Class 2A Blog: Heavy turnover leading to unknowns for Stephens County Football

The Stephens County Indians are coming off one of the best stretches in school history. Over the past four years, the program has won two region titles, advanced past the first round of the playoffs each year, and reached the quarterfinals in 2024 for the first time since 2005. However, much will change heading into the 2025 season, most notably the arrival of new head coach Thomas Flowers.

The 2024 team was extremely senior-heavy, with the vast majority of its starters graduating this spring. That turnover is especially evident on offense. The Indians will need a new quarterback after two-year starter Tripp Underwood graduated. Eli St. Clair is the favorite to win the job, though he only threw one pass for six yards last season. He’ll compete with sophomore Branson Stowe for the starting role.

Running back may be an even bigger question mark with the graduation of 3-star Tulane-commit Javin Gordon. The leading returning rusher is Zykemian Durham, who totaled just 89 yards last season. While the top two receivers also graduated, the Indians do return Davon Swinton, who caught 37 passes for 541 yards and five touchdowns last year.

The defense tells a somewhat different story. While Stephens County graduated its top three tacklers, each with over 90 stops, including Brock Tankersley who led the team with 162, there are still some major pieces in place.

The defensive line should be the team’s strength, with defensive end Kymani Colbert and defensive tackle Conner Holtzclaw returning after combining for over 150 tackles, 51 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks in 2024. In the secondary, standout 2028 cornerback Duke Collins is a rising star. As a freshman, Collins posted three interceptions, five passes defensed, and 50 tackles. He will be a name to know in the coming years.

The road won’t get any easier for the Indians in 2025. Alongside the heavy roster turnover, the schedule is one of the toughest in the state: eight of their opponents made the playoffs last year, four reached at least the quarterfinals, three made state championship appearances, and region rival Hebron Christian won the A-3A Private state title. Overall the team should have another strong season but will most likely take a slight step back from 2024, but has the chance to set itself up for success in the coming years.

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