Alabama High School Football Coach Suspended for Season Over Recruiting Violation
Mary G. Montgomery High School head football coach Zach Golson has been suspended for the 2026-2027 season after the school admitted to recruiting violations. The Alabama High School Athletic Association placed the program on probation following an investigation triggered by an event for eighth-grade students outside the school's district. School officials confirmed the violations after evidence of the ceremony surfaced on social media.
The incident occurred in Semmes, Alabama, near Mobile, where high school football programs operate under strict zoning rules. Players must attend the school within their designated housing zone, and any attempt to circumvent those boundaries can result in penalties for both the coach and the program. Opposing schools reportedly brought the matter to the attention of athletic officials.
During Golson's tenure, Mary G. Montgomery compiled a 37-10 record at the 7A classification level. The program will now compete in 6A Region 1 but cannot participate in the postseason. Any victories by Mary G. Montgomery this season will not count toward opponents' standings records.
Students who participated in the ceremony but reside outside the district must now play for their zoned schools. The suspension leaves the Mary G. Montgomery team without its head coach for the full season, turning scheduled games into exhibitions for record-keeping purposes.
