WAYCROSS, GA - Thursday, August 27, 2026 - The Ware County Gators 9th Grade and JV football teams took on the Coffee County Trojans Thursday afternoon, but Mother Nature once again played a major role in the evening. The 9th Grade Gators were forced indoors in Douglas, while the JV Gators built a 21-14 lead at Memorial Stadium before lightning brought their contest to an early end.
9th Grade Gators Move Indoors at Coffee
The 9th Grade Gators traveled to Coffee County for a scheduled 5:00 PM kickoff against the Trojans.
Inclement weather prevented the teams from playing their regularly scheduled game outdoors. Instead, Ware County and Coffee moved into Coffee County's indoor practice facility, where the two programs were able to get valuable work in through a scrimmage.
No official score was kept, but the indoor session still provided the young Gators an opportunity to compete against another program and gain valuable game-speed repetitions despite the unfavorable weather conditions.
JV Gators Lead Coffee 21-14 Before Lightning Ends Contest
Back in Waycross, the JV Gators hosted Coffee County for a 5:00 PM kickoff at Memorial Stadium.
Ware County held a 21-14 lead with approximately five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter when lightning in the area forced the contest to be called.
The Gators weren't just protecting their seven-point advantage when play stopped — they were threatening to add to it. Ware County had driven to the Coffee 15-yard line and was in position to potentially make it a two-score game before weather conditions brought the night to a premature conclusion.
Coffee struck first, but the Gators quickly answered.
Quarterback Kieran Brown connected with Bryson Manson for a receiving touchdown in the first quarter, pulling Ware County even at 6-6.
The Ware County defense then delivered one of the biggest plays of the night.
In the second quarter, Rock Kitchen intercepted a Coffee pass and took it all the way back for a pick-six. Hayes Sweat connected on the extra point, giving the Gators a 13-6 advantage.
Coffee answered before halftime with a touchdown and successful two-point conversion, sending Ware County into the locker room trailing 14-13.
Gators Take Control After Halftime
The Gators wasted little time responding after the break.
Justin Hampton found the end zone on a rushing touchdown to put Ware County back in front. Chris McKelvin then powered his way across the goal line for the two-point conversion, extending the Gators' advantage to 21-14.
From there, Ware County continued to build momentum on both sides of the football.
The Gator defense came up with timely stops to keep the Trojans off the scoreboard, while the offense continued moving the football. Late in the fourth quarter, Ware County was again on the move and had advanced to the Coffee 15-yard line when lightning forced officials to stop the action.
With approximately five minutes remaining and Ware County leading 21-14, the game was called.
Final: Ware County JV 21, Coffee County JV 14
Sweat Makes an Impact on Special Teams
Sweat provided important contributions throughout the evening as Ware County's all-purpose special-teams performer.
In addition to converting the extra point following Kitchen's interception return, Sweat handled punting, kickoffs and placekicking duties. His steady execution helped the Gators throughout the contest and played an important role in the field-position battle.
It was a complete team effort for the JV Gators, with the offense producing timely scores, the defense creating a touchdown of its own and special teams providing consistency throughout the night.
Up Next
The young Gators will turn their attention to another big challenge next week.
The Ware County JV Gators will travel to Valdosta High School to take on the Valdosta Wildcats as they look to carry the momentum from Thursday night's performance into their next contest set for next Thursday in Valdosta with kickoff set for 5:00 PM.
The 9th Grade Gators will also continue their season next Thursday as the host Valdosta @ Ware County’s Memorial Stadium with kickoff set for 5:00 PM
For more photos, please click the link below.
8/27/2026: Ware JV Vs. Coffee JV Photos
GO GATORS!