FanVerse Sports | 2026 GHSA Football Playoff Preview
ATLANTA Ga – For the second consecutive season, the Griffin Bears are heading to the GHSA State Playoffs under head coach Bernard Goodrum. What was once a program searching for consistency has developed into a team capable of competing with some of the best programs in Class 5A. The Bears finished the regular season third in Region 3-5A, behind LaGrange and Central Carrollton, respectively. Although Griffin secured another postseason appearance, the road to the playoffs was filled with opportunities, challenges, and valuable lessons that could prove beneficial as the Bears prepare for another postseason run.
One game that stands out was Griffin’s thrilling September matchup against Stephenson at Hallford Stadium. The Bears battled the Jaguars in a highly competitive contest but ultimately came up short. A victory in that matchup could have significantly improved Griffin’s playoff positioning and potentially changed the trajectory of its regular season. Nevertheless, the Bears have shown throughout the season that they have the talent and coaching to compete with quality opponents.
Players to Watch
One of Griffin’s biggest offensive weapons heading into the playoffs is senior wide receiver Cordae Alexander. The explosive playmaker has consistently made an impact for the Bears throughout the season. His speed, field vision, and ability to create opportunities in the open field have been instrumental in Griffin’s offensive success. Alexander gives the Bears a legitimate threat whenever he touches the football. As the competition intensifies during the postseason, his ability to make explosive plays could be a deciding factor in how far Griffin advances.
On the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker Paul Robinson has established himself as one of the leaders of the Bears’ defense. Robinson leads the team in total tackles and has been a steady presence throughout the season. His leadership, physicality, and ability to make plays have helped anchor Griffin’s defensive unit. With the stakes getting higher in the playoffs, Robinson’s experience and leadership will be critical in keeping the Bears focused and disciplined.
The Turning Point: A Late-Season Wake-Up Call
Despite another successful regular season, Griffin experienced a disappointing setback with a late-season loss to Starr’s Mill. Losing to a team that had managed just one victory was certainly not the way the Bears envisioned closing out their regular-season campaign. The defeat left a sour taste in the mouths of players, coaches, and fans, especially for a team with aspirations of making a deep postseason run.
However, sometimes a disappointing loss can provide the motivation a team needs heading into the playoffs. For Griffin, the Starr’s Mill loss could serve as a much-needed wake-up call. The Bears have already demonstrated that they can compete with talented opponents, but consistency and maintaining focus for four quarters will be essential if they hope to advance. At this point in the season, there is little room for mistakes. Every possession matters, and one lapse in concentration can bring an otherwise successful season to an abrupt end.
Goodrum Continues to Change the Culture
Perhaps the biggest storyline surrounding Griffin’s return to the playoffs is the culture that head coach Bernard Goodrum has established within the program. In just his second season leading the Bears, Goodrum has guided Griffin to consecutive postseason appearances. That accomplishment speaks volumes about the direction of the program and the commitment of the players who have bought into his system. What makes the Bears’ success even more impressive is the youth throughout portions of the roster. Despite having several young contributors, Griffin has continued to compete at a high level while developing a foundation for future success. Goodrum and his experienced coaching staff have worked to establish a winning mentality, and the results are beginning to show. However, simply making the playoffs is no longer the ultimate goal for this program. The next step is proving that Griffin can make a legitimate run toward a state championship. The Bears have the talent to compete, but their postseason success will depend heavily on discipline, execution, and their ability to respond when faced with adversity.
What’s Next: A First-Round Trip to Dalton
Griffin will travel to Dalton on Friday, November 13, for the opening round of the 2026 GHSA Class 5A State Playoffs. The Bears will enter the postseason with something to prove. With playmakers such as Cordae Alexander and Paul Robinson leading the way, combined with the experience of Goodrum and his coaching staff, Griffin has the pieces necessary to make some noise in the postseason. The question now is whether the Bears can put everything together when it matters most. One thing is certain: Bernard Goodrum has Griffin football moving in the right direction, and the Bears are looking to prove that their second consecutive playoff appearance is only the beginning of something bigger.
For more coverage of the 2026 GHSA State Playoffs, visit FanVerseSports.com and follow our Road to the Playoffs: How They Got Here series.
