Gators Prepare for State Championships, Football Playoffs, and a Busy Week of Competition
WAYCROSS, GA - It is another exciting week for Ware County Gator Athletics as several teams prepare for postseason competition and regular-season action during the week of November 9–14, 2026. With the Gator Football Team beginning its journey through the GHSA Class AAAAA State Playoffs, the Lady Gators Competition Cheer Team competing for a State Championship, and Wrestling and Swimming continuing their seasons, there is plenty of action ahead for Gator Nation!
Wednesday, November 11 - Wrestling Travels to Wayne County
The Ware County Gators Wrestling Team will hit the road on Wednesday as they travel to Wayne County High School in Jesup for a quad meet featuring Wayne County, Statesboro, and Benedictine.
Action is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM as the Gators continue their early-season schedule against quality competition.
The Gators will look to build momentum and gain valuable experience as they prepare for another competitive wrestling season.
Friday, November 13 - Football Opens State Playoffs at The Swamp
The Ware County Gators Football Team will return to beautiful Memorial Stadium in "The Swamp" on Friday night as they host the Cedartown Bulldogs in the opening round of the GHSA Class AAAAA State Football Playoffs.
Coming off an impressive 31–17 victory over the Benedictine Cadets to claim the Region 1–AAAAA Championship, the Gators enter the postseason with an overall record of 8–2 and an undefeated record in Region 1 - AAAAA play.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Jason Strickland and his staff, the Gators have put together an outstanding regular season and will look to carry that momentum into the state playoffs.
Game Information:
Opponent: Cedartown Bulldogs
Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Location: Memorial Stadium – "The Swamp," Waycross, GA
Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Admission: $12.00 per GHSA playoff guidelines
Tickets: Available online through GoFan at gofan.co
Fans are reminded that GHSA playoff tickets must be purchased electronically. No paper tickets will be available.
Ware County's Clear Bag Policy and Parental Supervision Policy will remain in effect at Memorial Stadium. All spectators are encouraged to arrive early, have their tickets ready for scanning, and help create an outstanding playoff atmosphere.
Fans unable to attend can follow the Gators through the WCHS Stream Team on the NFHS Network.
Gator Nation is encouraged to pack The Swamp, wear Green and Gold, and help cheer the Gators on as they begin their quest for a State Championship.
Friday, November 13 - Lady Gators Competition Cheer Heads to GHSA State Championships as No. 7 Seed
The Ware County Lady Gators Competition Cheer Team will also be in the spotlight Friday as they travel to the Macon Coliseum for the GHSA Class AAAAA State Cheerleading Championships.
Following a successful competition season and their performance in the GHSA Region/Sectional Championships, the Lady Gators have officially qualified for the GHSA State Championships and enter the competition seeded No. 7 in Class AAAAA!
The Lady Gators are scheduled to take the competition floor at 3:00 PM as they look to deliver another outstanding performance on the state's biggest stage.
The Lady Gators have enjoyed an impressive season, highlighted by multiple strong performances, including a season-high score of 97.5 and a first-place finish at the Sue Youngblood Invitational at Worth County.
Throughout the season, the team has demonstrated tremendous dedication, teamwork, determination, and Gator pride. Earning a spot among the state's top programs and entering the State Championships as the seventh seed is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the hard work of these student-athletes and their coaches.
Now, the Lady Gators will have an opportunity to showcase their talent while competing against the best programs in Class AAAAA for a GHSA State Championship.
State Championship Information:
Event: GHSA Class AAAAA Competition Cheer State Championships
Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Location: Macon Coliseum - Macon, GA
Ware County State Seed: No. 7
Scheduled Performance: 3:00 PM
Official State Tournament Schedule: Available online at www.ghsa.net
Fans and supporters are encouraged to visit the GHSA website for the official Friday competition schedule and additional State Championship information.
Ware County Gator Athletics congratulates the Lady Gators and their coaching staff on qualifying for the State Championships and earning the No. 7 seed. We wish them the very best as they take the floor in Macon and compete for a State Championship!
Saturday, November 14 - Wrestling Competes at Battle at the Bay
The Ware County Gators Wrestling Team will return to action Saturday as they travel to Brantley County for the Battle at the Bay wrestling tournament.
Competition is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM.
The tournament will provide another opportunity for the Gators to test themselves against strong competition while continuing to develop and prepare for the challenges ahead.
With two competitions scheduled during the week, the Wrestling Team will have plenty of opportunities to gain valuable mat experience and continue building toward postseason success.
Saturday, November 14 - Gator Swimming Travels to Appling County
The Ware County Gators and Lady Gators Swim Teams will also be in action Saturday as they travel to Appling County for a multi-team swim meet.
The meet is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM.
The Gators and Lady Gators will look to continue improving their individual times, gaining experience, and building confidence as they progress through the 2026 - 2027 swimming season.
Each meet provides an important opportunity for Ware County swimmers to compete, improve, and work toward their individual and team goals.
A Big Week for Gator Nation!
With postseason opportunities on the line and several teams continuing their regular-season schedules, this promises to be another exciting week for Ware County Gator Athletics.
Friday will be especially exciting as the No. 7-seeded Lady Gators Competition Cheer Team takes the floor in Macon for the GHSA State Championships, while the Region 1 - AAAAA Champion Gator Football Team welcomes Cedartown to The Swamp for the first round of the State Playoffs.
Ware County Gator Athletics would like to wish all of our student-athletes and coaches the best of luck as they represent Ware County High School and our community throughout the week.
We encourage all of Gator Nation to come out and support our teams whenever possible!
GO GATORS! 🐊💚💛
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Schedules and start times are subject to change. Follow Ware County Gator Athletics for the latest updates, results, and announcements throughout the week.