Region 8-A Division 1 is loaded when you look at perennial playoff powers Rabun County, Elbert County and Commerce, all occupying the same region in the Georgia High School Association.
The Wildcats won their ninth straight region title in 2022 -- their first in the new classification -- but had to win a tight matchup with Commerce (27-22) in their regular season finale to secure it. They advanced to the quarterfinals, while second-place finisher Elbert County made the second round of the playoffs. Commerce and Athens Christian lost in the first round, as all four teams made the playoffs.
While many expect Rabun County and Elbert County to once again battle for the top spot, both will undergo key personnel changes. Meanwhile, Commerce returns its entire backfield that ran for over 2,400 yards.
Despite the small number of teams, Region 8-A D1 could be one of the more entertaining regions to watch in 2023.
Rabun County also is working on a 9-year streak of region titles. Elbert County is looking for its first region title since 2013, while Commerce's last region title came in 2020. Athens Christian is still looking for its first region title in its 47-year history.
REGION 8-A D2
2022 Champion: Rabun County
2022 Playoff Teams: Rabun County, quarterfinals; Elbert County, second round; Commerce, first round; Athens Christian, first round
2022 Region Standings: Rabun County (12-1, 3-0); Elbert County (10-2, 2-1); Commerce (6-5, 1-2); Athens Christian (4-7, 0-3)
What to expect in 2023:
RABUN COUNTY — The Wildcats are the defending champions and will be replacing their top quarterback, three of their top five wide receivers, and top rusher from last year. But they do have an experienced offensive line coming back, and So. Ty Truelove showed plenty of ability in a backup role last year at QB. Senior wide receiver Willie Goodwyn is poised for a breakout season. With a pair of solid running backs to possibly lean on in Levi Bartram and Noah English, the Wildcats also may look to run the ball a little more than in the past. On defense, they did lose their top two tacklers, but Paul Picciotti, who led the team and area with six sacks, is back to guide the defense and could be a player to watch. KEY GAMES: Elbert County and Commerce.
ELBERT COUNTY — The Blue Devils lost Quan Moss, the Class A D1 rushing leader from 2022, but return Jr. QB Jayvyn Hickman and three of their top four receivers. They also lost three of their top four tacklers, but three of their top four TFL guys all return, including Sr. DL DJ Raiford (14 TFL, 9 sacks). Elbert County's home tilt against Commerce on Oct. 20 also will play a huge factor. KEY GAMES: Rabun County and Commerce.
COMMERCE — The Tigers still have Jaiden Daniels and Tyshun Wiggins, who combined for over 2,400 yards rushing last season and may be one of the state's best 1-2 RB combos. The issue will be if they have enough depth to slow down Rabun and Elbert's speedy and explosive offenses. In back-to-back weeks to close out the season, they will get their shot, traveling to Elbert and then playing host to Rabun. KEY GAMES: Elbert County and Rabun County.
ATHENS CHRISTIAN — The Eagles will be in full rebuild mode after graduating both quarterbacks, their top four rushers, two of their top four receivers, and two of their top three tacklers for last year. KEY GAMES: Rabun County, Elbert County and Commerce.
