Griffin, Georgia – The 2026 season brings a new level of excitement and expectations for the Griffin Bears as they look to build on the success established during the 2025 campaign. Under first year head coach Bernard Goodrum, Griffin quickly transformed into one of the more competitive teams in the region, putting themselves in position to compete for a region championship and a coveted playoff berth. Now entering year two of the Goodrum era, the foundation has been laid, and the Bears appear hungry for even more.
One thing that immediately stands out about this Griffin squad is the amount of young talent throughout the roster. While the team may still be developing in certain areas, the upside is undeniable. Leading the charge is rising junior quarterback KJ Johnson, who already established himself as one of the top young signal callers in the region after earning All-Region honors last season. Watching Johnson during spring practice, he looks stronger, quicker, and far more confident commanding the offense. His leadership continues to grow, and his ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket gives Griffin a dangerous weapon heading into 2026. With another offseason under his belt and more experience in the system, Johnson looks poised to take another major leap this year.
While the offense continues to develop, Coach Goodrum also made sure to strengthen the defensive side of the ball during the offseason. One of the biggest additions came when Griffin hired former Sandy Creek defensive backs coach Sidarius Gotell as the Bear’s new defensive coordinator. When asked about the decision to bring Gotell onto the staff, Coach Goodrum kept his answer simple and direct: “I felt he was ready.” That confidence speaks volumes considering Gotell’s background and experience. Coming from a championship caliber program like Sandy Creek, he brings valuable knowledge, energy, and a winning mentality to Griffin. His experience being part of successful locker rooms could prove to be a major asset as the Bears continue trying to elevate their program.
Following practice, Gotell expressed gratitude for the opportunity and appreciation toward the administration for believing in him. He also made it clear how excited he is about the future of the program, stating, “I couldn’t be in a better position.”
The energy around Griffin football feels different entering this spring. The combination of strong leadership, new coaching additions, and emerging young talent has created optimism throughout the program. The Bears are no longer simply trying to compete, they are looking to establish themselves as one of the teams to beat. If spring practice is any indication, Griffin has all the pieces in place to remain highly competitive in 2026, and possibly take another step forward. With Coach Goodrum continuing to build the culture, KJ Johnson developing into a star at quarterback, and new voices helping shape the defense, the Bears appear ready to continue their rise.
