8/29/2025 Gators vs. Bearcats: A Rivalry Rekindled This Friday
Date & Venue: Friday, August 29, 2025, at Centennial Field, Bainbridge, GA. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM
Season Snapshot
Ware County Gators (Waycross, GA)
Record: 2 - 0 overall, 0 - 0 in region play
Scoring: 79 points for, 21 against; currently riding a two-game win streak
Bainbridge Bearcats (Bainbridge, GA)
Record: 0 - 2 overall, 0 - 0 in region play
Scoring: 20 points for, 50 against; sitting on a two-game losing streak
A Rivalry with Roots—Not a First-Time Matchup
This upcoming contest is not the inaugural meeting between Ware County and Bainbridge. In fact, the matchup has become a recurring fixture in recent seasons:
September 22, 2023: The Bearcats defeated the Gators 35–21 at home. That same season, Ware County went on to reach the playoffs with an 8–4 record, while Bainbridge finished 9–3.
August 30, 2024: Ware County returned the favor with a dominant 49–7 win in Waycross.
September 2022: Ware County also defeated Bainbridge 22–16 during a perfect 14–0 season that culminated in a state championship.. According to WCTV, Bainbridge had not beaten Ware County since 2001 and the rivalry has been played only about ten times since 2001, though it was re-instated around 2020 and run regularly since.
Storylines to Watch
Team | Key Notes |
Ware County Gators | Off to a hot start with two early-season wins; their offense is clicking, built on balanced ground and aerial attacks. |
Bainbridge Bearcats | Reeling from two straight defeats, they're desperate to reclaim confidence - and home turf - against a familiar foe. |
Rivalry Intensity | With recent history highlighting back-and-forth results, this Friday promises fireworks. Neither side wants to cede the upper hand in this renewed rivalry. |
Why It Matters
Ware County aims to assert dominance early, while Bainbridge fights to regain its footing. The backstory, built on recent competitive clashes, adds intrigue to what could become a marquee rivalry in GHSA AAAA football.
In summary:
On August 29, at
Centennial Field, the first home test for the Bearcats against a familiar rival promises a high-stakes all-out contest. With each team’s recent history layered on the field, expect nothing less than full-tilt football under the lights.
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!