When the stakes are high and the field is set, the weather often takes a backseat in the drama of High School Football playoffs. But this Friday, the chill in the air promises to be as fierce as the competition under the lights of Columbus, Georgia. Fans braving the stands for the GHSA 2A state semifinal clash between Appling County and Carver better layer up—it’s going to be a frosty showdown.

Chief Meteorologist Derek Kinkade of WTVM Storm Team 9, the Valley’s most-watched & most trusted weather team, delivered the brisk news on X: “The weather looks quite cold for the high school football playoff games, Broadway Holiday, and any other plans that take you outside!  Be sure to tune in with Tyler at 5 AM ET on the TV side with a breakdown of those temperatures! -DK.” Temperatures are expected to start at 42°F at kickoff 7:30 PM and plummet to a teeth-chattering 34°F by 11 PM ET. Typically, December temperatures in Appling County are around the mid-50s. However, this year’s playoff game is expected to be much colder, with temperatures dipping into the 30s. With calm winds, fans will be shivering throughout the night.

The cold won’t be the only challenge the Appling County Pirates face. Head coach Jordan Mullis leads a resilient squad back to the state semifinals for the third time in four years, navigating a season filled with twists. The team lost its four-year starting quarterback to injury early on—a blow that would have derailed most programs. Mullis, however, is no stranger to adversity.

This journey has tested the Pirates’ depth, adaptability, and grit. The weather will also test the program Mullis has built in Baxley, Georgia, where football isn’t just a game but a way of life. The Pirates’ ability to adjust to key injuries and maintain a winning edge highlights their identity as a team that thrives in adversity. Their fans, bundled up in layers and braving the icy bleachers, know this is a program built on resilience.

Carver (13-1), on the other hand, has shown its dominance this season and enters the semifinal with momentum. Playing on their home turf in Columbus, they’ll have the advantage of familiar ground and a roaring crowd. But the Pirates are no strangers to road battles, and with a legacy of semifinal appearances, they come ready to fight.

Appling County Pirates coach Jordan Mullis needs to remain calm in the cold

Coach Mullis took a moment to reflect on his team’s rollercoaster journey, one that’s come full circle in a way only football can deliver. Flashback to his first year as head coach: the Pirates were riding high in the semifinals with a freshman quarterback stepping up after their senior starter went down. Fast-forward to today, and here they are again in the semifinals—with yet another freshman quarterback at the helm. Talk about déjà vu but with a twist.

“We were written off a little bit after the injury,” Mullis admitted, “but the team has truly bought in. Watching them play together has been incredible.” You could hear the pride in his voice, like a coach watching his players grow up right before his eyes.

This squad has been on a tear, winning eight of their last nine games, thanks largely to a defense that’s been stingier than a miser at Christmas—allowing fewer than 12 points per game during that run. But Mullis knows the stakes are high now as they face their toughest opponent in Carver. “We’ve got to be extremely physical,” he said. “It’s about keeping our egos in check, ignoring the cold, and being the tougher, more disciplined team.” As the players take the field, the frigid temperatures will be just another hurdle to overcome.