WAYCROSS, GA - The Ware County Gators opened their 2025 football season with a statement-setting performance, dismantling the Appling County Pirates 55-7 at home. Their dominance was etched from the opening drive to the final whistle.
Game Highlights & Key Performers
Tayshaun Franklin was the star of the show, exploding for 152 rushing yards and three touchdowns on just six carries, including a breathtaking 75-yard sprint.
Jamir Boyd powered the backfield as well, adding 108 rushing yards and a touchdown on ten carries.
On the Pirates’ side, Jaiden Knight stood out despite the loss, rushing for 118 yards and finding the end zone twice.
Scoring Breakdown by Quarter
Quarter | Ware County | Appling County |
1 | 6 | 0 |
2 | 6 | 7 |
3 | 29 | 0 |
4 | 14 | 0 |
Final | 55 | 7 |
1st Quarter: Franklin's 75-yard TD kickstarted the game for Ware (PAT missed). Appling held steady at zero.
2nd Quarter: Appling answered with Knight’s 4-yard TD + PAT, briefly taking a 7-6 lead. Ware responded with Boyd’s 34-yard TD (PAT missed), leading 12-7 at halftime.
3rd Quarter: The Gators turned the game into a blowout with a barrage of scores-Franklin added a rushing TD and a successful two-point conversion, followed by another rushing TD, a fumble-return touchdown with a two-point conversion, and a passing TD capped with a PAT-pushing the lead to 41-7.
4th Quarter: Ware closed strong with a 29-yard rushing TD (plus PAT) by Jamario Rice, and Rodricus Lewis returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown (PAT good), sealing the dominant 55-7 scoreline.
Next Up
Ware County improves to 1-0, looking to keep their momentum rolling as they prepare to host Coffee County next Friday at 7:30 PM at Memorial Stadium in The Swamp.
Reaction
The Gators showed a balanced and explosive offense, anchored by Franklin’s electrifying runs and Boyd’s steady ground game. Coach Jason Strickland’s squad looks sharp early and ready for the 2025 season.
Up Next for the Gators:
Thursday: 8/21/2025
9th Grade Vs. Coffee @ Home - Kickoff 5:00 PM
JV @ Coffee - @ Jardine Stadium - Kickoff 5:00 PM
Friday: 8/22/2025
Varsity Vs. Coffee - @ Home - Kickoff 7:30 PM
Tickets for Thursday’s 9th Grade game are set at $7.00 and can be purchased online @ gofan.co or at the gate.
Reminder that at all Ware County Athletic events and sites there is a clear bag policy in place and enforced.
All contest times and locations are subject to change due to inclement weather without notice.
Please make sure to Stay tuned to 105.1 the KUB, find and follow Ware County Gator Nation on Facebook and X, and visit the Athletic Website for more updates and results. We truly appreciate everyone’s support and attendance at all of our Gator Athletic events…. And as always…..Go Gators!
