GAINESVILLE, GA — Dozens of football players at a metro Atlanta high school have been suspended following a brawl that happened during a recent playoff game.

Officials say a Gainesville high school football team was ahead 42-0 against Brunswick when a fight broke out on Friday. Officials say 39 of the players were suspended.

Gainesville City Schools Superintendent Jeremy Williams says the team still plans to play its Class 5-A quarterfinal game against top ranked Hughes on Friday.

Williams says, “while we typically do not condone this type of behavior, we will not sit back and watch our teammates be assaulted by ripping off helmets, punching and barreling over a helmet-less player.”

The Georgia High School Football Association released the following statement:

“Friday night’s second-round Class 5A playoff matchup between Gainesville and Brunswick took an unfortunate turn when a fight broke out near the end of the third quarter.

Following a review of the incident, the Georgia High School Association, announced that 39 Gainesville players have been suspended for this week’s state quarterfinal showdown.

The GHSA also handed down a fine of $5,000 to the school.

Gainesville is scheduled to face Langston Hughes this Friday night. The Red Elephants have requested to appeal the ruling Tuesday morning, virtually before the GHSA Board of Trustees."