TIGER, Ga. — Rabun County High School officially retired Gunner Stockton’s No. 14 football jersey during a pregame ceremony Friday, Sept. 19, before the Wildcats’ homecoming game against Banks County at Frank Snyder Stadium.
Stockton, now the starting quarterback at the University of Georgia, returned to his alma mater during the Bulldogs’ bye week to take part in the celebration. The ceremony opened with a video tribute tracing his rise from rec league football in Rabun County to his most recent feat — leading the Bulldogs to a dramatic overtime win at Tennessee.
“When we think about what it means to leave a legacy, we think about someone who has left an impact on their school and community that will endure the test of time,” the announcer said before the tribute. “We think about their leadership and their relentless effort to be the best. We think about their character and integrity… the countless lives they’ve positively impacted along the way… and the standard they set for future generations.”
Stockton summed up the honor, saying, “It’s special. Just knowing what number 14 means to the community and this football team, I’m just really grateful for the honor.”
A record-breaking Wildcat
Stockton’s decorated prep career began long before high school. His youth league team posted a perfect 65-0 record, hinting at what was to come. As a freshman in 2018, he became the youngest player ever invited to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. That year, he was named MaxPreps Freshman All-American and National Freshman of the Year — the first of four straight MaxPreps All-American honors.
Over four years as Rabun County’s starter (2018–21), Stockton compiled a 46-7 record, four region titles, four 10-win seasons, and one perfect regular season. He guided the Wildcats to four state quarterfinal appearances and a semifinal berth in 2020.
Along the way, he earned:
- Four-time BLITZ Player of the Year
- Two-time AJC Offensive Player of the Year (2020, 2021)
- Two-time Georgia Athletic Coaches Offensive Player of the Year (2020, 2021)
- AJC Super 11 selection (2021)
- Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year (2021)
- Elite 11 invitee (2021)
His senior season was his finest: 236 completions on 331 attempts for 4,134 yards, 55 touchdowns, and just one interception. Against Banks County that fall, he threw for 454 yards and six touchdowns — one of nine times he tied the state mark for most touchdown passes in a game.
When asked to pick his favorite moment of his high school career, Stockton didn’t hesitate: “My favorite game was Pierce County our senior year.”
Etching his name in Georgia’s record books
Stockton still holds or ranks near the top of multiple Georgia High School Association records:
- 177 career passing touchdowns — state record
- 254 career total touchdowns — state record
- 18,024 career all-purpose yards — state record
- 13,652 career passing yards — second all-time
- 55 single-season passing touchdowns — second all-time
He surpassed the likes of Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence while setting the bar for future Georgia quarterbacks.
From Rabun to the SEC spotlight
After signing with Georgia, Stockton was part of the Bulldogs’ 2022 national championship team. In 2024, he stepped in at halftime of the SEC Championship game against Texas and engineered a comeback victory that secured the conference title.
After signing with Georgia, Stockton was part of the Bulldogs’ 2022 national championship team. In 2024, he stepped in at halftime of the SEC Championship game against Texas and engineered a comeback victory that secured the conference title.
This fall, Stockton was officially named Georgia’s starting quarterback. “Being the quarterback for Georgia’s been a little different,” he admitted. “It’s been a little different being in the spotlight. But I enjoy it, we’re having a good season so far.”
Asked how he deals with the attention, he told Brian Carter of BLITZ Sports: “I think just being humble, and just being grounded, kind of what I learned here at Rabun County.”
As for advice to younger players waiting for their chance, Stockton didn’t hesitate: “Always trust in God’s plan. He always has a plan, even though you might not like the road there, but just trust in it.”
Looking ahead, Stockton said his focus is on keeping Georgia in the win column: “I think we’re capable of winning a lot of games and that’s the goal, so I’m excited I was called.”
His performance at Tennessee already earned him SEC Offensive Player of the Week, Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Week, Manning Award Star of the Week, and Golden Arm Player of the Week honors.
A legacy cemented
At Friday’s ceremony, Rabun County Head Coach Rance Gillespie, Superintendent Steve Cole, and Principal Justin Spillars presented Stockton and his family with the last No. 14 jersey ever to be worn by a Wildcat.
“In the words of the late, great Babe Ruth,” the announcer reminded the crowd, “heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”
With his jersey now permanently retired, Stockton’s name will stand as a lasting symbol of excellence in Rabun County football.
