Class 5A second-ranked Ware County heads into its second bye in three weeks after wrapping up non-region play with a come-from-behind 22-16 win over visiting Class 4A ninth-ranked Bainbridge.
The Gators (4-0) and head coach Jason Strickland will not have to worry about possible threatening weather conditions from Hurricane Ian.
“We’re going to get in as much work as possible early in the week,” said the fourth-year head coach. “Monday was used for film study and rehabbing those that are nicked up and banged up. Tuesday and Wednesday we’ll be on the grass going live.
“We want both sides of the ball to see live action so we’ll (coaches) put our number ones on offense against the number ones on defense and number twos against number twos. I’m think Thursday we may be doing more film study.”
Three players Strickland mentioned were defensive back Kavis Baker (concussion vs. Bainbridge), quarterback Niko Smith (dinged up) and defensive lineman Demetrius Baldwin.
“Kavis suffered a concussion early against Bainbridge,” said the head coach. “He’ll come in Monday and get re-evaluated. Niko got dinged a pretty good bit, so he’ll start treatments. Demetrius is going to battle his leg injury all year. We’re (coaches) just going to shut him down this week and let him rest.”
Ware County, who is off to a third consecutive 4-0 start under Strickland, opens Region 1-AAAAA play October 7 with Jenkins (1-4) of Savannah coming to town for Homecoming. The teams have two common opponents with Benedictine and Richmond Hill on the schedule.
Jenkins fell 45-0 in two quarters to the Cadets and 38-10 vs. the Wildcats. Ware County beat BC 14-10 and Richmond Hill 20-7.
The lone victory for the Warriors is a 34-21 decision over Bluffton High School (S.C.). Jenkins fell 17-14 to visiting Wayne County last week.
Just like Ware County, the Warriors are off this week with each playing the final five weeks of the regular season.