The Ware County Gators opened Region 1-AAAA play Friday night at Memorial Stadium in the Swamp, hosting the Benedictine Cadets. In a thrilling contest that went down to the wire, the Cadets escaped with a 30-27 win over the Gators.
Box Score
Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
Ware County | 7 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 27 |
Benedictine | 3 | 13 | 0 | 14 | 30 |
Scoring Recap
1st Half: QB Isaiah White got Ware on the board early, hitting Jamario Rice for a 48-yard touchdown. White later added an 11-yard scoring strike as the Gators matched Benedictine score for score through the first two quarters.
Special Teams Spark: In the fourth quarter, Rice electrified the home crowd with a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown, pushing Ware County in front 27-22 after a failed two-point conversion.
Cadets Answer: Benedictine finished strong behind a 1-yard TD run from Stanley Smart Jr., followed by a two-point conversion pass that proved the game-winner.
Stat Leaders
Ware County
QB Isaiah White - 129 passing yds/game, 2 TD passes vs Benedictine
WR Jamario Rice - 48-yd TD catch, 96-yd KR TD, 75 rec yds/game avg
RB Tayshaun Franklin - 100+ rushing yds/game avg
LB Walker Hudson - 9.7 tackles/game, defensive leader
Benedictine
RB Stanley Smart Jr. - 93 rushing yds/game, game-winning TD
QB Stephen Cannon - 127 passing yds/game
WR Bubba Frazier - 75 receiving yds/game
The setback drops Ware County to 5-1 overall, while Benedictine improves to 3-2.
Click the link below for more photos:
Ware Vs. Benedictine: 9/26/2025 Photos
This Week’s Schedule
Wednesday, Oct. 1 - 9th Grade Gators @ Lowndes (Concrete Palace), 4:00 PM
Thursday, Oct. 2 - JV Football: Off
Thursday, Oct. 2 - Varsity @ New Hampstead (Pooler), 7:00 PM – Region 1-AAAA matchup
Tickets & Coverage
Tickets: $10.00 at GoFan.co or at the gate
Streaming: NFHS Network (official GHSA partner)
Radio: 105.1 The KUB
Stay Connected
Social Media: @warecountygatornation (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Go Gators!