Photos: Gainesville defeats Rome in 5A semifinal

Sports

Photos: Gainesville defeats Rome in 5A semifinal

The Gainesville Red Elephants clinched a state championship berth with a win over Rome.

Gainesville running back Dwight Lewis (23) runs for his first touchdown during the first half against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. Gainesville won 37-6. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Rome quarterback Aidan McPherson (3) is tackled by Gainesville defensive end Kadin Fossung (3) and linebacker Timothy Cole (40) during the first half in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. Gainesville won 37-6. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Rome quarterback Aidan McPherson (3) is tackled by Gainesville defensive end Kadin Fossung (3) and linebacker Timothy Cole (40) during the first half in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. Gainesville won 37-6. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville head coach Josh Niblett celebrates with Gainesville players after their 37-6 win against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville offensive lineman Bryson Hurt (71), offensive lineman Carter Mathis and quarterback Kharim Hughley (9) celebrate their 37-6 win against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville head coach Josh Niblett celebrates with Gainesville defensive end Jamarion Matthews (11) and others after their 37-6 win against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville defensive end Jamarion Matthews (11) and others celebrate after their 37-6 win against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville linebacker Xavier Griffin (8) and Gainesville wide receiver Philip Williams (2) celebrate their 37-6 win against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville head coach Josh Niblett greets Rome head coach John Reid after Gainesville’s 37-6 win against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville’s Marshall Leonard (1) and Colin Luke (14) celebrate during the closing minutes of their 37-6 win against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville offensive lineman Carter Mathis (57) reacts during the start of the fourth quarter during their 37-6 win against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville running back Dwight Lewis (23) runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville quarterback Kharim Hughley (9) looks to pass during the third quarter against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Rome head coach John Reid is shown on the sideline during their loss to Gainesville in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville quarterback Kharim Hughley (9) looks to pass during the third quarter against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville head coach Josh Niblett talks to an official during their game against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville defensive lineman Marshall Leonard (1) celebrates with linebackers Darryn Williams (6) and Xavier Griffin (8) after a tackle by Leonard during the first half against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Rome quarterback Aidan McPherson (3) is tackled by Gainesville defensive back Zachary Ingram (21) during the first half in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville linebacker Xavier Griffin (8) pressures Rome quarterback Aidan McPherson (3) during the first half in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville wide receiver Philip Williams (2) leaps as he returns a punt against Rome linebacker Jeremy Ragland (7) during the first half in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville wide receiver Cameron James (5) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville wide receiver Cameron James (5) scores a touchdown during the first half against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville wide receiver Cameron James (5) runs against Rome linebacker Jeremy Ragland (7) for a touchdown after a reception by James during the first half in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville quarterback Kharim Hughley (9) throws for a touchdown against Rome defensive lineman Dash Kinnebrew (5) during the first half in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville head coach Josh Niblett calls a play during the first half against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Rome quarterback Aidan McPherson (3) attempts a pass during the first half against Gainesville in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville running back Dwight Lewis (23) rushes for his first touchdown during the first half against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Rome quarterback Aidan McPherson (3) is tackled by Gainesville linebacker Darryn Williams (6) during the first half in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville running back Dwight Lewis (23) rushes for his first touchdown during the first half against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville quarterback Kharim Hughley (9) hands the ball off to Gainesville running back Dwight Lewis (23) during the first half against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville wide receiver Philip Williams (2) reacts after making a catch against Rome defensive back Shaun Worfford (17) during the first half in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville running back Nigel Newkirk (1) is treated to by trainers and staff after Newkirk was injured during the first half against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville wide receiver Philip Williams (2) makes a diving catch against Rome defensive back Shaun Worfford (17) during the first half in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville head coach Josh Niblett walks through players during warm-ups before their game against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Gainesville linebacker Xavier Griffin (8) warms up before their game against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Rome head coach John Reid talks with Gainesville head coach Josh Niblett before their game in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. (Jason Getz / AJC)

1/36

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Gainesville running back Dwight Lewis (23) runs for his first touchdown during the first half against Rome in the GHSA 5A semi-final playoff game at Barron Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Rome, Ga. Gainesville won 37-6. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Today's Gallery Headlines

Falcons Buccaneers Football

PHOTOS: Falcons defeat Buccaneers at the buzzer

Georgia state Capitol Christmas tree

PHOTOS: Capitol lights up for Christmas holidays

Atlanta Falcons vs Seattle Seahawks

PHOTOS: Falcons fall again Sunday, this time to Seahawks

aajc 120625 seccg photo assignment

PHOTOS: Georgia crushes Alabama to win SEC championship

More Galleries

Alabama vs. UGA in the SEC championship game

PHOTOS: Georgia prepares for SEC Championship Game

aajc 120525 kell at creekside

Photos: Creekside tops Kell in GHSA semifinal

aajc 120625 gainesville at hughes

Photos: Gainesville takes down top-ranked Hughes in GHSA playoffs

APTOPIX WCup Draw Soccer

Photos: 2026 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.