The possible heat-related deaths of two high school football players in August aren’t likely to spark a later start to the football season, a top state official said Wednesday.

Ralph Swearngin, executive director of the Georgia High School Association, told the State Board of Education that a one- or two-week delay might be considered if there were evidence it could help.

But that wouldn’t mean more than a 1- to 2-degree break in temperature, Swearngin said.

And it could mean that schools would be playing fewer games and bringing in less revenue, he said.

His statement came in response to a state board member’s question about a possible change in the football season’s start date.

High school football players from Locust Grove and Fitzgerald died. Previously, there had not been any heat-related deaths of high school football players in Georgia in five years.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com