WAYCROSS, Ga. — The countdown is on: just eight Fridays remain until the 2024 high school football season kicks off.
The Ware County Gators, determined to avenge their early playoff loss from 2023, are gearing up for a new season. This follows their undefeated state title run just a year prior, a standard that continues to set the bar for the county's lone football team.
Head coach Jason Strickland, now in his sixth year, reflects on the community's high expectations: "We knew when we got here, that this community was starving for a high level of success, and they were not going to accept anything else."
In just four years, Strickland delivered, leading Ware County to its first-ever state title. Senior linebacker Nick Simmons recalls the relentless pursuit of excellence.
"We didn't take any days off. Every day was boom, boom, boom. Our bad days weren't even that bad," said Simmons.
Senior wide receiver Cole Cox echoes the sentiment.
"Playing here is really state championship or nothing," said Cox.
Maintaining this high standard is the current challenge, Strickland credits his coaching staff for their critical feedback and the players for their eagerness to learn and develop.
"I've got a coaching staff that are not a bunch of yes men. They will check me in a heartbeat. But, we've also got a bunch of kids that want to continue to learn and develop, so that creates an atmosphere where Coach Strickland, you have to keep learning," said Strickland.
Strickland emphasizes the importance of enjoyment in the game: "I want to enjoy this game. We call it playing football, not working football. Now, we are not going to hide from the things that we have to do to be good. But if it's also not done at a very high level, then I'm probably going to point that out very, very closely."
On top of that, the community's support remains unwavering.
"They don't care if we are lining up against the San Francisco 49ers, they're expecting us to win," Strickland says. "Just a couple years ago, the Braves won the World Series. I'm not sure our town knew that. They know who our third-string quarterback is. They know who our backup left guard is. That's stuff that is important to them."
Last season, the Gators fell in the second round of the GHSA State Playoffs, a loss that left a very sour taste in their mouths. Strickland notes that the team has been so eager during spring practices that he has had to dial back their intensity.