WAYCROSS, Ga. — The Ware County football team, led by head coach Jason Strickland, is gearing up for its sixth season with a determined mindset.
Last season, the Gators were eliminated in the second round of the GHSA 5A state playoffs, fueling their motivation for the upcoming campaign.
Strickland expresses satisfaction with this season's roster, noting its balanced composition of young talents and seasoned players.
Additionally, the team's utilization of four sophomores on the offensive line last year has Strickland anticipating significant growth this season, fueled by their gained experience.
During spring practices, the Gators have exhibited heightened intensity, driven by the disappointment of last season's premature end.
"It has been highly, highly competitive, and very, very physical. At times, we've had to kind of dial it back a little bit," said Strickland. "But, we'd rather have to dial it back than try to get them going forward. There's a bunch of alpha males out here, and they're excited. We have a very bad taste in the way things ended last year. Thought we should've went further than what we did."
With the recent success of the Gators football team, they are set to receive a new outdoor-covered football facility, slated to be operational by June.
Other athletic programs at Ware County will also reap the benefits. The soccer teams will have the opportunity to play matches on the facility, while the band plans to utilize it for summer camps.
Featuring 10 roll-down nets for batting cages and a full-sized baseball infield, the facility will cater to the needs of both softball and baseball teams.