The highly anticipated postseason matchup between the Gainesville Red Elephants and the Langston Hughes Panthers is set for Friday night. This quarterfinal clash in the 2025 GHSA Class 5A football playoff comes after delays due to recent controversies involving both teams.
Matchup Overview
Gainesville will visit Langston Hughes for a face-off that promises to be thrilling. Both teams have demonstrated exceptional skill and talent this season. The game will be broadcast live on Atlanta News First and the Peachtree Sports Network.
Previous Encounters
These two teams previously met in the 2022 Class 6A state championship, where Langston Hughes emerged victorious with a score of 35-28. That match marked a significant achievement for Hughes, as it secured their first state championship title.
Team Performance
Gainesville Red Elephants
- Record: 10-2
- Head Coach: Josh Niblett (Fourth season, 43-8 record)
- Key Players:
- Kharim Hughley – Quarterback, 2,203 passing yards, 28 touchdowns
- Nigel Newkirk – Running Back, 1,425 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns
- Philip Williams – Receiver, 612 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns
- Defensive Highlights:
- Xavier Griffin – First-team player, 78 total tackles
- Jamarion Matthews – 19 tackles for loss
- Darryn Williams – 5 interceptions
Langston Hughes Panthers
- Record: 12-0
- Head Coach: Andrico Hines (First season)
- Key Players:
- Darnell Kelly – Quarterback, 1,972 passing yards, 25 touchdowns
- Carsyn Baker – Running Back, essential to offensive dynamics
- Qwantavius Wiggins – Wisconsin-commit, 1,663 combined yards
- Defensive Highlights:
- Russell Simpson – 72 total tackles
- Anthony Jones and Kijon Brown-Braxton – Combined for 28.5 tackles for loss
Game Details
The matchup is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Pre-game coverage will begin at 7 p.m., featuring expert analysis and team previews. After the game, the Georgia High School Postgame Show will provide in-depth analysis and highlights.
Fans can access the Atlanta News First app on various streaming platforms for live coverage of the game. The excitement surrounding this quarterfinal clash is palpable, with both teams looking to secure a position in the semifinals of the 2025 GHSA Class 5A postseason.
