WAYCROSS, GA - November 7, 2026 - The Ware County Gators are your 2026 GHSA Region 1 - AAAAA Football Champions. In front of an excited home crowd at Memorial Stadium in "The Swamp" on Friday, November 6, 2026, the Gators delivered an outstanding performance, defeating the Benedictine Military School Cadets by a score of 31 - 17 to secure the Region 1 - AAAAA Championship and complete an undefeated run through region play.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Jason Strickland and his coaching staff, the Gators entered Friday night's contest knowing that a region championship was on the line. Facing a talented Benedictine squad, Ware County rose to the occasion and defended its home turf in championship fashion.
The Gators' 31 - 17 victory capped off an impressive regular season, finishing with an 8–2 overall record and a perfect 7 - 0 record in Region 1 - AAAAA competition. Throughout the region schedule, Ware County earned victories over Groves, Statesboro, Academy of Richmond County, Evans, Jenkins, Wayne County, and Benedictine.
Friday night's championship victory was a tremendous accomplishment for the entire Ware County Football program. The dedication and hard work of the student - athletes, coaches, trainers, cheerleaders, band, and support staff throughout the season helped bring another region championship home to Waycross.
Ware County Gator Athletics would like to congratulate Coach Jason Strickland, his coaching staff, and every member of the Ware County Gators Football Team on an outstanding regular season and the 2026 Region 1 - AAAAA Championship!
For complete individual and team statistics from the game and throughout the season, please visit the Ware County Gators Football page on MaxPreps.
UP NEXT: GHSA CLASS AAAAA STATE PLAYOFFS
With the regular season now complete, the Gators turn their attention to the postseason and the opportunity to compete for a GHSA Class AAAAA State Championship.
Ware County will open the first round of the GHSA State Football Playoffs at home as the Gators welcome the Cedartown Bulldogs to beautiful Memorial Stadium in "The Swamp" on Friday, November 13, 2026.
FIRST ROUND PLAYOFF INFORMATION
Matchup: Cedartown Bulldogs at Ware County Gators
Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Location: Memorial Stadium – "The Swamp," Waycross, Georgia
Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Admission: $12.00 per person (GHSA-established playoff admission)
Tickets: Online ONLY through GoFan.co
Reserve Seat Tickets: $15.00 per person:
On sale in Mrs. Tonia Stewart’s office at WCHS
Current Reserved Ticket Holder go on sale Monday and Tuesday from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Reserved Tickets go on sale to the public on Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
IMPORTANT TICKET INFORMATION: Per GHSA playoff procedures, admission for Friday night's contest will be $12.00. All tickets must be purchased electronically through GoFan. There will be NO paper ticket sales at the gate. Fans are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance and have their electronic tickets ready for scanning upon arrival.
MEMORIAL STADIUM GAME DAY POLICIES
Clear Bag Policy
Ware County Schools will continue to enforce its Clear Bag Policy at Memorial Stadium for all home athletic events, including GHSA State Playoff contests.
Spectators are reminded that bags brought into the stadium must comply with the Ware County Schools Clear Bag Policy. Fans are encouraged to bring only essential items and allow additional time for entry and security screening.
The policy is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all student-athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators.
Parental Supervision Policy
Ware County Schools will also continue enforcing its Parental Supervision Policy during all home athletic events.
Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that their children are appropriately supervised while attending games at Memorial Stadium. Students and younger spectators are expected to remain in designated spectator areas, demonstrate appropriate behavior, and follow all school and stadium expectations.
Unsupervised congregating, horseplay, running through stadium areas, and disruptive behavior will not be permitted. All spectators are expected to follow the directions of school administrators, law enforcement, and event personnel.
We appreciate the cooperation of Gator Nation in helping us maintain a safe, positive, and family-friendly atmosphere for everyone attending Friday night's playoff contest.
CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE SWAMP? WATCH THE GATORS LIVE!
Gator fans who are unable to attend Friday night's playoff matchup can follow the action through the WCHS Stream Team on the NFHS Network, subject to postseason broadcasting arrangements.
The WCHS Stream Team, under the direction of Ross Bedford, works throughout the season to provide coverage of Ware County Athletics and bring the excitement of Gator Football to fans near and far.
Fans can visit www.nfhsnetwork.com and search for Ware County High School to locate available live broadcasts and event information. An NFHS Network subscription may be required.
Gator fans can also follow Ware County Gator Nation for athletic announcements, game day updates, and postseason information.
GATOR NATION - IT'S PLAYOFF TIME!
The 2026 regular season has been one to remember for Ware County Football. With an 8–2 overall record, an undefeated Region 1 - AAAAA campaign, and a region championship secured, the Gators have earned the opportunity to continue their season in front of their home crowd.
Now the focus shifts to the GHSA State Playoffs, where every game presents a new challenge and every victory brings the Gators one step closer to their ultimate goal.
Congratulations again to the 2026 Region 1 - AAAAA Champion Ware County Gators!
For more photos, please click the link below.
11/6/2026: Ware Vs. Benedictine* (Region Championship) Photos
Photo Credits: Bos’s Sports Photography
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GO GATORS!