The Wildcats had a huge bounce-back year in the first season under coach Rance Gillespie. Rabun County went from six wins in 2024 to a 10-3, Quarterfinals run in ’25. The star trio of Reid Giles, Ty Truelove, and Lake Evans ended their high school careers on a high note. All move on to the next level, and leave gaping holes for Rabun County this coming season. Add in the losses of key players like Ethan Hopper, Zach Gordon, Dane Tyler, Noah English, and TJ Hilber…that’s a LOT. DC Bill Stewart also got a new head coaching gig after one year in Tiger.

Among the returning talent to build around includes JK Fruster, Brock Brady, Mack Williams, Ryan Yearwood, Reed Burrell, Colter Cannon, Hayden Cannon, and Reed Lafevers – along with incoming transfer QB Sawyer Ray. So the cupboard is fare from bare. However, replacing the production of Giles alone is a HUGE task in and of itself. What’s in store for this fall?

Rabun County has announced its 2026 Schedule. We dissect the slate, going game-by-game with our way-too-early predictions for the regular season. The following insight depends heavily on the known – returning or departing players, incoming players we know of, etc. The unknown is the other side of the same coin – some unknown up-and-coming middle school talent, JV standouts, move-ins, etc.