treutlen High School to becoming the voice of the Vidalia Indians. Discover the highs and lows of calling games, the evolution of high school sports, and the passion that drives him. Tune in for wild football tales, insights into game day preparations, and the secrets behind crafting a captivating broadcast. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a budding broadcaster, this episode is packed with inspiration and wisdom straight from the heart of Georgia's football fields.

On the "Football Fridays in Georgia" podcast, hosts Hannah Goodin and Jon Nelson dive into the playoff picture with Todd Holcomb of the Georgia High School Football Daily newsletter. This jam-packed show continues with Thomasville Bulldogs head football coach, Zach Grage. He looks at his match-up with Westside-Augusta, the Class AA bracket across the board, and what Football Fridays mean to Thomasville.

On the "Football Fridays in Georgia" podcast, hosts Hannah Goodin and Jon Nelson talk with Dean Fabrizio, the head football coach at Lee County High School in Leesburg. Fabrizio discusses his recent big win over Valdosta, his time coaching in Leesburg, and what this season has been like for his staff and players as the top-ranked team in 6A.

Hosts Hannah Goodin and Jon Nelson catch up with WJCL-TV sports director Frank Sulkowski. He gives his thoughts on a wild high school football season on the Georgia coast.

This week on the "Football Fridays in Georgia" podcast, hosts Hannah Goodin and Jon Nelson catch up with Tucker Pruitt, the head football coach of Fitzgerald High School's Purple Hurricane. They discuss one of the toughest regions in the state, and what football means to Fitzgerald.

Hosts Hannah Goodin and Jon Nelson catch you up on the headlines around the state and are joined by Jason Strickland, the head football coach of the Ware County Gators. He talks about the big win last week against Coffee, what it's like coaching in 2020, and what his team means to the surrounding community.

Hosts Hannah Goodin and Jon Nelson catch up with the head coach of the Crisp County Cougars, Brad Harber. They talk about having one of the toughest defenses in the state, what this season has been like for him, and just how many sodas he has in his fridge at any given time.

Hosts Hannah Goodin and Jon Nelson catch up with Lowndes High School head football coach Jamey DuBose. Hannah and Jon also look back at Week 5 in the 2020 GHSA high school football season and preview this week.

Hosts Hannah Goodin and Jon Nelson check in with Justin Rogers, the head coach of the Colquitt County Packers. Coach Rogers breaks down the season to date, and he discusses all the challenges the Packers have had dealing with COVID-19 in southwest Georgia. They also face a big game this week against Northside Warner Robins.

Hosts Hannah Goodin and Jon Nelson catch up with Flint Media's and Early County football coach Jay Palmer. He reflects on the passing of his father, Tommy Palmer, who was a fixture on Football Fridays in Georgia. Jay also discusses what he's seen so far this season with high school football in southwest Georgia.

For the first weekly "Football Fridays in Georgia" podcast for the 2020 GHSA football season, Jon Nelson and Hannah Goodin welcome Robin Hines, the executive director of the Georgia High School Association. He looks at the wildest off-season in Georgia high school football history, how the sport has grown to where the state is a top-3 for football talent for the next level, and what he's looking forward to in the 2020 season.

In this episode of the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast, hosts Hannah Goodin and Jon Nelson dive into the significance of high school football camps. They discuss how these camps help players and coaching staffs refine their skills, foster team bonding, and build competitive spirit ahead of the regular season. Special guest Roswell Head Coach Chris Prewett explains the value of camps, from preparing athletes for unexpected situations to building camaraderie among teammates. This heartfelt episode also touches on Roswell High School's annual 7-on-7 tournament, which honors the legacy of former quarterback Robbie Roper, who tragically died in 2021.

Tommy Palmer, one of the hosts of the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast, has died after battling cancer. He was known as one of the preeminent voices of high school football in the state of Georgia for decades. GPB's Jon Nelson re-visits his conversation with Tommy from a few months ago. They talked about his incredible legacy, and his love for high school football.

