GEORGIA – News broke on Tuesday that the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) is moving back its playoff schedule one week due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. 

This means that regular season play will last a 13th week, one week past the 12-week schedule. Schools that have completed games without any interruptions that are advancing to the postseason will receive a bye week.

GHSA officials were reportedly considering the move over the last few days.

Below is the new playoff schedule for high school football going forward:

Nov. 8: New last Friday of the regular season, changed from Nov. 1. Make-up games for hurricane-impacted schools.

Nov. 15-16: Round One of the playoffs. Changed from Nov. 8.

Nov. 22: Round Two of the playoffs.

Nov. 29: Quarter Finals. Was formerly a bye week.

Dec. 6: Semi-Finals

Dec.16-18: Finals at Mercedes Benz

When looking at how this may affect Newton County teams, the Newton Rams may play in the added week 13 of the regular season.

The Newton Rams were originally supposed to face the Grayson Rams at Sharp Stadium on Friday, Sept. 27, but the game was postponed due to Hurricane Helene.

The game was then moved to Monday, Sept. 30, but was ultimately postponed again due to the lingering smoke effects following the BioLab fire in Conyers the day before.

With the additional week in the regular season, it is possible that both teams may use this date to play their contest, though this has not been outright confirmed.

It is unlikely that Alcovy, Eastside or Social Circle will be affected, as all three teams have made up their games that were postponed due to Hurricane Helene.

The GHSA said associate director of Football, Jay Russell, will communicate directly with athletic directors, coaches and principals.

Other fall sports schedule changes are set to be released later this week, according to the GHSA.