Brooks County coach Maurice Freeman joined an elite group of Georgians on Friday when he won the 250th game of his career.

Brooks became the 31st coach to reach the milestone. Ony 15 Georgia coaches have won 300 games.

Freeman’s team defeated Rabun County 39-13 in the third round of the Class A Division I championship and advanced to the semifinals this week against Swainsboro.

Freeman began his career as a head coach at Brooks County in 1994 and won a state championship his rookie season, beating Manchester in the title game. He remained at Brooks County through 1997 before spending time at Southwest Macon (1998-2001) and Brunswick (2002-09) before returning to Brooks County in 2008. He added a second state championship in 2021, beating longtime rival Irwin County for the championship.

During his time at Brooks County, Freeman’s record is 196-61 with six region championships and two state titles.

Telfair County, Bryan County make history

Telfair County and Bryan County both advanced to the semifinal round of the state championships for the first time.

Telfair County, which began playing football in 1967, defeated Macon County 38-14 in the Class A Division II playoffs. The Trojans (10-2) are coached by Matt Burleson and have won three straight in the playoffs since losing their final two regular-season games.

Bryan County, which began playing football in 1976, defeated Commerce 24-16 in the Class A Division I playoffs. The Redskins (12-1) are coached by Cherard Freeman and suffered their only loss on Sept. 22 at Telfair County.

Five No. 1 teams survive

Five of the GPB’s No. 1-ranked teams have advanced to the semifinal round: 5A Cartersville, 4A Benedictine, 3A Calvary Day, Class A Division I Prince Avenue Christian and Class A Division II Schley County.

Eliminated in the third round were Class 7A Mill Creek and Class 6A Gainesville.  Class 2A No. 1 Thomson was beaten in the second round.