Perry High School cheers on the Panthers as they leave for state championship

The Perry High School Panthers are facing off against the Stockbridge Tigers at Mercedes Benz Stadium for the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class AAAA football state championship game.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Perry High School Panthers are facing off against the Stockbridge Tigers at Mercedes Benz Stadium for the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class AAAA football state championship game.

More than a hundred students, staff, family and fans gathered outside of Perry High School Tuesday morning to cheer on the Panthers as they left for Atlanta. This is the first time the Panthers have made it to the state championship game.

One Perry High School alumni who was there for the sendoff, Gawain Atwater, says it’s something he’s always wanted to see.

“Play hard,” he said. “Do what you’ve been doing all year. Don’t let anything, any situation change the game. You’re only one game difference from getting what you want. One game away. Go panthers!”

Georgia Public Broadcasting named Perry High School Head Football Coach Kevin Smith its Class AAAA Coach of the Year.

The game was set to start at 4 p.m. but was delayed due to the previous game going into multiple overtimes. Kickoff is now set for around 5:20. We’ll have highlights on 41NBC News at 11.