Athens Christian (Georgia) forfeits first round GHSA football playoff game

The Eagles said the decision was based in the best interest of safety for their players

The Athens Christian Eagles have opted to not take part in the Georgia High School Association's (GHSA) postseason on Friday night against Prince Avenue Christian in the Class A, Division I first round opener. 

According to the Athens Banner-Herald's Sara Tidwell, Athens Christian football elected to pull out of the GHSA playoffs and forfeit to Prince Avenue Christian. The Eagles finished the season 0-10 and were out-scored 507-42. 

Per Tidwell's report, Athens Christian athletic director Heath Kennedy cited reasons for pulling out of the playoff game due to being in the best interest of safety for the players. 

"In 20 years of coaching, I am confident I learned more about how these kids responded to adversity this year than in my previous experience," Kennedy said in the report. 

Prince Avenue Christian is coming off a 9-1 season and won the Class A, Division I state championship in 2022. The Wolverines are led offensively by Georgia Tech commit Aaron Philo, who has thrown for 3,131 yards and 43 touchdowns, at quarterback.

(Photo courtesy of Athens Christian)

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl