David Friedlander
Peachtree Corners
As seen in:
Medium,
Estadão,
Estadão Br,
Yahoo News,
U.S. News and World Report,
High School on SI,
Slate,
Substack,
AL.com,
Australian Financial Review
and
Sports Writer/Reporter, Gainesville Times
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by David Friedlander
High school cross country: North Hall boys, girls sweep Region 6-4A championships
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school cross country: North Hall boys, girls sweep Region 6-4A championships North Hall's boys cross country team poses with its team trophy at the GHSA Region 6-4A/Class 4A Sectional meet Oct. 31 in Commerce. Photo courtesy of Sam Borg Both teams win Region 6-4A championships, boys take team title and girls runner-up in the overall sectional races.
Lanier tests Gainesville but can't pull off upset
kAm$&vp# wx{{ — w2G:?8 A=2J65 E96 6?E:C6 a_ae D62D@? D@ 72C H:E9 <6J A=2J6CD >:DD:?8 5F6 E@ :?;FCJ[ v2:?6DG:==6 7@F?5 :ED6=7 2 =:EE=6 D9@CE\92?565 :? D@>6 2C62D 5FC:?8 uC:52J ?:89E’D 7@@E32== 82>6 282:?DE {2?:6C]k^Am kAmpE E96 D2>6 E:>6[ 9@H6G6C[ E96C6 H6C6 2=D@ D:8?D E92E E96 7:7E9\C2?<65 #65 t=6A92?ED >2J 36 AFEE:?8 E96 32?5 324< E@86E96C 282:? ;FDE :? E:>6 7@C E96 A=2J@77D]k^Am kAm%96 4@?E:?F65 C6EFC? E@ 7F== DEC6?8E9 @7 sH:89E {6H:D[ H2D 3@=DE6C65 3J E96 C6EFC?
High school football: Fully-stocked ground game help Gainesville stampede past Lanier
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Fully-stocked ground game help Gainesville stampede past Lanier Gainesville's Dwight Lewis (5) outraces Lanier's Jordan Alexander (1) to the end zone during the Red Elephants' game at Lanier on Oct. 30, 2026 in Sugar Hill.
High school softball state tournament: Late offensive barrage powers Cherokee Bluff past Harlem
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school softball state tournament: Late offensive barrage powers Cherokee Bluff past Harlem Cherokee Bluff faces Harlem in Game 1 of the Class 4A state tournament on Oct. 28, 2026 in Columbus. Photo by Nicholas Sullivan For The Times Lady Bears move in the winner's bracket to take on West Laurens on Thursday at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus.
High school football: Little things prove too big for Gainesville to overcome in loss to Milton
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Little things prove too big for Gainesville to overcome in loss to Milton Gainesville's Doyle Morrison (12) is stopped after a run against Milton on Oct. 23, 2026 at City Park Stadium. Photo by Bill Murphy Fourth-ranked Red Elephants now must beat Lanier next week and hope for a Roswell win over the Eagles to force a three-way tie for the Region 7-6A title.
High school softball playoffs: Cherokee Bluff gets the last big swing to vault past Gilmer and into the state tournament
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school softball playoffs: Cherokee Bluff gets the last big swing to vault past Gilmer and into the state tournament Cherokee Bluff's softball team and student fans celebrate the Lady Bears' 9-7 extra-inning, walk-off win over Gilmer in Game 3 of their second-round state playoffs series Oct. 22, 2026 in Flowery Branch.
High school softball playoffs: Cherokee Bluff rebounds to earn doubleheader split with Gilmer
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school softball playoffs: Cherokee Bluff rebounds to earn doubleheader split with Gilmer Cherokee Bluff shortstop Abby Watkins fields a ground ball during the Lady Bears' state softball playoff doubleheader against Gilmer on Oct. 21, 2026 in Flowery Branch. Photo by David Friedlander Lady Bears rally in the nightcap to force a deciding Game 3 Thursday at 6 p.m. at Yona Park.
High school volleyball playoffs: Cherokee Bluff rolls into quarterfinals with sweep of SE Bulloch
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school volleyball playoffs: Cherokee Bluff rolls into quarterfinals with sweep of SE Bulloch Cherokee Bluff's Stella Lioi (22) returns a shot against East Hall on Sept. 17, 2026 in Gainesville. Photo by Bill Murphy Lady Bears will visit North Hall in the state quarterfinals on Saturday
High school football: Big night from reserves help Gainesville blow past Riverwood
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Big night from reserves help Gainesville blow past Riverwood Gainesville's Jordan Blassingame (23) returns a punt for a touchdown during the Red Elephants' big win over Riverwood on Oct. 16, 2026 at City Park Stadium.
High school football: Balanced offense, opportunistic defense powers Lanier Christian past St. Francis
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Balanced offense, opportunistic defense powers Lanier Christian past St. Francis Lightning strikes early and often in rolling to the GAPPS Region 1-AA nine-man victory.
High school softball: Veteran arms, awakened bats help Cherokee Bluff to first-round sweep of East Jackson
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school softball: Veteran arms, awakened bats help Cherokee Bluff to first-round sweep of East Jackson Cherokee Bluff's Chloe Corley throws to first base during the Lady Bears' softball playoff doubleheader against East Jackson on Oct. 14, 2026 in Flowery Branch.
Defensive Player of the Week: Gainesville's Darryn "Boom" Williams
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Defensive Player of the Week: Gainesville's Darryn "Boom" Williams Gainesville's 'Boom' Williams (6) leads the way on the tackle against Johns Creek on Oct. 9, 2026. Photo by David Friedlander The Wake Forest-committed senior linebacker was a huge early spark in the fourth-ranked Red Elephants' big win at Johns Creek.
Offensive Player of the Week: North Hall's Alex Schlieman
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Offensive Player of the Week: North Hall's Alex Schlieman North Hall's Alex Schlieman (7) throws against Cherokee Bluff on Sept. 4, 2026 in Flowery Branch. Photo by Shayla Blalock For The Times The senior QB put up big numbers and reached a milestone in just one quarter of the eighth-ranked Trojans' win over Chestatee.
High school football: Mikah Criste's big night propels Lanier Christian past Fideles Christian
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Mikah Criste's big night propels Lanier Christian past Fideles Christian Junior running back/linebacker finished with six total touchdowns and more than 250 all-purpose yards in the Lightning's big GAPPS Region 1-AA (9-man) win.
High school football: Gainesville keeps rolling with dominating win over Johns Creek
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Gainesville keeps rolling with dominating win over Johns Creek Gainesville's Dallas Ferguson (32) pounces on a loose ball during the Red Elephants' game against Johns Creek on Oct. 9, 2026 in Johns Creek. Photo by David Friedlander Seven different players score touchdowns as the fourth-ranked Red Elephants posted their fifth straight win.
High school football: Gainesville's talented young defenders making a favorable impression
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Gainesville's talented young defenders making a favorable impression Gainesville sophomore linebackers Tim Cole (13) and Chance Davis (10) rush the QB during the Red Elephants' game against Oceanside (SC) Collegiate on Sept. 18, 2026 at City Park Stadium. Photo courtesy of Gainesville High Athletics Red Elephants visit Johns Creek on Friday
Defensive Player of the Week: Gainesville's Jeremiah Proctor
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Defensive Player of the Week: Gainesville's Jeremiah Proctor Gainesville's Jeremiah Proctor (7) makes the stop against Buford on Aug. 22, 2026 at Phillip Beard Stadium. Photo by Bill Murphy Pittsburgh-committed senior's physicality and timeliness played a major role in the fourth-ranked Red Elephants' key Region 7-6A win over Roswell.
Offensive Player of the Week: Gainesville's Kharim Hughley
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Offensive Player of the Week: Gainesville's Kharim Hughley Gainesville quarterback Kharim Hughley (9) throws against Alpharetta on Sept. 25, 2026 at City Park Stadium. Photo by Bill Murphy Clemson-committed QB threw for more than 200 yards and two TDs and ran for another 100-plus yards and two scores in the fourth-ranked Red Elephants' big win at Roswell.
