Clarke Central High School boys varsity soccer right winger Mario Perez competes with a Gainesville High School player during the Gladiators’ game against GHS in Billy Henderson Stadium on April 29. The game marked the second round of the 2026 Georgia High School Association State Championship, with CCHS ultimately falling 1-5 to the Red Elephants. “I was frustrated, sad and disappointed,” Perez said. “The way we ended wasn’t at all the way we hoped for or wanted. After the second and third goal went in, we turned off.” Photos and story by Cooper Jones
The CCHS boys varsity soccer team lost 1-5 to Gainesville High School in the second round of the 2026 Georgia High School Association State Championship on April 29.
