TOCCOA — The mantra that defense wins championships may be key to Stephens County's chances in 2016.
Coming off their sixth eight-win season in the past eight years, the Indians proved that the ability to stop the opponent decides how far you can go. They won seven straight in the middle of the 2015 season, yielding just 11.3 points a game during that stretch. But in three losses -- Elbert County, Buford, and then Carrollton in the playoffs -- they allowed 110 points (36.6 ppg).
As one of the few teams to not make a region move after reclassification, they will remain in Region 8-AAAA. But the addition of the top two teams from 8-AAA from last year in Oconee County and Jefferson and 2015 Region 6-AAAA champ St. Pius, it makes 8-AAAA one of the toughest in the state top to bottom in any classification.
"It may the toughest region in Class AAAA with two region champs and four of the six teams making the playoffs last year," Indians coach Frank Barden said. "We will have to play good defense to have a chance. We were good at times last year but struggled against the top teams. Consistency is something we're working on."
Stephens should be more experienced with the return of seven starters on defense. Seniors Dawson Long, Devin Hunter, Brandon Hitt, and junior Gavin Walker all return to anchor the 4-man front with seniors London Harbin, Malik Feaster, Dylan Murphy, and junior Brandon Wheeler patrolling the secondary. Senior Dylan Huff and junior Cole Beitzel led the linebackers.
The Indians also return six on offense from a unit that was held below 21 points just three times in 2015. There are questions along the offensive line, however, where senior Anthony Pasco is the only true starter returning.
STEPHENS COUNTY: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Indians
- TEAM COLORS: Red and Black
- CURRENT REGION: 8-AAAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Frank Barden, third season, 16-7
- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8-3, reached Class AAAA first round
- KEY LOSSES: OL/DE Ben Cleveland (Georgia-signee), OL Vonquiz Nicely, OL Graham Fierra, OL Gevarius Brown, RB Tyrik Cunningham, LB Tyrik Combs, DB Micah Oglesby, DB Jermaine Barnett
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Spread -- The Indians may look to the run a little more, but will try to attack with balance
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 6 returning starters -- Jr. QB Jackson Bell, Sr. RB A.J. Howard, Jr. WR A.J. Curry, Sr. WR Malik Feaster, Sr. WR Jay Stowe, So. WR Donnie Curry, Jr. RB Hassan Brown, Sr. OL Anthony Pasco, Jr. OL Isiah Crawford
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 4-3 -- Stephens County will look to its experience on the line this season.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 7 returning starters -- Sr. DB London Harbin, Sr. CB Malik Feaster, Jr. DE Gavin Walker, Sr. DT Dawson Long, Sr. Devin Hunter DE, Sr. DT Brandon Hitt, Jr. LB Cole Beitzel, Sr. LB Dylan Huff, Jr. CB Brandon Wheeler, Sr. CB Dylan Murphy
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Jr. PK Luke Pearson, Jr. P A.J. Curry, So. KR Donnie Curry, Jr. KR Brandon Wheeler
- STRENGTH: Athleticism at the skilled positions -- With players like Bell and Howard, the Indians know they have a chance to be explosive, and with younger players gaining plenty of experience in 2015, there is some depth to lean on.
- QUESTION: Offensive line -- The unit must replace four starters, including UGA-signee Ben Cleveland.
- KEY GAMES: With two road games to open the season an early win is crucial. Home region games vs. Madison County, Oconee County, and North Oconee will be huge with region road contests vs. Jefferson and St. Pius.
- TRENDING: With five straight playoff appearances and 20 in the past 21 seasons the Indians want to maintain their stature as a perennial postseason program. The 2016 season will offer a huge challenge, however, with four of the six teams in 8-AAAA coming off playoff apearances. Young talent that saw experience in 2015 must step up to maintain Stephens County's impressive run.
2016 SCHEDULE
Aug. 26 at Franklin County
Sept. 2 at Rabun County
Sept. 9 vs. Flowery Branch
Sept. 16 vs. Habersham Central
Sept. 23 at Hart County
Oct. 7 at *St. Pius
Oct. 14 vs. *Madison County
Oct. 21 vs. *Oconee County
Oct. 28 at *Jefferson
Nov. 4 vs. *North Oconee
*- Indicates region game
(All contests start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
