U.S. High School Football Coach Banned After Trying To Cheat The System

College coaches. Credit: iannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

U.S. High School Football Coach Banned After Trying To Cheat The System

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated May 20, 2026 6:30 PM ET

A high school football coach made a terrible mistake and was caught and punished over it, leaving his team in a complex position ahead of the 2026 season.

The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) suspended Mary G. Montgomery football coach Zach Golson for a whole year. They also banned and fined the school from postseason competition this year.

Given that they won’t be eligible for the playoffs, every game played against them won’t count towards the Class 6A, Region 1 standings.

High School Football Coach Suspended For One Year

Coaches watching players during spring showcase. Credit: Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Image

Golson received the punishment after incurring a recruiting violation. Even though the school reported the violation, it still received punishment.

“The violation allegedly stemmed from a signing ceremony in April for eighth-grade students at Mary G. Montgomery High School,” Sherri Blevins of Yellowhammer News wrote. “According to reports, several students at the event allegedly did not live in the school zone. Photos from the ceremony later appeared on social media.”

Ironically, Golson was named Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Now, he faces scrutiny and a year-long suspension.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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