WAYCROSS, GA - The countdown is on as the 2026 fall athletic season approaches for the Ware County Gators. From Friday night lights at Memorial Stadium to championship aspirations on the softball field, volleyball court, cross country course, and cheer mat, Gator Nation has plenty to look forward to this fall.
The upcoming season features a challenging slate of competition across every program as Ware County student-athletes prepare to represent the green and gold with pride.
Football Opens August 7
The Ware County football program begins the season with a preseason scrimmage against Brunswick on Friday, August 7, at Memorial Stadium, before officially opening the regular season on the road at Bainbridge on August 21.
Head Coach Jason Strickland's Gators will once again compete in Region 1-AAAAA, hosting Richmond Hill, Groves*, Richmond Academy* (Homecoming), Jenkins* (Senior Night), and Benedictine* while traveling to Coffee, Statesboro*, Evans*, and Wayne* County.
The JV and 9th Grade teams will also play full schedules throughout the fall, giving the future of Gator Football plenty of opportunities to compete and develop.
Lady Gator Softball Begins July 30
The Lady Gators will waste no time getting back on the diamond as they open with a preseason scrimmage against Clinch County on July 30 before beginning regular-season play on August 4 against Tattnall County.
The schedule features strong non-region competition before Region 1-AAAAA play begins in late August with games against Wayne* County, Jenkins*, Statesboro*, and Richmond Academy*. Ware County will also participate in the prestigious Harris Invitational in Columbus during September.
The JV Lady Gators will also play an exciting schedule featuring contests against Brantley County, Coffee County, Brunswick, Camden County, Long County, Vidalia, and others.
Volleyball Returns to the Gator Den
Ware County Volleyball opens the 2026 campaign at home on Tuesday, August 11, before hitting the road for several early-season matches.
The Lady Gators will host multiple tri-matches throughout September inside the Gator Den, including contests against Evans, Colquitt County, Georgia Christian, Statesboro, Jenkins, Tift County, Liberty County, Cook, Camden County, and Brooks County.
The season also includes two signature events:
Volley in the Swamp JV Tournament - September 12
Volley in the Swamp Middle School Tournament - September 19
Region postseason play begins on October 10.
Cross Country Ready to Hit the Trails
Ware County Cross Country opens with a time trial on August 20 before hosting the annual Meet in the Swamp on August 27 in Waycross.
The Gators will compete throughout South Georgia with meets in Douglas, Ludowici, Hazlehurst, Brunswick, Rochelle, and Waycross before advancing to the GHSA postseason.
The schedule concludes with:
GHSA Sectionals - October 31
GHSA State Championships - November 6 in Carrollton
Competition Cheer Chasing Another Championship Season
The Ware County Competition Cheer program begins its season on October 3 at Bacon County before hosting its annual home competition on October 10 at Ware County High School.
The schedule includes competitions at:
Bacon County
Ware County High School
Statesboro
Worth County
GHSA Region Competition
GHSA State Championships in Macon
The Gameday Competition Cheer squad will also compete at South Effingham, Colquitt County, and the GHSA Game Day State Championships in December.
One Team. One Swamp. All In.
With championship traditions across every program, Ware County enters the 2026 fall season with high expectations and tremendous excitement. Whether it's Friday night football, Lady Gator softball, volleyball in the Gator Den, cross country racing across South Georgia, or competition cheer chasing state titles, Gator Nation will have countless opportunities to support Ware County student-athletes throughout the fall.
Fans are encouraged to follow Ware County Gator Athletics on social media and visit the athletic website for schedule updates, ticket information, and game-day announcements.
