Reviewing a year of the emotions of sports

File/Wade Cheek/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County’s Adelyn Thompson celebrates with Addy Beth Owens after knocking down the game-winning shot against Armuchee High School in the first round of the state playoffs last season. The Lady Wildcats advanced to the Elite Eight for the 10th time in history.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun Gap junior Jose Luis Carillo celebrates a goal from a penalty kick with his teammates against Christ School on Sept. 11. The match was canceled with 28 minutes remaining and a 1-1 score, before being completed on Sept. 30. Christ School was victorious, 2-1.

Enoch Autry/The Clayton Tribune.Former Rabun County and current UGA quarterback Gunner Stockton is honored as his Rabun County No. 14 jersey is retired on Sept. 19 at Rabun County High School. Stockton was one of the standout players to wear the No. 14, including applauding father Rob Stockton (far right).

TFS Athletics. Tallulah Falls School volleyball players celebrate a point in their win over Athens Christian on Aug. 26. The Lady Indians had another historic season, winning a region championship and finishing as the runner-up in Class AAA of the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA).

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun Gap senior wide receiver Walker Bryson celebrates after a touchdown catch against Grayson on Aug. 22. Bryson was an All-State selection and won conference Player of the Year for the Eagles. Bryson signed in December to play collegiately at Wake Forest.

TFS Athletics. The Tallulah Falls girls cross country team pose with their state runner-up trophy, which they claimed at the GIAA meet in Macon, Ga. Multiple TFS teams excelled during the 2025 calendar year.