High school softball: Cherokee Bluff claims Region 8-4A championship with win against Oconee County
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school softball: Cherokee Bluff claims Region 8-4A championship with win against Oconee County Cherokee Bluff's softball team celebrates its Region 8-4A championship following a win over Oconee County on Oct. 1, 2026 in Watkinsville.
High school football: Local players team up with the pros for community service project
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Local players team up with the pros for community service project Players from Cherokee Bluff and Flowery Branch High School pose with Atlanta Falcons players, coaches and staff members during the 19th Annual Hometown Huddle/Pick-Pack-Play community service event Wednesday in Flowery Branch.
Game of the Week: Gainesville riding recent momentum into showdown at Roswell
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Game of the Week: Gainesville riding recent momentum into showdown at Roswell Gainesville's captains take the field against Alpharetta on Sept. 25, 2026 at City Park Stadium. Photo by Bill Murphy Sixth-ranked Red Elephants will be put to the test when they visit No. 7 Roswell in a key Region 7-6A game Friday.
Defensive Player of the Week: North Hall's Noah Kemp
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Defensive Player of the Week: North Hall's Noah Kemp North Hall's Noah Kemp (3) lines up for the play against East Hall on Sept. 25, 2026 in Gainesville. Photo by Shayla Blalock For The Times On defense, the sophomore defensive back had six tackles, touchdown against East Hall.
Offensive Player of the Week: North Hall's Alex Schlieman
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Offensive Player of the Week: North Hall's Alex Schlieman North Hall's Alex Schlieman. - photo by Ashtin Barker The senior quarterback was nearly perfect in last Friday's win over East Hall, completing 16 of 17 passes and becoming the first Trojans QB in school history to reach 5,000 career yards.
High school football: North Hall scores early, often to put away East Hall
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: North Hall scores early, often to put away East Hall North Hall's Colton Steele runs against East Hall on Sept. 25, 2026 in Gainesville. Photo by Shayla Blalock For The Times Trojans score 28 first-quarter points to run away from the Vikings in the 61st edition of Hall County's oldest rivalry.
High school football: Big night on the ground helps Johnson roll past Cross Keys
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Big night on the ground helps Johnson roll past Cross Keys Johnson High football at Times Football Media Day on July 14, 2026 at Pressworks in Gainesville. - photo by Ashtin Barker Knights roll up more than 200 yards rushing to post their first win in 27 games.
High school softball: Clutch hitting when it counted most propels Cherokee Bluff past Monroe Area
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school softball: Clutch hitting when it counted most propels Cherokee Bluff past Monroe Area Cherokee Bluff's Addy Cagle scores a run during the Lady Bears' softball game against Monroe Area on Sept. 24, 2026 in Flowery Branch.
Offensive Player of the Week: West Hall's Ben Phelps
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Offensive Player of the Week: West Hall's Ben Phelps West Hall's Ben Phelps (10) runs against Johnson on Sept. 18, 2026 at Billy Ellis Memorial Stadium in Oakwood. Photo by Shayla Blalock The junior running back posted career highs in yardage and touchdowns to help spark the Spartans' win over Johnson in the Battle of Oakwood.
Defensive Player of the Week: Gainesville's Demarcus Simmons
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Defensive Player of the Week: Gainesville's Demarcus Simmons Gainesville's Demarcus Simmons (51) makes the stop against Buford on Aug. 22, 2026 at Phillip Beard Stadium. Photo by Bill Murphy The junior defensive lineman as a big key in helping the Red Elephants take control early in a win over Oceanside Collegiate (SC).
