Football: Wildcats face stiff challenge from bigger Stephens County

TIGER, Ga. —  Rabun County head coach Michael Davis says Stephens County is good everywhere.

In the aftermath of Week 1, where Rabun County rolled over Haralson like a freight train and Stephens County stopped Habersham Central in its tracks, most might think this contest is the Indians' defense versus the Rabun County offense. 

Davis sees it differently. 

"I think it's going to be the clash of two titans," he said. "But we're the little titans -- we're the little Class A team playing the big boys (Stephens is in Class 3A). We take that role and accept it. Overall, I think it's going to be a clash of two really good football teams in all aspects of the game." 

The two will face off at Frank Snyder Stadium in Tiger on Friday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

"I think just because we're two good programs and two prideful communities that love their football, it's going to make for a great Friday night," Davis said. 

In Rabun County's first outing, the Wildcats racked up more than 500 yards of total offense while holding Haralson County to just three points in a 49-3 Week 1 win. 

The Indians, however, pose a much greater threat to the Wildcats in Week 2.

Stephens County returns several key players from last season, including seven of their top 10 tacklers from last season. They also held Habersham Central to 128 total yards of offense and forced four fumbles, recovering one. 

Davis says the Indians are very multiple in what they do defensively, and executing a simple game plan will be key. 

Linebacker Ritt Tankersley, who had 75 tackles last season, recorded 11 against Habersham Central last week and will be salivating to interrupt the Wildcat's front six. Also wreaking havoc on the Raiders last week was the defensive front. DL Nathan Walker (six tackles), DL Aaron Maxwell (six tackles), DL Raven Wilson (five tackles), CB Corey Richie (9 tackles), and DE Aiden Butts (four tackles).

Davis said they have a tremendous amount of athletes but pointed out Butts, who is 6-foot-4, 235 points, at defensive end. 

"He's a specimen, and I don't know how we're going to block him," Davis said. "They're just sound on defense and give you multiple looks. So, we've got to be able to hand that and be simple in what we do so they don't confuse us with all the things they do defensively.

"But we're going to have to be able to pass protect upfront. They're going to be physical. We've got to be able to handle the different looks we're going to get. We've got to throw and catch and give Lang Windham a little crease so that we can run the ball at times and move it when we have to."  

Defensively, the Wildcats will have their hands full. After holding Haralson County to just 91 yards of total offense, the task will be much larger this week. 

Cam Lacy will be the main target for the Wildcats' defense. He's a do-it-all type player that is quick and slippery. He hauled in 101 yards and a touchdown last week and added another 45 yards on the ground. 

Senior quarterback Ben Stowe directs the Indians' offense well. Out of the backfield, watch out for senior TJ Everrett and junior Javin Gordon. Everett rushed 15 times for 46 yards, while Gordon led the team with 83 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. 

"They do a really good job of moving him around on offense," Davis said about Lacy. "We've also got to contain Stowe in the running game because he likes to run the zone read, so we've got to put some pressure on him. Those are the two biggest keys for us is getting pressure on Stowe and just knowing where Lacy is at."

NEED A QB? NOPE, GOT STOVER

With the addition of Keegan Stover to the roster in the off-season, the Wildcats' potential quarterback issues with the graduation of Georgia commit Gunner Stockton were quickly resolved. Of course, replacing the state's No. 2 all-time passing leader was a tall task, but the fact Stover threw for more than 2,500 yards last season made it an even easier transition for Davis. 

"Keegan is a student of the game. He's always taking notes and doing the little things. He wants to be good -- to be the best at his craft. He just fit right in. He's been a great leader; our kids have accepted him from Day 1. I'm glad he's a Wildcat."

Stover was 15 of 22 for 368 passing yards and five touchdowns in his debut for the Wildcats. He hit star receiver Jaden Gibson eight times for 273 yards. 

CLOSING IN ON THE RECORD

Given the fact Gibson hauled in more than 1,800 yards last season, catching the required 1,303 yards to break the state's almost five decades-old career receiving record won't be a problem for the senior Georgia Southern commit. 

"He's so explosive. Couple of the long runs he had the other night were short pass plays that he turned into big plays. I'm sure as we go, people are going to double cover him, and that's where we have to do a good job of moving him around and put him in different spots. 

Gibson started strong last week with eight catches for 278 yards and four touchdowns. If he keeps the pace up, he'll shatter the record, 4, 477 yards set by Valdosta's Stan Rome in 1973, by mid-season. Currently, Gibson sets at 3,447 yards, which is eighth all time. 

"Like Keegan, he's a better kid than he is a football player. He works extremely hard at what he does. I'm not surprised at his success. If he stays healthy, I don't see why he can't pass that record."

Rabun County is set to play Stephens County Friday at home. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

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