The Indians last season rolled up their first 10-win campaign since 2007, won their second straight region title, and advanced to a third consecutive second round of the playoffs. Bringing back nearly all the skill guys is huge, and Stephens County aims to quickly build depth in all facets to ensure this season is as successful as last.

Head Coach: Wesley Tankersley (7th Season)
2023 Record: 10-2; Region Champions; State Rnd 2; #1 State Ranking

“Every year we expect to go out and compete and win every game we play in,” states Tankersley. “That is the goal. We have a very tough schedule but we expect to have a chance to win every game.”

2024 SCHEDULE – STEPHENS COUNTY

AUG 16 – vs Habersham Central
AUG 23 – vs Elbert County
AUG 30 – @ Cedar Shoals
SEP 6 – @ Jefferson
SEP 13 – vs Oconee County
SEP 20 – BYE
SEP 27 – @ Franklin County*
OCT 4 – vs Prince Avenue Christian*
OCT 11 – BYE
OCT 18 – @ Hebron Christian*
OCT 25 – vs Hart County*
NOV 1 – @ East Jackson*

*Region 8-AA

Personnel & Schemes

Key Departures: Jasec Smith, Aidan Butts, Dawson Childs, Solomon Dupree, Santana Smith

Returning Starters: 4 on offense; 6 on defense

Key Returning Players: Javin Gordon, Tripp Underwood, Brock Tankersley, Davon Swinton, Jonah Swinton, Jakob Lunsford, Garrett Addison, Kymani Colbert

Up & Coming Players: Conner Holtzclaw, Kamari McCarter, Joc Brown, Zy Durham

“We have a few that need to step up and fill shoes of some very good players from last year,” adds Tankersley. “Defensive line wise I expect Conner Holtzclaw and Kamari McCarter to step up and make big impact on DL. Also Joc Brown will be a player at LB and OL that is going to have huge impact, along with Zy Durham at RB/LB.”

Offense: Pro-Style

Look for more of the same over the past 5 years, as most of the skill guys are back in QB Tripp Underwood, 3-star RB Javin Gordon (Duke commit), and Brock Tankersley, Davon Swinton, and Jonah Swinton all sharing targets at receiver. That trio will rotate in just as that group does at DB.

Defense: 4-man front

Should be just as stout at this end, and you can expect to hear a lot about DLinemen Jakob Lunsford and Kymani Colbert, LB Garrett Addison, and DBs Jonah Swinton, Davon Swinton, and Brock Tankersley.

Trenches: “Losing some very good players in both areas from last year but we have been focusing the last 2 months in depth at those positions, trying to find 2 deep at each OL and DL position that can play and not have much of a drop off from each other,” says Tankersley. “Gonna be very important for us this season.”

Strengths & Areas of Focus

Strengths: “Offensive Skill positions should be solid this year with returning QB, RB and 2 returning WR,” states Tankersley.

Focusing On: “Offensive line lost 4 starters,” adds Tankersley. “So finding people to step into those roles and improving there is a big deal.”