Ware County wrapped up its 10-day spring practice session with head coach Jason Strickland looking to fill holes left by the 2026 graduating class.
The biggest hole is the offensive line where all five starters used up their eligibility. The list includes Landon Smallwood, Kyler Matthews, Will Hines, Cason Hall and Jakyre Gilyard. Two backups — Damarious Dennis and Waylon Smith — were also seniors.
“The offensive line, entering the spring, was our (offensive coaches) biggest question,” said Strickland. “The group we lost played together the last three years with several being threeyear starters.
“We (coaches) were able to find some players who were backups that we feel pretty good about over the 10 days. We could still move some players around when we return June 1 to solidify the line.”
Strickland, who is entering his eighth season, trails only Dan Ragle’s nine seasons as the longest tenured head coach since the consolidation of Ware County and Waycross High in 1994.
The Gators are 64-21 with three region titles (2019, 202122) and the 2022 Class 5A state trophy during the Strickland era. The veteran coach is 16460-1 overall entering his 18th season.
Another area losing production is the ground game with both Tashaun Franklin and Jamir Boyd departing the program. The two combine for just over 1,700 yards rushing, 26 touchdowns and seven 100-yard rushing efforts.
Junior Masiyer McKoy, who missed the spring session with an injury, is expected to the fill the void, according to Strickland.
Jamario Rice left some big shoes to fill at wide receiver after catching 59 passes for 1,005 yards and nine scores last season becoming quarterback Isaiah White’s “go-to” receiver.
Senior Ja’Londi O’Hara could assume the “go-to” role after a 45-catch season. Junior Lattarrian Hayes is expected to slide into Rice’s position.
There’s also holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball at all three levels. Missing up front are defensive ends Walker Hudson and Seth Suess, along with Nick Grant.
In the middle are linebackers Avante Ballentine and Terron Birden. At the back end are players like Cameron King, Markell Conoway, Lotwan Carter and Zhai Solomon.
Summer practice will begin Monday, June 1. Strickland and his staff will have five weeks in June and three in July (one week lost to “dead” week) before entering August. The first day of padded practices is Tuesday, July 28.
The Gators will wrap up the pre-season with a pair of scrimmages before kicking off the season August 21 for keeps, traveling to Bainbridge.
They visit Coffee August 28 before a September 4 open date. Ware County will host Richmond Hill in the September 11 home opener and final tuneup before embarking on a seven-game region schedule alternating home and away games.
The Gators host Groves September 18 and travel September 25 to Statesboro. Richmond Academy visits October 2 with Ware County traveling to Evans October 9.
Following a second open date October 16, The Gators host Jenkins of Savannah October 23 and visit Wayne County October 30. Ware County closes with Benedictine rolling into town in the November 6 season finale.
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