TOCCOA — Few teams have experienced true adversity like Stephens County this offseason after the Indians dealt with the deaths of teammates Eli Alexander and Kainan Green, rising seniors who were killed in a car wreck.
With that in mind, the kick off to the 2017 campaign could prove cathartic for a team that grew closer in the face of tragedy.
"Something like that makes you look in the mirror and realize you're not guaranteed what you think you're guaranteed," Stephens County coach Frank Barden said. "These kids have rallied around each other, collectively and individually, and it's been incredible to see."
And now they are ready to get things going on the field.
"This group has no superstars, and they've been so fun to coach," Barden said. "We've got some great leaders on this team."
That includes quarterback Jackson Bell, a three-year starter that can make things happen both with his feet and arm. Bell is part of an offense that values the run game, and Hassan Brown returns alongside in the backfield, along with Tracy Lowery -- a pair of backs Barden feels will continue a strong tradition of Indians football.
"We have historically had great running backs here," Barden said.
Their abilities, along with offensive linemen Isaiah Crawford, Bronson Andrews and Aaron Butts, should help offset the loss of big-play receiver A.J. Curry, who transferred to old rival Habersham Central, where he will play quarterback.
While the Indians value the rushing attack, they're also putting an emphasis on defense this season.
"Our main thing is we're looking to put as much speed and athleticism on the field as we can on defense," said Barden, who returns seven starters on that side of the ball, including middle linebacker Cole Beitzel, defensive end Gavin Walker and defensive back Brandon Wheeler.
The group will look to help Stephens continue its fight in a tough Region 8-AAAA after the Indians battled their way into second place in 2016.
"The 10 games we play -- both region and non-region -- may be the toughest schedule I've ever been a part of because of the great programs and coaches on that list," Barden said. "But our guys have done a great job going to work each day and maintaining the process for success. Even through the diversity, these guys have kept on working through it."
STEPHENS COUNTY: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Indians
- TEAM COLORS: Red and Black
- CURRENT REGION: 8-AAAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Frank Barden, fourth season, 24-10
- 2016 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8-3, reached Class AAAA first round
- KEY LOSSES: RB A.J. Curry, WR Malik Feaster, WR Jay Stowe, OL Anthony Pasco, DB London Harbin, CB Malik Feaster, DT Dawson Long, DE Devin Hunter, DT Brandon Hitt, LB Dylan Huff, CB Dylan Murphy, Sr. WR A.J. Curry, Jr. WR Donnie Curry
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Spread -- The Indians have a pedigree of great running backs and a strong run game -- don't look for that to change any time soon.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 6 returning starters -- Sr. QB Jackson Bell (1,020 yards passing, 376 yards rushing, 13 total TDs in 2016), Sr. RB Hassan Brown, Sr. OL Isaiah Crawford, Sr. TE Griff Pruitt, Jr. RB Tracy Lowery, Sr. OL Bronson Andrews
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 4-3/multiple -- Stephens County has plenty of experience this season and is looking to get as much speed and athleticism on the field as possible.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 7 returning starters -- Sr. DE Gavin Walker, Sr. LB Cole Beitzel, Sr. CB Brandon Wheeler, Sr. LB Taye Thornton, Sr. DE Daniel Brock, Jr. Saf Kamon Taylor, Jr. NG Garrison Walker
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Sr. PK Luke Pearson, Jr. P Bryson Kent, Sr. LS Griff Pruitt/Cole Rogers
- STRENGTH: Unity/defense -- After going through the tragedy of losing two senior teammates to a car wreck, the Indians rallied together and have taken strength and solace in each other. The defense, meanwhile, features experience and talent at each level.
- QUESTION: Role players -- Barden says that his team has no stars, but there will be a handful of role players thrust into starting positions this season. How they respond will shape the Indians' season.
- KEY GAMES: The non-region schedule promises a slog, as the Indians open with back-to-back state playoff teams from 2016, including Class AA quarterfinalist Rabun County (Sept. 1, home). In fact Barden says it might be the toughest top-to-bottom schedule he's faced in his 24 seasons as a head coach. The longstanding rivalry game with Habersham Central (Sept. 15, away) should provide extra intrigue, with former Indians standout A.J. Curry now quarterbacking the Raiders. Stephens owns a 28-11-1 advantage in the series, including 12 straight wins. The Indians open Region 8-AAAA play at home vs. St. Pius (Oct. 6) following a bye. They also get powerhouse and defending region champ Jefferson at home (Oct. 27).
- TRENDING: Stephens County has missed out on the state playoffs exactly twice in the last 22 years, so reaching the postseason is considered standard for the Indians. And after finishing as 8-AAAA runner-up last season, Stepens would love to continue that elevation, as they look for their first region title since 2007. State playoff wins have also proven tricky, with the Indians progressing past the first round just twice in their current streak of seven straight state appearances. But with a number of standouts returning, the Indians certainly have the pedigree to expect to challenge for lofty goals in 2017.
2017 SCHEDULE
Aug. 25 vs. Franklin County
Sept. 1 vs. Rabun County
Sept. 8 at Flowery Branch
Sept. 15 at Habersham Central
Sept. 22 vs. Hart County
Oct. 6 vs. St. Pius X*
Oct. 13 at Madison County*
Oct. 20 at Oconee County*
Oct. 27 vs. Jefferson*
Nov. 3 at North Oconee*
*- Indicates region game
(All contests start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
