With each season, there is an ultimate goal that goes beyond the numbers — to be a state champion, state playoff team, region champion, etc. However, there are always milestones that those programs and individuals eclipse along the way. Here are the notable milestones to watch for in 2023. We’ve ordered them by the rarity of each.

Rabun County – 10 Straight Region Titles, 50+ Straight Region Wins, 9 Straight Quarterfinal Runs, 9 Straight 10-win Seasons & 12 Straight Playoff Trips

Rabun County has NINE region titles in a row, and 8 quarterfinal or deeper runs in the playoffs. The Wildcats have 50 straight region wins dating back to 2013. This is far and away the most impressive streak or milestone locally and state-wide. Consider that if Rabun wins a 10th straight title, it will mark only the 7th occurrence in state history. The record is 18 in a row for Calhoun under Hal Lamb. Lincoln County also had 18 in a row, Camden County had 13, and Warner Robbins, Palmetto, and Carrollton each had 10 straight. Rabun’s 9 titles in a row is something that even Buford has never done. Let that sink in. Since 2014, Rabun has won the region. Since 2015, the Cats have won 11-plus games and gone to the Quarterfinals or further. And since late October 2013, Rabun has gone perfect in region play. That 2013 season, Rabun lost back-to-back region games to Jefferson (in OT), and Washington-Wilkes. Since then, they have won 50 straight region games. That’s unreal. Still far from the record (119 by Calhoun), but nonetheless unfathomable. After 11 straight playoff runs, another makes a dozen straight.

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Commerce – 27 Straight Playoff Trips

The Tigers have made the postseason every year since 1997 – think about that for a moment. Commerce, under Steve Savage, Marvin Justice, Michael Brown, and now Mark Hollars, have now combined for 26 playoff trips consecutively. It’s over a quarter century at this point, and no sign of stopping. One more makes 27 years in a row.

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Travis Noland (Jefferson) – 200 Wins

Currently, Noland, who enters his second season for the Dragons, has 197 career wins between Georgia and North Carolina. 151 of his victories have come in the Peach State, but the third win this season for the Jefferson gets Noland to number 200. He’s 11th among football active coaches in Georgia in wins.

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Sid Maxwell (Dawson County) – 200 Wins

Maxwell is coming into his 29th season as a head coach, and 9th at Dawson County. He’s currently at 191 victories, meaning he needs a robust 9 wins in 2023 to hit 200. It’s not guaranteed this season, but entirely possible. Maxwell sits 12th among active coaches in wins.

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Jefferson – 13 Straight Playoff Trips

Every season since 2011, Jefferson has made the postseason. Going back to 1998, the Dragons only sat out in 1999 and 2010. Another trip this year – which is almost guaranteed – is lucky 13 in a row.

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Wesley Tankersley (Stephens County) – 100 Wins

Tankersley is just 5 wins shy of 100 for his career, as he has a 95-69 overall record. That is almost certain to come this season, which would put him in an exclusive group to win 100 games.

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Sammy Brown – 4,000 Rushing Yards & 50 TD

The recent Clemson commit and 5-star recruit has 3,580 rushing yards and 4,019 total yards. He’s a couple or few games from hitting the 4K rushing mark, and he has 46 rushing scores, putting him on the cusp of the big 50. He already has 53 total TDs between rushing/receiving/return/defensive.

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Dawson County – 9 Straight Playoff Trips

Every season since 2015 when Sid Maxwell showed up, the Tigers have made the playoffs. It’s been 8 straight trips after going just 4 times prior in Dawson County’s history. One more playoff appearance makes 9 in a row.

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Jaiden Daniels – 3,000 Rushing Yards & 50 TD

Daniels enters his junior season at Commerce with 2,931 rushing yards and exactly 2,999 total yards. He has 32 rushing scores as well. He’s a couple of totes away from a HUGE milestone number of 3K rushing yards. He’ll need a big season to get 18 scores and reach 50, but it’s a good bet if he stays healthy.

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Caiden Tanner & Tripp Nix – 3,000 Passing Yards

Caiden Tanner is on the doorstep of 3,000 passing yards, which is truly amazing with him getting his only 2,893 last season. The Union County star has 35 total TD and 3,330 total yards, with 24 TD passes. Meanwhile, White County JR QB Tripp Nix has 2,743 passing yards and 21 TD passes. He has a total of 3,395 yards and 32 total TD. Both QBs need just a game or perhaps two to get to 3,000 passing yards.

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Carson Parker & Connor Chastain – 3,000 Total Yards

Habersham Central signal-caller Carson Parker comes into his senior year with 2,287 total yards (2,174 passing, 653 rushing) with 20 TDs. He’s just a big game away from 3,000 career total yards. Connor Chastain for Towns County is pretty close as well. He has 2,357 yards (2,156 passing, 366 rushing) with 19 TD. Pretty similar paths for the QBs.

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Zeke Whittington & Jensen Goble – 2,000 Receiving Yards

2,000 yards in a career is solid for a receiver. Jensen Goble has 1,133 (and 9 TD), so it’s not for sure, but he can get there this year with 870 yards or so. He’s set for that type of season (or hopefully better). Zeke Whittington’s is a bit more impressive after 1,618 yards through two full seasons. He’s only a junior, and yet needs less than 400 to get to the mark.

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Union County – 6 Straight Playoff Trips

The Panthers have made state all but one season since 2013, and now have 5 straight trips and working on half a dozen.

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Lumpkin County – 200 Wins

Lumpkin County holds 193 all-time wins. Another year like last, and the Indians will reach 200 career victories, which dates back to 1961.

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