Ware County head coach Jason Strickland and his offensive assistants have spent the last few months trying to find replacements for an offensive line that departed en masse after last season.
Friday they get a chance to gauge the progress when the Gators scrimmage Brunswick at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Stadium.
Ware County not only graduated its starters, most of whom were first unit players as sophomores, but a couple of backups. With that, the Gators have had a revolving door up front in the effort to develop the line.
“With so many questions with the offensive line, what we’re hoping is to see some growth in those guys,” said Strickland, who’s starting his eighth season with the Gators. “We need to see some consistency. Every play it seems like we get a little bust from somebody.
“They’re working hard and we think we have the right guys in the mix, but we don’t know that correct five. We’ll probably play 6-7 guys with the (number) ones.”
In comparison, Ware County has few concerns with the unit’s skill positions where experienced talent returns.
Veteran quarterback Isaiah White returns for his senior season along with experienced receivers led by two-year starter Ja’Londi O’Hara and running back Masiyer “MooMoo” McKoy. Tight end Elon Jones, wide receiver Lavon Lawson and running back Jimmy Taylor, who’s just a sophomore, have shone well so far to add support.
“We know Isaiah will play well,” Strickland said. “Same with Ja’Londi, “MooMoo”, and the others. We need some consistency with (line) to see where we are on that side of the ball.”
The Gators have some holes to fill on defense as well, but they’re spread throughout the unit.
Linebacker Jamarion Keyhea and corner Davion Jones are the key returnees. McKoy also had significant time as a nickel back last year.
Junior Carlos White has emerged to fill one of the holes up front while corner Mehki Porter has turned heads with his play so far despite being just a freshman, Strickland said.
“He’s crazy mature beyond his years, but crazy athletic as well,” the coach said of Porter.
Overall smaller, but quicker than last year’s unit, Strickland said the Gators will employ a more attacking scheme in 2026. “Coach (Dante) Sapp is going to a more aggressive, blitzing style and more movement with the front,” said Strickland. “We need to see how that’ll hold up against big bodies like Brunswick has and how we handle those guys getting down hill on us.”
The Gators will have two weeks to assess the scrimmage and prepare for their seasonopener Friday, November 21 at Bainbridge. After that, Ware County visits rival Coffee the following week before the first of two open dates on this year’s schedule.
The Gators return September 11 to open the home season against Richmond Hill.
Season tickets
Reserved season tickets for Ware County’s five-game home schedule will be available for $200 beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, August 11.
The package includes two seats, one parking pass and priority purchasing privileges for GHSA playoff tickets. Fans who would like to reserve their tickets in advance may email Tonia Stewart at [email protected] prior to the sale date.
Any reserved seats not renewed by previous ticket holders will be offered for public sale after August 18.
Additional single seats are $75 with parking passes available on a first-come, first-served basis while they last.
All Sports Passes will be available for $100 through Stewart's office in the Ware County High School Main Office Suite also beginning August 11. The passes provide admission to all regular season athletic events where admission is charged.
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