Defensive Player of the Week: Gainesville's 'Boom' Williams
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Defensive Player of the Week: Gainesville's 'Boom' Williams Gainesville's 'Boom' Williams (6) leads the way on the tackle against McEachern on Sept. 11, 2026 at City Park Stadium. Photo courtesy Gainesville High Wake Forest-committed senior continues to make timely tackles
Offensive Player of the Week: Cherokee Bluff's Dylan Haley
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Offensive Player of the Week: Cherokee Bluff's Dylan Haley Cherokee Bluff's Dylan Haley - photo by Ashtin Barker Tennessee commit had three touchdown receptions against Dawson County
Gainesville grinds out win over McEachern
Gainesville’s 2026 football home opener against McEachern was hardly beautiful in any aspect. kAmw@H6G6C[ E96 #65 t=6A92?ED H:== E2<6 H:??:?8 F8=J 2?J E:>6 E96J 42? 5@ D@]k^Am kAms6DA:E6 E96 =2E6 DE2CE[ D@88J 7:6=5 4@?5:E:@?D[ 2 56E6C>:?65 @AA@?6?E 2?5 ?@E 36:?8 23=6 E@ 86E @FE @7 :ED @H? H2J 2E E:>6D[ v2:?6DG:==6 42>6 FA 3:8 :? E96 D64@?5 92=7 E@ 8C:?5 @FE 2 a_\`_ G:4E@CJ[ 2?5 8:G6 $2?E2G:@FD qCJ2?E 9:D 7:CDE H:?
High school football: Three storylines to watch around Hall County in Week 4
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Three storylines to watch around Hall County in Week 4 Flowery Branch's Noah Hoover (99) makes the stop against Cass on Aug 21, 2026 in Flowery Branch. Photo by Bill Murphy Gainesville, Cherokee Bluff, Riverside Military and Flowery Branch are among the local teams facing intriguing matchups this Friday.
High school softball: Cherokee Bluff puts it all together to beat East Forsyth
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school softball: Cherokee Bluff puts it all together to beat East Forsyth Cherokee Bluff's Lillie Diehl trots home to score a run during the Lady Bears' softball game against East Forsyth on Sept. 9, 2026 in Flowery Branch. Photo by David Friedlander Contributions from multiple sources help the second-ranked Lady Bears to their ninth win in the last 10 games.
Defensive Player of the Week: North Hall's McKane Harker
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Defensive Player of the Week: North Hall's McKane Harker North Hall's McKane Harker runs to make a play in the Trojans' game against Cherokee Bluff on Sept. 4, 2026 in Flowery Branch. Photo courtesy of Blalock Photography Trojans defensive back had 15 tackles in win against Cherokee Bluff
Offensive Player of the Week: Flowery Branch's Rex Greene
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Offensive Player of the Week: Flowery Branch's Rex Greene Flowery Branch quarterback Rex Greene sets to throw against Cherokee Bluff on Aug. 28, 2026 at Yonah Stadium in Flowery Branch. Photo by Calvin Robinson For The Times Falcons junior quarterback had a big night in OT win against Gilmer
Cross Country: Host Trojans sweep boys, girls team titles at the North Hall Invitational
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Cross Country: Host Trojans sweep boys, girls team titles at the North Hall Invitational North Hall's Ealyn Kennedy dashes to victory in the girls varsity event of the North Hall Cross Country Invitational on Sept. 2, 2026 in Gainesville. Photo by David Friedlander Lady Trojans' Ealyn Kennedy takes the girls title, while Thaddeus Ivy was boys runner-up to lead the title runs.
Boulder needs a rain dance, not Sundance (Opinion)
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By David Friedlander The arrival of the Sundance Film Festival in 2027 has split Boulder into two distinct camps with two opposing perspectives on the film festival. I think Camp One is overwhelmingly positive, proclaiming Sundance as an unquestionable, unalloyed benefit to Boulder and its residents. Hotels and Airbnbs will be booked. Restaurants, tchotchke shops and parking garages will be full. Money will be spent.
Offensive Player of the Week: North Hall's Colton Steele shines in many facets
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Offensive Player of the Week: North Hall's Colton Steele shines in many facets North Hall's Colton Steele (2) runs against Greater Atlanta Christian on Aug. 21, 2026 in Norcross. Photo by Kelly Maynor For The Times Trojans running back finished with four touchdowns in win against Winder-Barrow
Softball scoreboard: Big bats help East Hall pull away from Gainesville
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Softball scoreboard: Big bats help East Hall pull away from Gainesville Chestatee rallies late, but falls to Gilmer.