Roughly 15-percent of high school football teams in Georgia aren’t starting the first week of September as administrators monitor COVID-19 and its impact. What happens today may be different tomorrow, and Directors of Athletics at multiple levels are having to be flexible with their plans for having a year with as many games on the schedule as possible. Hosts Tommy Palmer and Jon Nelson look at the challenges schools are facing with their 2020 high school football schedules.

Hosts Jon Nelson and Tommy Palmer tour the state for the most recent headlines, and they hear from coaches about how they're handling the new normal. They also discuss an addition to Championship weekend.

Hosts Jon Nelson and Tommy Palmer discuss the latest steps to bring back high school football amid the pandemic. Then, Tommy, who is battling cancer, explains his decision to step back from hosting his statewide Friday night scoreboard show. Tommy also reminisces about the sport he loves covering all year long.

GPB's Jon Nelson, Hannah Goodin, and Matt Stewart weigh in on Rush Propst new role as the head football coach at Valdosta High School...they discuss an up and coming sport on the high school scene...and they evaluate how covid-19 is shaping athletics in the state.

Host Jon Nelson talks with Steven Craft, the athletic director of Fulton County Schools. They discuss the academic and athletic challenges of the coronavirus. Plus, we get an update on former Colquitt County High School head coach Rush Propst.

GPB's Jon Nelson, Tommy Palmer, and Matt Stewart breakdown National Signing Day. They discuss where the top unsigned Georgia high school football prospects are headed.

The life of Irwin County Head Football Coach Buddy Nobles was celebrated in Ocilla this past weekend. Nobles died after a battle with cancer. Hosts Tommy Palmer and Jon Nelson looked back on his legacy with two of Irwin County's high school football voices: Andy Paulk and Kelly Wynn.

With the high school football season done for 2019, the GPB Sports team puts a bow on the championship playoffs.

It's the last eight games of Georgia's high school football season. The GPB Sports crew breaks it all down ahead of the championship.

In this episode, host Hannah Goodin delves into the world of high school football recruiting through the eyes of Amy Hecklinski, mother of 2023 GPB Offensive Player of the Year Jeremy Hecklinski. Amy discusses the unique challenges and triumphs of raising a scholarship-level athlete, offering insights into the intense pressures, critical decisions, and pivotal moments that come with guiding a young athlete from high school to college football. Learn about the sacrifices, support, and values that shape a future football star, along with the role that family plays in nurturing talent. Whether you're a parent, coach, or sports enthusiast, this episode provides a compelling look at the journey from Friday night lights to the collegiate gridiron. Tune in for an inspiring and honest conversation about football, family, and the road to success.

There's one week to go until the Georgia High School Association finals at Georgia State University. The GPB Sports team sets up the semi-final games.

Round 2 of the 2019 playoffs saw defending champs fall, and the playoffs set up championship-sized quarter final matches. The GPB Sports team breaks it down.

Round 1 of the 2019 playoffs had its surprises, and also a lot of big numbers put on the score board. The GPB Sports team weighs in on the big highlights.

It's the opening round of the 2019 playoffs. Todd Holcomb of the Georgia High School Football Daily joins the GPB Sports team with his thoughts on the first week of games.

It's the last week of the regular season, and playoff rankings, seedings, and positions are hanging in the balance.

Some regions now have champs. Some regions are taking shape. Some regions are in the blender. With two weeks left of the regular season, the GPB Sports team weighs in on how high school football teams across the state are doing.

Everyone is in region play, and the GPB Sports team breaks down the chase for the top spots as the playoffs come closer.

Time for the Region Round-Robin! The GPB Sports team talks about where the top teams across the state are playing each other to determine the top seeds come playoff time.

Last week, there were some dominating performances from teams like the Lowndes Vikings, Camden County Wildcats, and Dacula Falcons. As everyone finally gets into region play, the GPB Sports Team talks about the week that was and the week that will be in high school football.

