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AHSAA Places Pell City Football on Probation, Suspends Coach

5/21/2026

Summary

Pell City Penalized

AHSAA fined Pell City High School and placed its varsity football program on restrictive probation for a recruiting violation.
The school suspended head coach Jake Ganus for 2026-2027, barred the team from the 2026 postseason, and excluded its games from standings.
Students who broke the rule are ineligible at Pell City but may play in districts.
Pell City must appear before the AHSAA Central Board of Control on July 29, 2026.

Summary

Golson Suspended

Mobile County Public Schools placed Coach Zach Golson on administrative leave after the violation was reported.
Mary G. Montgomery High School self-reported the April signing ceremony enrolled eighth-graders outside the zone.
Golson compiled a 37-win record and was named Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 7A Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2023.
Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Executive Director Heath Harmon said the association appreciates the investigation and reporting.

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Pell City Penalized

AHSAA fined Pell City High School and placed its varsity football program on restrictive probation for a recruiting violation.
The school suspended head coach Jake Ganus for 2026-2027, barred the team from the 2026 postseason, and excluded its games from standings.
Students who broke the rule are ineligible at Pell City but may play in districts.
Pell City must appear before the AHSAA Central Board of Control on July 29, 2026.

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