When Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School’s defense takes the field on Friday nights, opposing offenses see monsters across from them, not football players.
That Halloween mentality before and after Oct. 31 was first adopted by RGNS defensive line coach Joe Crosby.
Crosby – who enjoyed horror movies as a child – thought he was a monster during his playing days, not a football player.
When he began coaching at Rabun Gap years ago on Joe Sturdivant’s staff as the defensive coordinator, Crosby drilled into his players that they had to be monsters.
There’s a difference between being scared and fear, Crosby said. Monsters strike fear into those nearby.
“When you look at a horror movie, especially if it’s a monster and you can’t see them in the woods, most people cover their eyes until they jump out,” Crosby said. “You’re fearful of it because you don’t know. I always tell the players ‘You gotta be a monster so when they look across at you it’s different.’ You’re not a football player, you’re a monster.”
For 48 minutes – and sometimes more – linebackers become werewolves, defensive backs become vampires and the defensive line turns into zombies. All of which are monsters, with the same goal of striking fear into their opponent.
“Monsters are always on the chase. They’re always tracking,” said Rabun Gap junior defensive lineman Isaac Lukuni. “Being relentless and playing fearless is the mentality of the monster.”
On Fridays, the monsters come out to play, and after a victory, they celebrate.
After each win, Crosby, 70 years old, gathers the players in a circle around him to tell the other team’s horror story.
He builds up a story, saying the other team didn’t see the Rabun Gap players – like those who cover their eyes during a horror movie. Crosby talks about how RGNS had werewolves and vampires on the field and their teeth came out as the players around him howl.
He then asks what their opponent was playing against that night. The players excitedly yell back “monsters” as they jump around, spraying water into the air around Crosby. The celebration has become a tradition, dating back to RGNS’ state championship win in 2024 and victory over John Curtis Christian earlier that season in New Orleans.
“Kind of just one of those moments with the team, you’ll probably never forget,” Rabun Gap junior linebacker Jay Schell said. “To me that’s just one of the little pieces that’s fun about winning.”
On Friday night, Rabun Gap defeated Christian Brothers College (CBC), the top-ranked team in Missouri, 28-27 in overtime. A blocked PAT gave the Eagles the win and the monsters celebrated accordingly afterwards.
Rabun Gap’s defense held a Christian Brothers offense that was averaging 39.6 points per game before Friday to 28 points.
The defensive line – coached by Crosby – and the Eagles had a monstrous performance, sacking CBC quarterback Daylen Austin-Harvey seven times, pressuring him 12 times and coming away with 15 tackles for a loss.
Between the lines, Rabun Gap’s defense has been more monstrous than a season ago. In 2025, the Eagles relied heavily on sophomores that had just transferred to the program.
Facing a nationally ranked schedule, RGNS allowed 27.7 points per game last season and surrendered 50 or more points three times. Each of those three games resulted in a loss, including the state semifinals.
Through seven games this season – five against national opponents – Rabun Gap is allowing 26 points per game and has allowed 50 points or more just once, which came against No. 5 ranked Baylor, led by David Gabriel Georges, the No. 2 running back in the country.
The Eagles are on pace to surpass several defensive numbers from last year, including sacks and interceptions. In the fourth quarter this season, Rabun Gap has allowed 36 points, just over five per game.
“The monster cares about what he’s doing, about who he’s attacking,” Lukuni said. “He’s just focused on what is in front of him. So we just have to focus on who’s in front of us and beating them play after play.”