Last week, the GPB Sports team reported from Tom Riden Stadium in Buford, where the Buford Wolves defeated the Archer Tigers, 29-28. Tommy Palmer, Jon Nelson, and Hannah Goodin share their takeaways from other matches across the state, and they look ahead at other upcoming games.

In this episode of the Football Fridays in Georgia podcast, Jon Nelson and Hannah Goodin discuss the exciting world of high school football coaching transitions. They catch up with head coaches Maurice Freeman, Jeff Littleton, and Kurt Williams as they embark on new journeys and face new challenges. 

Last Friday, the GPB Sports team wrapped up its first live game of the season on GPB-TV that was between the Milton Eagles and the Roswell Hornets. The Eagles beat the Hornet with a score of 16-to-12. GPB's Jon Nelson, Tommy Palmer, and Hannah Goodin recap that game, and they preview the week ahead.

The GPB Sports crew weighs in on games of the last week, including the nail-biting match between Valdosta and Colquitt County.

GPB's Jon Nelson, Tom Palmer, and Hannah Goodin discuss some surprises last week involving highly ranked Georgia high school football teams.

On the Labor Day week edition of the Football Fridays in Georgia Podcast, hosts Tommy Palmer and Jon Nelson discuss an emotional evening in Irwin County, regional matchups around the state, and what to anticipate in the week ahead.

GPB's Jon Nelson, Tommy Palmer, and Hannah Goodin share highlights from the first week of the high football season, and they look forward to the first full week of the 2019 schedule.

It's the beginning of the sprint to a football championship in the eight classifications in Georgia high school football. In this season's first episode of the podcast, GPB's Tommy Palmer, Jon Nelson, and Hannah Goodwin look at what's new, what's not, and what to expect.

Rachel Webber is the "football mamma" for Pike County High School's football team. In addition to being a middle school teacher in Zebulon, she is the wife of Pike County pirates head coach Brad Webber. That makes her the team’s football mamma. She talks with host Jon Nelson about the special role she plays in the lives of the players.

Back in 2015, Southern University football player Devon Gales was left paralyzed after an injury on the field during a game against the University of Georgia. He's now back on the football field as a coach at Jefferson High School. Hosts Jon Nelson and Tommy Palmer talk about Devon's return to football with John Jackson, the superintendent of Jefferson City Schools.

GPB’s Jon Nelson talks with former Grayson High School football coach Christian Hunnicutt, who recently took over as head coach at Villa Rica High School.

Earlier this year, high school football in Georgia lost one of its voices when Northside Eagles play-by-play announcer Mike Davis lost his fight to cancer. GPB’s Jon Nelson and Tommy Palmer talk with one of Davis’ friends - retiring Warner Robins High School play-by-play announcer, Tom Mobley. He shares what Mike Davis means to central Georgia. Mobley also reflects on his own career.

Hannah Goodin delves into the world of high school football officiating with special guest James Arnold. With 38 years of officiating experience under his belt, James offers a unique perspective on what it takes to be a football official in Georgia. From handling pressure-packed moments on the field to navigating video review protocols, James shares invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of officiating. Discover how officials are trained, evaluated, and constantly striving to improve, all while ensuring the integrity of the game. Gain a deeper understanding of the crucial role officials play in high school sports and learn how you can support them for a better game-day experience for everyone involved. 

In 2016, Terrell Academy place kicker Jenna Cuff became the first female to be placed on the Georgia Independent Schools Association all-state football team. Now a senior at Terrell Academy, Jenna talks with host Jon Nelson about her love for the sport. Jon also checks with her head coach, Bill Murdock.

This year, the National Federation of High Schools approved the use of instant replay for member associations in state high school playoff football games. This is the first time that’s happened, and it could change the way state playoff games are officiated. GPB's Matt Stewart gets reaction from Robin Hines, the executive director of the Georgia High School Association.

Hosts Jon Nelson and Tommy Palmer talk about some of the latest high school football coaching changes across the state.