Year one in the post-Gunner Stockton and Shaw era went just as we thought. There were enough strands of the DNA to have the same overall result in a 12-1 season, Region Championship, and Quarterfinals run. Jaden Gibson had a HUGE hand in that being the case in year one for coach Michael Davis. With Gibson, the state’s all-time and single-season TD leader (and all-time yardage king) heading off to Virginia to continue making highlights, there’s definitely a chance at some dip. He won the Wildcats at least a couple of games last year.

Also gone are RB Lang Windham, OL/DL Cesar Cruz, do-it-all Cory Keller, LB Nic Baloga, WR Noah Legault, and several others including QB Keegan Stover, who came for one season. This will be a moment for Rabun County. There are still some big playmakers on the team, but this is a HUGE opportunity for others to step into the spotlight and make a name for themselves to be that next generation of Rabun County greats. One guy to look out for on having an incredible season is Ty Truelove. The sophomore QB was long considered the heir apparent to Stockton, and showed in a playoff win his ability to run and pass for big plays. He’s more than ready! Willie Goodwyn and Jaret Giles are familiar talents, and also Paul Picciotti after a big junior year. Hayden Ross will get in on the action, and Marcus Remillard makes for a solid returning player at special teams. Others like Jack Hood, Braxton Brady, and more will be needed to have a big breakout campaign.

Rabun County has released its 2023 schedule. Here’s a look, and an Exclusive Game-by-Game prediction.

RABUN COUNTY WILDCATS

AUG 18 vs HARALSON COUNTY

AUG 25 @ STEPHENS COUNTY

SEP 1 @ ADAIRSVILLE

SEP 8 BYE

SEP 15 vs HEARD COUNTY

SEP 22 @ WHITEFIELD ACADEMY

SEP 29 vs FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN

OCT 6 vs ST. FRANCIS

OCT 13 vs ELBERT COUNTY^

OCT 20 @ ATHENS CHRISTIAN^

OCT 27 @ COMMERCE^

NOV 3 BYE

^REGION 8-A DIVISION I GAME