Region 8 would’ve had nine teams with Gainesville, allowing for only one nonregion opponent in football, which could be a disadvantage in the GHSA’s postseason rankings.

Three teams in the Class 5A playoffs will have a bye this week as Gainesville and Hughes meet to determine the fourth team in the semifinal round.

Here is a preview — including predictions and historical information — of every semifinal matchup in Class A Division I.

AJC Varsity’s preview — including predictions and historical information — of every semifinal matchup in Class 2A.

Kaiden Prothro — an AJC Super 11 pick and Georgia commit — caught four touchdown passes in Bowdon’s 49-22 victory over Jenkins County in the Class A Division II quarterfinal.

Carrollton has chance to take the top spot.

Franklin Stephens’ team lost 52-14 to Carver in last year’s championship game.

While the Maxwell Ratings reflect team strength, the simulation highlights the impact of the season’s structure as defined by games, region alignments and playoff brackets.

Until 2003, GHSA overtimes that remained tied were decided by which team had penetrated farthest into the opponent's territory after two five-minute halves.

It’s debatable that the Gainesville players were victims of injustice. And the tactics that Gainesville officials used involved flawed logic and searches for loopholes.