For the second time in three years, Jackson County High School's Brad Hayes is the region's best athletic director. Following a vote among region officials, Hayes was officially named the Region 8-AAAAA Athletic Director of the Year, thanks to his part in guiding JCHS through one of the most successful years in school-history. 

Hayes was named the Region 8-AAAAAA and the GHSA Class AAAAAA Athletic Director of the Year in 2024. Hayes has served as the athletic director at JCHS since 2017, helping the school transition from its old campus location in Jefferson to its current location off Skelton Road in Hoschton. 

During the 2025-26 school year, Panther athletic has claimed its first-ever region championship in football, had a top 10 state finish in competition cheerleading, an Elite 8 appearance in softball, a Sweet 16 appearance in volleyball, a region championship in cross country, state champion in wrestling and diving, in addition to seeing both basketball teams and girls lacrosse qualify for the state playoffs. Additionally, JCHS also saw both soccer programs and girls tennis qualify for the Sweet 16 along with several student-athletes qualify for the state track and field championships.