Appling County High School will forfeit 10 games from the 2024 football season after the school lost its final appeal to the GHSA last week, leaving its record for the year at 0-14.  Before the ruling, the Pirates 2024 record was 10-4.  Last season, the team had an impressive run, reaching the semifinals and winning the region title, which will now be awarded to Pierce County. This gives the Bears their ninth region title, marking their second consecutive win.

For the Pirates, this is a significant setback in what had been a promising stretch, having reached the quarterfinals in four of the past five seasons. The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) revealed that Appling County played last season with an ineligible player, although the specific details behind the violation remain undisclosed.