Sports

Photo courtesy Austin Poffenberger. Louis Lenain helped lead the way for TFS Indians with 11 points.

Photo courtesy Austin Poffenberger. Louis Lenain helped lead the way for TFS Indians with 11 points.

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Indians avenge prior loss to Bethlehem Christian as three score in double figures

(not verified)
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Todor Stanimirovic, Neyo Bain, and Louis Lenain combined for 46 points as Tallulah Falls (10-9; 4-4 in region) earned a 58-50 road win over Bethlehem Christian on Jan. 30. The No. 8-ranked Indians took the win over No. 3 Bethlehem Christian, avenging a prior loss to the Knights.
Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County senior quarterback Ty Truelove, an Erskine College commit, signals to his teammates before a play in Rabun County’s 35-0 win over Berrien in the second round of the GHSA state playoffs on Nov. 21, 2025. Truelove led the Wildcats to two state quarterfinal appearances in three years as a starter.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County senior quarterback Ty Truelove, an Erskine College commit, signals to his teammates before a play in Rabun County’s 35-0 win over Berrien in the second round of the GHSA state playoffs on Nov. 21, 2025. Truelove led the Wildcats to two state quarterfinal appearances in three years as a starter.

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Rabun football’s Truelove announces commitment to Erskine College

Wesley Branch
Thursday, January 29, 2026
abun County senior Ty Truelove announced his college intentions on Jan. 24, sharing on social media the RCHS quarterback would be continuing his football career at Erskine College next year.
Photo courtesy of Von Watts. Rabun County senior Chloe Shirley poses with her parents, Maria and Josh on Jan. 23 at her signing day ceremony on Rabun County’s campus. Shirley signed to continue her athletic and academic careers at Georgia Southern University East Georgia. Shirley played first and third base for the Lady Cats.

Photo courtesy of Von Watts. Rabun County senior Chloe Shirley poses with her parents, Maria and Josh on Jan. 23 at her signing day ceremony on Rabun County’s campus. Shirley signed to continue her athletic and academic careers at Georgia Southern University East Georgia. Shirley played first and third base for the Lady Cats.

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RCHS Shirley inks letter of intent with Georgia Southern East Georgia

Wesley Branch
Thursday, January 29, 2026
TIGER – Rabun County senior Chloe Shirley officially signed her letter of intent with Georgia Southern University East Georgia on Jan. 23 at a ceremony held on Rabun County’s campus Friday morning.

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Schedules updated on local sports after winter storm

Wesley Branch
Thursday, January 29, 2026
As Rabun County continues to recover from the impacts of Winter Storm Fern, changes have been made to the sports schedule for the three area schools – Rabun County, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee and Tallulah Falls. These schedule amendments were provided to The Clayton Tribune as of press time.

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Get ready for Clayton’s Hardest & Funnest 5K

(not verified)
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Looking to move your body, meet your neighbor, and have a blast doing it? Good Vibe Junkies LLC is thrilled to invite the community to the field behind City Hall on Saturday, March 28, for the inaugural Clayton’s Hardest & Funnest 5K. This isn’t your average road race — it’s a celebration.
Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun Gap Director of Soccer and Assistant Athletic Director Bart Sasnett speaks with the Rabun Gap boys soccer team before its game versus Christ School on Sept. 11, 2025. Sasnett led the RGNS soccer program for three years, winning two state titles with the boys team. Sasnett will take over as the head men’s coach at Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne, Fla., on Feb. 1.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun Gap Director of Soccer and Assistant Athletic Director Bart Sasnett speaks with the Rabun Gap boys soccer team before its game versus Christ School on Sept. 11, 2025. Sasnett led the RGNS soccer program for three years, winning two state titles with the boys team. Sasnett will take over as the head men’s coach at Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne, Fla., on Feb. 1.

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Sasnett leaving Rabun Gap for return to college coaching

Wesley Branch
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Director of Soccer and Assistant Athletic Director Bart Sasnett is making a return to the college coaching ranks.
Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County defensive coordinator Bill Stewart eyes the camera during Rabun County’s season-opening 42-6 win over White County on Aug. 15, 2025. Stewart was reportedly in consideration for the Rome head coaching job, which was expected to be voted upon on Jan. 20 at a Rome City Schools Board of Education meeting.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County defensive coordinator Bill Stewart eyes the camera during Rabun County’s season-opening 42-6 win over White County on Aug. 15, 2025. Stewart was reportedly in consideration for the Rome head coaching job, which was expected to be voted upon on Jan. 20 at a Rome City Schools Board of Education meeting.

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Rabun County’s Stewart linked to Rome coaching saga

Wesley Branch
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Rome High School is heading into its second week of its search for a new head football coach, following the retirement of long-time head coach and current athletic director John Reid. Reid announced his retirement on Jan.
Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County senior Huey Blalock drives to the basket in Rabun County’s 71-48 win against Elbert County on Jan. 20. Blalock posted a triple-double in the win. Navy-commit Blalock finished the night with 10 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds and three steals.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County senior Huey Blalock drives to the basket in Rabun County’s 71-48 win against Elbert County on Jan. 20. Blalock posted a triple-double in the win. Navy-commit Blalock finished the night with 10 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds and three steals.

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RCHS hoops splits home stand

Wesley Branch
Thursday, January 22, 2026
TIGER – The Rabun County boys and girls basketball teams were back at home on Tuesday night, Jan. 20, as the hometown squads split against region opponent Elbert County. The Lady Wildcats fell to the Blue Devils, 54-49, sliding to 14-4 on the season.
Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Former Rabun County and current UGA quarterback Gunner Stockton fights off defenders for a rushing touchdown in Georgia’s 45-7 season-opening win over Marshall on Aug. 30, 2025. Stockton, who finished seventh in Heisman voting this season, will return to Georgia for his redshirt senior season in 2026.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Former Rabun County and current UGA quarterback Gunner Stockton fights off defenders for a rushing touchdown in Georgia’s 45-7 season-opening win over Marshall on Aug. 30, 2025. Stockton, who finished seventh in Heisman voting this season, will return to Georgia for his redshirt senior season in 2026.

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Stockton set to return to UGA for his final season

Wesley Branch
Thursday, January 22, 2026
With both the deadline for NFL Draft decisions – Jan. 14 – and transfer portal decisions – Jan. 16 – having passed, former Rabun County standout Gunner Stockton will be officially returning to the University of Georgia for his final season of college football.