What a season the Indians had in 2022. Led by the senior offensive quartet of Ben Stowe, Cam Lacy, TJ Everett, and Corey Richie, Stephens County won the Region Championship, was state ranked all season, and made the second round of state. With all of those young men gone, along with several defensive standouts like Ritt Tankersley, Nathan Walker, Raven Wilson, Aaron Maxwell, and more. That’s a TON to replace.

The offense averaged 30 per game under coach Wesley Tankersley, and gave up only 14.1. That’s insane. For all that the team has lost, there’s a good chunk coming back, starting on offense with Javin Gordon (1,017 yds, 13 TD) and Jasec Smith (352 rec yds, 3 TD). Aidan Butts (16 Sacks) is back to anchor the defense with Smith, Dawson Childs, and Brock Tankersley. The Indians might have some growing pains early, but will be just fine. Already, Tripp Underwood (JR) has shined early at QB, and Devin Cobb is another one to look out for on both sides of the ball.

Stephens County announced its 2023 season schedule. Here’s the overall look, and an Exclusive game-by-game with early predictions.

STEPHENS COUNTY INDIANS

AUG 18 @ HABERSHAM CENTRAL

AUG 25 vs RABUN COUNTY

SEP 1 @ FLOWERY BRANCH

SEP 8 vs DAWSON COUNTY

SEP 15 @ WHITE COUNTY

SEP 22 BYE

SEP 29 vs MONROE AREA^

OCT 6 vs FRANKLIN COUNTY^

OCT 13 BYE

OCT 20 @ HART COUNTY^

OCT 27 vs OCONEE COUNTY^

NOV 3 @ HEBRON CHRISTIAN^

^REGION 8-AAA GAME