ATLANTA — This Saturday marks a significant occasion as the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame prepares to welcome its fourth class of inductees. Among the 33 distinguished athletes being honored, two hailed from the Coastal Empire: Lindsay Scott and Sterling Sharpe, adding a local flavor to the prestigious ceremony.

Both Scott and Sharpe made their mark early on local high school fields, and their enduring legacies have now earned them a place in the Hall of Fame. Lindsay Scott, a standout from Wayne County, graduated in 1977. His football journey continued at the University of Georgia, where he etched his name into Bulldog lore with a thrilling, game-winning play against the Florida Gators in 1980. That moment is forever etched in the annals of college football history, as Scott’s touchdown proved pivotal in guiding Georgia to a national championship that year.

As these former high school stars prepare to be celebrated alongside fellow inductees, the Coastal Empire can take pride in the enduring impact its athletes have had on Georgia’s rich football heritage. This induction not only honors their past achievements but also cements their status as legends of the sport in the state.

Scott attended Wayne County through his senior season in 1977. Scott then played college football at the University of Georgia, where he is best known for his 1980 game-winning score against Florida.

On their way to a national championship, the Bulldogs trailed the Gators 21-20 with 90 seconds remaining, possessing the ball on the Bulldogs’ own eight-yard line.

Georgia quarterback Buck Belue dropped back on third down, scrambled to avoid pressure and found Scott on the 25-yard line. Scott evaded defenders and ran all the way to the end zone as the legendary Bulldogs broadcaster Larry Munson cried, “Run, Lindsay Run!”

The score would lift Georgia to a 26-21 victory.

Scott would later be drafted in the first round of the 1982 NFL Draft and would play four seasons for the New Orleans Saints.

Sharpe hails from Glennville High School and is an automatic inductee, as he was recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August.

Sharpe went on to play collegiately at the University of South Carolina before being drafted No. 7 overall in the 1988 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.

Sharpe was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time NFL All-Pro before his career was cut short due to injury after seven seasons.

Sterling will join his brother and fellow Georgia High School Football and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Shannon Sharpe.

Other notable names being inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday are former NFL quarterback Cam Newton, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Walt Frazier and current Georgia head coach Kirby Smart.

Savannah Christian Linebackers Coach Keith Brooking, who played 15 NFL seasons, will also be inducted.

The induction ceremony will be at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.