The Georgia program’s lore isn’t limited to recent championship runs. For many longtime supporters, the 1980s era remains a high-water mark, a period marked by Vince Dooley’s leadership, Herschel Walker’s Heisman-winning dominance, and the Bulldogs’ successive SEC titles. This era also featured a fierce rivalry with Auburn that often tested Georgia’s resilience, sometimes erupting into scenes of jubilation and spectacle that are remembered vividly by fans who witnessed them firsthand.
A pivotal moment in this rivalry occurred during the 1986 matchup at Auburn. Georgia entered the game with injuries to key players, including their tailbacks Tim Worley and Keith Henderson, and their starting quarterback was sidelined. Wayne Johnson, who hadn’t started a game in months, was called upon to lead the Dawgs. Despite the odds, Georgia emerged victorious with a 20-16 win.
The celebration that followed drew a strong, sometimes controversial response from Auburn’s staff and security. Water cannons and hoses were aimed at the field as fans flooded onto the turf, and some spectators in the stands were soaked as well. Among those present was Stockton’s grandfather, Lawrence Stockton, who confronted stadium officials over the decision to soak attendees, particularly the elderly in the stands. His actions led to his arrest that day as part of broader crowd-control measures.
The tension between Georgia and Auburn had roots in the previous year, when Auburn surprised Georgia on its home field and some of Auburn’s fans had celebrated in ways that deeply angered Bulldog supporters. In Athens, Georgia fans had damaged hedges and the AU midfield logo in acts of payback, prompting a stern response from Vandals of the time. The 1986 game, in many eyes, carried echoes of those prior incidents, and Lawrence Stockton’s protest reflected a fierce devotion to Georgia’s traditions and fans.
Despite the upheaval, Stockton’s loyalty did not waver. He remained an unapologetic Georgia supporter throughout his life. After his passing in 2010, his family continued to honor the Bulldog legacy, including stories that keep the memory of that era alive for younger generations of Bulldog fans.
Gunner Stockton grew up in this milieu, absorbing the story of his grandfather’s steadfast support and channeling it into his own competitive fire on the field. He has spoken about feeling a renewed connection to that family history when Georgia faces Auburn, including notable recent matchups that echo the longstanding rivalry.
As Georgia prepares to host Auburn in upcoming seasons, the Stockton family narrative—centered on unwavering Bulldog pride and a fierce commitment to the program—continues to be part of the broader tapestry of Georgia football. It’s a reminder that for many players, coaches, and fans, the Bulldog tradition runs deeper than wins and losses; it’s a lineage of loyalty passed down through generations.