High school football: Three intriguing games to watch this Friday in Hall County
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Three intriguing games to watch this Friday in Hall County North Hall's Colton Steele (2) runs against Greater Atlanta Christian on Aug. 21, 2026 in Norcross. Photo by Kelly Maynor For The Times History and momentum highlight this week's slate on local gridirons.
Game of the Week: Flowery Branch, Bluff gearing up for spirited football matchup
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Game of the Week: Flowery Branch, Bluff gearing up for spirited football matchup Cherokee Bluff's Jackson Pirkle (11) takes the hand off from quarterback CJ Payne (4) against East Forsyth on Aug. 21, 2026 in Gainesville. Photo by Jay Rooney For The Times Falcons, Bears facing one another for the first time on the gridiron
Defensive Player of the Week: North Hall's Lindlief has breakout performance
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Defensive Player of the Week: North Hall's Lindlief has breakout performance North Hall's Cole Lindlief (4) intercepts a pass against Greater Atlanta Christian on Aug. 21, 2026 in Norcross. Photo by Kelly Maynor For The Times Trojans defensive back had three picks against Greater Atlanta Christian
Offensive Player of the Week: Flowery Branch's Tyler Robinson displayed elite athleticism
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Offensive Player of the Week: Flowery Branch's Tyler Robinson displayed elite athleticism Flowery Branch's Tyler Robinson (0) hauls in a pass for a touchdown against Cass on Aug 21, 2026 in Flowery Branch. Photo by Bill Murphy Senior wide receiver for the Falcons had four touchdown catches
High school football: Second-ranked Gainesville drop showcase opener to No. 1 Buford
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Second-ranked Gainesville drop showcase opener to No. 1 Buford Gainesville's Collin Porterfield (18) hauls in a touchdown against Buford on Aug. 22, 2026 at Phillip Beard Stadium in Buford. Photo by Bill Murphy Big third-quarter surge sends the Wolves past the Red Elephants.
High school football: West Hall drops opener to Chattahoochee
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: West Hall drops opener to Chattahoochee West Hall's E.J. Radich (17) attempts to avoid several Chattahoochee tacklers during their game Aug. 21, 2026 in Oakwood. Photo by Amanda Loggins For The Times Spartans fall despite 149 yards on the ground from Ben Phelps.
High school football: Opening Day memories leaves indelible mark on local coaches
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Opening Day memories leaves indelible mark on local coaches Cherokee Bluff head coach Tommy Jones (L) discusses a play with quarterback C.J. Payne during the Bears' preseason scrimmage against Morgan County on Aug. 13, 2026 in Flowery Branch. Photo by David Friedlander Regular season kicks off Friday for most programs in Hall County
Softball scoreboard: Strong pitching, late offense sends Cherokee Bluff past Commerce
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Softball scoreboard: Strong pitching, late offense sends Cherokee Bluff past Commerce Third-ranked Lady Bears win their third straight on Wednesday.
High school golf: Gainesville's Hawkins looking to build off strong summer
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school golf: Gainesville's Hawkins looking to build off strong summer Gainesville High junior Benny Hawkins steps into the tee box at the Georgia PGA Junior Championship on June 16, 2026 at Jennings Mill Country Club in Watkinsville. Photo courtesy of the Georgia PGA Talented Red Elephants golfer checks all the boxes with his game
Photo gallery: Images from Cherokee Bluff's preseason scrimmage against Morgan County
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Photo gallery: Images from Cherokee Bluff's preseason scrimmage against Morgan County Cherokee Bluff QB C.J. Payne (4) awaits a snap during the Bears' preseason scrimmage against Morgan County on Aug. 13, 2026 in Flowery Branch. Photo by David Friedlander The 2026 high school football regular season begins next week.
High school football: Chestatee season preview
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. High school football: Chestatee season preview Chestatee High football at Times Football Media Day on July 14, 2026 at Pressworks in Gainesville. - photo by Ashtin Barker War Eagles looking to reload with youthful roster in 2026
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with David
Contact David, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack