Worth County Lady Ram Morgan Bell after catching a Tift pop-up at 3rd for a 5th inning out.

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Worth County Softball 

Homerun Twins and Another Worth Win

Tuesday night softball in Worth County brought the Tift County Lady Blue Devils to face Worth County for the third time this season and each meeting has resulted in a big win for the Lady Rams.

After three Tift batters and three quick outs at the top of the 1^st inning tonight, Kimberly Lee opened up the game for the Lady Rams and on her first swing connected for a triple. Morgan Bell walked to first and Haley Ellis gets a single sending Lee in for the first run of the game. The stage was set for the Lady Rams to follow up withthree RBI’s and to enter 2^nd inning at 4- 0.

Haley Elllis takes her turn up to bat and homers right field. Her twin sister, Heather Elllis, follows immediately with a left field homer. The 2^nd inning ends with Rams leading at 6 – 0. As the Lady Rams are at bat in the 3rd, Lee singles and quickly steals to second. Morgan Bell gets a hit and is out at first, but opens opportunity for Lee to break and make it to third. On a Tift passed ball, Lee  makes it in for another Worth run.

Fourth inning would not prove promising for the Lady Blue Devils as Lady Rams held them scoreless with a repeat of 1^st inning – Three batters and three quick outs. Heather Ellis stole to 2^nd after earning a single. Two fielding errors by the Devils would give Ellis enough leeway to score another run with junior Lauren Potts trailing behind her for a run and Katlyn Parton stopped on third awaiting her chance to score. It came when Molly Maxwell got a hit and reached base off an overthrown out attempt to 1^st by Tift.

Lady Rams held at 10- 0 for the final when the Blue Devils were detained yet again at three batters and three outs, top of the 5^th. Kelly Weaver pitched for Worth County tonight and for another Rams near no-hitter. Tifton earned only one hit good for a single in the 2nd.

This is the Lady Rams’ ninth consecutive win with the last three being shut-outs. They play again at home Thursday against region opponents Monroe Tornadoes. See OnScene game photos below:

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Rams Football Practice Day

We found Worth County Rams (2 -0) football players hard at practice todayin preparation for their upcoming game at home this Friday against Cook County (2-0). Many believe this game will be the tell-all of what this seasons’ Rams team are capable of. Game time against the 1-AA Hornets is 7:30 P.M. at Milt Miller field in Sylvester.

Worth County Lady Ram Haley Ellis rounds third, meeting with a congrats from Head Coach Russ Beard, after she belts a grand slam in yesterday’s game against 1-AAA Dougherty.

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The Lady Rams added another win to their stat sheet after a shut-out at home field against Dougherty Lady Trojans Thursday. The game was Worth’s 8^th consecutive win making their overall record 13 – 1.

Lady Rams Pitcher Kelly Weaver threw for a near no-hitter allowing only one hit in the game. A Trojan hit stopped at right field led to a single but was deemed ineffectual as Weaver pitched three clean strike-outs to close down the top of the inning. Weaver faced 14 batters and threw for 8-strike-outs in last night’s game.

As Rams took over in the 3rd, bases were loaded when Haley Ellis gets a hit over left centerfield for a homerun. Ellis connected for 2- hits out of 4-times at bat within the game, driving in a total of 5 RBI’s.

Lady Rams were at bat 23 times in the game called in 4th inning, winning 12 – 0 off 7-hits. They will play again at home against Tift County on Tuesday and Monroe on Thursday. Worth is currently 2 – 0 in region.

Click link to see the seasonal Rams Sports schedule:

http://worthit2u.wetpaint.com/page/Rams+2010-2011+Sports+Schedule

See OnScene photos of game below:

Lady Rams have brought home their second tournament championship of the 2010 season, and as of Wednesday night, they stand at  12 -1.

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Following the Berrien County game in mid-August, the Lady Rams’ only loss of the season, the Worth Rams came back in rebound mode and they haven’t let up since. Friday night Worth defeated 2B-A Turner County 5 – 2. Tonight (Wednesday) the Lady Rams played at home against Americus-Sumter for their first region match-up in the season.

The face-off with the 1 –AAA Lady Panthers came only four-days after the annual tournament held in Crisp County where the Lady Rams played undefeated. They earned their second tournament championship in the season. Worth defeated three teams with one resulting in shut-out victory.

Worth defeated Schley 6 – 4 on Saturday morning. Lauren Potts pitched delivering 7-strike-outs and allowing only 4-hits out of 26 batters. The Rams earned 6-runs out of 9-hits. The game following that afternoon would be against 1-AAAAA Tift County Lady Blue Devils. Pitcher Morgan Bell faced 27 batters allowing only 3-hits and Rams defense would allow no runs for their opponents. Rams won 5 – 0. For the Pool play championship, the Lady Rams faced 4-AAA Jackson Lady Red Devils. Worth senior Kelly Weaver took the pitcher’s mound to face 31 batters. She allowed only 7-hits and pitched 4 strike-outs. Worth connected for 11-hits to earn 5-runs. They pulled out a win over Jackson, 5 – 1 for the championship.

On Tuesday, the Lady Rams would again confront Tift County but this time on the Blue Devil’s home field. The Lady Devils led things off when they put 4-runs on the board in the bottom of the 2^nd inning. That would be the first runs on the scoreboard of the game, but the last for Tift. Lady Rams Pitcher Potts threw for 9-strike-outs, allowing only 6-hits out of 37 Blue Devil batters. Potts would also deliver on 5-RBI’s. Rams scored 13-runs out of 18-hits, connecting for nearly 50 percent of their times at bat, with not one hitter striking out.

Tonight’s region match-up at home with Americus-Sumter ended after only 4-innings. The game was originally scheduled for August 26^th at home but was rescheduled due to rain.

The power hitting Lady Rams took control of the game from their first time at bat. In the bottom of the 1^st inning, Worth earned 8-runs off 7-hits. Kimmy Lee, Katlyn Parton, and Brittany Cornell each stole a base in the inning with each effort leading up to a run. Worth scored three more runs in the 2^nd and would not relent going into the 3^rd. They scored two more runs when Haley Ellis homered followed by a single from sophomore Marissa Moreland. Moreland would steal 2^nd and 3^rd base which led up to the final run of the inning. Holding their opponents scoreless, the game ended with Lady Rams winning 13 – 0. Rams Pitcher Bell allowed only one hit in the game that occurred in the 3^rd inning. She faced 16-batters ending her night only one shy of a no-hitter.

The next game will also be played at home and against region opponents. The Dougherty Lady Trojans will be the visiting team in Worth County Thursday night. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 P.M.

A rained out game Thursday didn’t stop these dedicated little players!

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RAM Highlight

Meet the Athlete

Want to see an online feature of your favorite Worth County Ram? As the Worth County High School Sports season is upon us, it is important we as fans get to know our players and cheerleaders and offer them our full support. Worthit2u.net wants to make available to families and friends of these athletes an opportunity to provide a focus on your number one local sports star.

Worthit2u.net will photograph and interview your player/cheerleader at your request and upon their consent. The feature story will include interviews with family members and coaches, photos and more.   Stats, game time, achievements on the field and such do not determine the player featured – anyone can make that call!

Contact us for further details @ 638-0844 or inquiries@worthit2u.net .

Just another way to show our support and recognition for our athletes as a team player and an individual!

Worth Rams have winning weekend in Football and Softball

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What a weekend for Worth County Rams! In the season opener game at home the Worth Rams were considered the underdogs against 1-AA Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes, including the printed prediction by the local newspaper’s sportswriter… How ‘bout them Rams, Lee! Gotta love ‘em, right?

The big possibility of losing the game was on the minds of many in fact, as the favored Hurricanes have won against the Rams every season for nearly a decade. The number of Hurricanes fans far outnumbered the Rams side of the field at kick-off time, but as the game progressed, the crowd of Rams supporters grew to an overwhelming number.

It appeared the negativity only inspired the Rams players. It was time, and in an amazing game to be a part of, the Worth County Rams pulled it off. A much deserved win that was earned after double overtime.

In 1^st Quarter, the game opened with the Rams receiving. They quickly turned it over to the Hurricanes and judging by Fitgerald’s first two offensive plays, it appeared history would repeat itself. The Hurricanes scored and the extra point was good. Rams answered however when Savon Farley (#13) ran the ball 48- yards for a TD. Rams missed the extra point however and Hurricanes had a one point lead. But it was short-lived as the Rams strong-armed Fitzgerald defensively and earned a safety taking an 8 – 7 lead.

In the 2^nd Quarter, the Rams would be the first to score when junior Ellis Anderson (#29) scores on a 9-yard run. An attempted 2-point conversion failed. The Hurricanes added another 7 points when they answer with a 42-yard run and extra point. Rams, now leading at 14 -13, pull off another touchdown when senior Jhue Rhodes (#10) scored off a 10-yard run.

Rams would score first after halftime when Quarterback Will Peacock (#4) delivered on a 16-yard completion to junior Kareem McDaniel (#25) for the TD. Another 2-point conversion attempt would be unsuccessful for the Rams. As Worth maintained their lead, which was 26- 14 in the 3^rd, the Hurricanes answered yet again with a 5-yd touchdown run and successful extra point attempt.

The Hurricane defense would hold Rams in the 4^th quarter as they added a 2-point safety and 3-point kick for 24-yards to even the score. Fans of both teams were on the edge of their seats and in cheering support of their teams as the game went into overtime for the 26 -26 tiebreaker.

As OT kicked off, Rams fans were now on their feet, drive-by traffic increased as passer-by’s  came to get a glimpse of the scoreboard, and residents in the area were outside of their homes to listen with many standing on their autos to see what would happen next.

The first quarter in overtime would result in no score for either team so the competition trudged on into a 2^nd quarter. Exhausted but motivated the Rams offense made their way down field. The Worth County team would not disappoint their fans as a 4-yard run would lead to Ellis Anderson’s second TD of the night. The Rams’ season opener ended with a 32 – 26 victory for WCHS.

Head Coach Scotty Ward said, “It was a big win for us and I hope it sets the standard for the rest of the season. I’ve been here nine years. It was probably the best football game we’ve played… We never quit and we never gave up.”

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WCHS Softball

The good news in WC sports continues as the Lady Rams won their game against Turner County Friday afternoon against the Lady Rebels in Turner County (2B-A).  Pitcher Kelly Weaver threw for 8-Stikeouts and Haley Ellis homered her first time at bat in the game.

In the Cordele-Crisp Tournament this weekend, the Lady Rams earned their 2^nd championship of the season by playing pool play undefeated. They were able to win over Schley County 6 – 4, and shut out Tift County today at 5 -0.

The Lady Rams faced 4-AAA region leaders Jackson Red Devil’s this afternoon and pulled off a 5 – 1 win for the championship. Go Rams!

Details on these games to come!

Worth County Rams Middle School Softball will play their next game August 30, 2010 in Cook County.

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The WCMS Rams softball team took a loss tonight at the home field against Crisp County’s  Cougars who earned a shut-out victory , 10 – 0. The loss did not however, discourage the young Rams who are clearly showing improvement in their defensive efforts. The WCMS Rams softball team also did not let the loss take away from their enjoyment of playing in tonight’s game. See OnScene photos from the game below:

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A weekend in Worth County sports began with Friday 13^th, but the infamous date didn’t have any influence whatsoever on varsity Ram sports. In football, the Rams played an at home scrimmage game Friday against the Rutland Hurricanes who are competing in the 2-AAA region this season.  The season opener for Rams football officially begins August 27, at home against Fitzgerald’s 1-AA Purple Hurricanes.  The first region game is September 24 against Americus-Sumter.

The Lady Rams continue to exemplify their brawn which has greatly intensified over the past few seasons. The team played in the annual Jordan Invitational held in Columbus this weekend. The team walked away with a well-earned championship. The Jordan Invitational hosts 24 teams with each team guaranteed five games. Friday’s first game was against Taylor, with the Rams winning 10 -6.

The game against Heard ended with a huge victory and began with a bang, literally. First up to bat in the game was junior Kimmy Lee (#11) who hit a homer. It was déjà vu from the Rams’ season opener. After one homerun hit, a landslide followed as Heather Ellis nailed a homer to left center and repeated with yet another homer her next turn at bat,  sending 2-runners in. The first inning would result in 11 runs for the Lady Rams. Heard earned two runs in the 1^st inning and played a strong defense at the top of the 2^nd. They allowed no hits before Rams took outfield and returned the favor. In fact, the Lady Rams would hold their opponents scoreless until the game ended after the 4^th. Rams scored three additional runs and a win at 14 -2. Pitcher Lauren Potts (#16) struck out five batters in the game.

On Saturday the Lady Rams faced off with Decatur with senior Kelly Weaver (#17) on the pitcher’s mound. The game was tied 1 -1 until 3^rd inning when the Rams earned 5 runs off three hits.  Decatur only made 4-hits before the game ended after 6-innings, but gained three additional runs as a result. It wouldn’t be enough however to match the Lady Rams who won 11- 4.

The big match-up came when Worth County faced last year’s Invitational champions, the 6-AAA Columbus Blue Devil’s. The Blue Devils went into the tournament believing Northland would be their biggest threat until going head-to-head with Worth. It was a tight game, inning for inning, with the teams tied up in the 4^th. The tie would send the game into two extra innings. In the 5^th, both teams would score a run and going into the 6^th, the nail-biter remained at a tie.

Just like some Rocky movie finale, the Lady Rams mustered up enough energy to hold the defending champs defensively without a run in the final inning, making two consecutive plays stopping a runner at home plate. As the Rams were infield at the bottom of the inning, Faith Jones (#14) singled sending Brittany Cornell (#6) to third. Jones stole to second and Lee earned a base on a walk. With bases loaded, senior Morgan Bell (#18) hit a groundball sending Cornell home for the winning run. The game ended 8 -7.

The Rams were to face 1-AAA Region champs Perry Panthers for their 5^th game, but weather conditions would not allow it. Due to Worth County playing the Invitational undefeated and beating the reigning champs, the Lady Rams went home with the championship title.

See the Worth County Lady Rams Tuesday at home field against 1-AA Berrien County Rebels.

More Rams Scrimmage football practice and game photos below:

The Worth Sports segment on Worthit2u.net is proudly sponsored by:

 Lady Ram Kelly Weaver rounds third following her second home run of the game tonight against Irwin ______________________________________

 The Lady Rams season opener at home tonight against Irwin County’s Lady Indians resulted in a big win for Worth County. The ’08 region champs, including a list of Lady Rams in 2010 play in the Elite 80 and the USFA World Series, proved very early in the season they are the team to beat to get to the top. Coach Russell Beard’s team has repeatedly consisted of very strong and athletic players who have obviously not taken a break from the sport in the high school off season. These players, who have shown great potential since there freshman year, make it crystal clear their passion for the game. These girls are now coming into the new season as juniors and seniors. along with several new faces to the Lady Rams roster.

In the first inning of tonight’s game, the Lady Rams scored a run, to tie with Irwin, when first batter Kimmy Lee gained a single and was sent home by third hitter Haley Ellis who earned a double. Ellis would be thrown out at home however to end the inning. The Lady Indians would be scoreless in the 2nd inning as Lady Rams added 4 more runs to the scoreboard, taking full advantage of numerous errors by their opponents.

At the top of the 3rd, the Indians earned two runs with Irwin’s Hall hitting a homerun, sending a runner in on RBI from 1st base. Rams pitcher Morgan Bell would strike out the next two batters and Irwin batter Golden fouled out, leaving the bottom of the inning open for Rams to answer.

And answer they did. Kelly Weaver hit the first Lady Rams homer of the season and it opened up a scoring monsoon going into 4th inning. At the top of the 4th, the Rams allowed themselves no error and their opponents, no runs. Worth immediately scored upon taking infield with Lee earning a single and scoring off a a fly ball from Cornell. Haley Ellis stepped up to bat and delivered a homer to left field. Her sister, Heather Ellis, followed with yet another homer to left field. And finally- the batter who led the Rams’ ’goner’ whirlwind, took her turn again at bat and had the final swing of the game- a left field homer. Weaver also earned 5 RBI’s in tonight’s game.

The Lady Rams first game of the season ended with a 13-3 victory. They will play the Jordan Tournament August 13 -14. See tonight’s OnScene photos below:

Worth County Rams sports on Worthit2u.net is proudly sponsored by:

While the Lady Rams were out at practice this morning for the upcoming season, players Haley Ellis, Heather Ellis, and Kimberly (Kimmy) Lee had a more immediate focus in their practice session. Tomorrow the three head to Woodstock, GA to play on Team 6 in the GADC Elite 80 Showcase. 

The players making the Elite 80 are chosen statewide after an evaluation of their hitting, throwing, running, and catching skills. Lady Rams Coach Russ Beard said the girls tried out in Cook County, which was among five try-out locations in Georgia for the showcase. He explains, “After all the try-outs are held, they select a team from the north and a team from the south. It’s run and organized by the Georgia Dugout Club.”

Coach Beard said Kimmy and Heather were actually selected to play last year (between their freshman and sophomore school year), but tournament scheduling conflicted with the World Series held in Panama City. This year the games are scheduled a week apart. 

Unfortunately, Haley was unable to play the summer events last year due to an injury, but she’s obviously back and better than ever for this summer’s games. Coach Beard said Worth County can count on several Lady Rams playing in the upcoming Panama City World Series event.

Tomorrow’s Elite 80 event is hosted by Twin Creek Park in Cherokee County. Three games are played tomorrow with the first beginning at 11 A.M. Heather, Kimmy and Haley will be a part of game 2 and 3 scheduled at 1 P.M. and the latter at 3 P.M. The team they are playing for consist of players from Screven and Jones Counties, Lowndes, Rockmart, Kennesaw Mountain and more, including Karli Smith of Tift County.

This year’s event is the 3rd annual Elite 80 and college coaches faithfully attend these games. Representatives from 16 colleges attended last year. But hey, no pressure on our WCHS juniors. These three have enough skill to gain any college coach’s attention as they proudly represent the Worth County Lady Rams. Good Luck Ladies! See more practice photos below:

Top – Lady Rams catcher Haley Ellis at practice today as Coach Russ Beard looks on.

Center – Right-handed Lady Ram Kimmy Lee (1st base) makes practice hits left and right-handed.

Bottom – Lady Ram Shortstop Heather Ellis sends a practice toss airborne.

 Worth County Sports updates as presented on Worthit2u.net is proudly sponsored by:

Worth County youth practice Thursday at the former HolleySchool gym for the indoor Summer soccer program, Kids Can. The program is designed for kids (Ages 8 - 16) who enjoy the game of soccer and desire to improve their skill level. The site Coordinator for Worth County’s Kids Can Soccer is Butch Jenkins. The local program is overseen by Georgia United coach, Mike Wallace. See photos below of practice:

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Steve Scott Memorial Golf Tourney 3-Person Scramble

2-Day Tournament, Saturday & Sunday, July 17 & 18, 2010.

8:30 A.M. and 1 P.M. Start times with 7:45 .M. Devotion on Sunday

Pineknoll, Sylvester – $300/ team (includes mulligans and lunch each day)

Team Prizes, Silent Suction and 50/50 Raffle

ALL  proceeds will benefit the family of Steve Scott

Contact info: Chris Burrell 229-343-1538, Jamie Pritchard 229-347-6115, or David Cooper 229-344-3046

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Worth County Middle School

Football Schedule 2010

September 1       Fitzgerald        Home 5:00 p.m.

September 9      Bainbridge       Away 5:00 p.m.

September 15    Open

September 22    TCC                    Away 5:00 p.m.

September 29     Lee Co.            Home 5:00 p.m.

October 6              Crisp Co.        Away 5:00 p.m.

October 13           Americus Home      5:00 p.m.

October 20          Play-in

October 27          Championship

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Lady Rams Fast Pitch Softball

August 9      Colquitt(Scrimmage)   Away 5:30 p.m.

August 10   Irwin                                   Home 5:00 p.m.

August 13-14  Jordan  Tournament

August 17   Berrien                   Away 4:30 p.m.

August 19  Irwin                        Away 5:00 p.m.

August 26   Americus             Home 5:30 p.m.

August 27  Turner Crisp Tour 4:00 p.m.

August 27 Jackson Crisp Tour 8:00 p.m.

August 28  TDA Crisp Tour

August 31   Tift                     Away 5:45 p.m.

September 2 Dougherty Home 5:30 p.m.

September 7  Tift              Home 5:45 p.m.

September 9 Monroe     Away 5:30 p.m.

September 10-11 Jeff Davis Tournament

September 16 Westover      Away 5:30 p.m.

September 21  Berrien         Away 4:30 p.m.

September 23  Crisp            Home 5:30 p.m.

September 30  Cairo           Away 5:30 p.m.

October 4-5 Region Tournament Albany

October 12-13 First Round

October 15-16 Second Round

October 21-23 Final Round

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Worth County Rams 2010 Schedule

Aug. 13 Rutland (Scrimmage) Home 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 27 Fitzgerald  Home 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 3 Turner Co.  Away 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 10 Cook Co.  Home 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 Tift Co.   Away 8:00 p.m.

Sept. 24 Americus-Sumter  Away 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Westover HC  Home 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Monroe  Away 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 Cairo  Home 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Dougherty Co. SN  Home 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Open

Nov. 5 Crisp Co.  Away 7:30 p.m.

HC-Homecoming

SN-Senior Night

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9th Grade Football Schedule

9/ 2  Lee Co.  Home

9/7 Cairo  Away

9/16 Americus  Home

9/30 Lee Co.  Away

10/4 Fitzgerald Home

All games have a 5:30 P.M. start time

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JV Rams Football Schedule

8/27 Fitzgerald  Home

9/2 Lee Co.  Away

9/9 Bainbridge  Home

9/16 Americus  Away

9/23 Crisp Co.   Away

9/30  Lee Co.   Home

10/14  Americus  Home

Rams’ 1-AAA Player of the Year, Allen Fender, (pictured right at bat) not only received an award as Best Pitcher but also received the Slugger Award at the Rams Baseball Awards June 8.

Worth County Rams Sports as presented on Worthit2u.net is proudly sponsored by:

What an awesome season for the Worth County Baseball team. Not only did this team have the opportunity to play in the centennial year anniversary of the local playing field, Pope Park, but they earned a region championship with many players including Head Coach Will Smith highly recognized for the team’s season accomplishments. At last week’s Rams Baseball banquet, pitcher Alan Fender, who signed with Darton College before playing his final season with Worth, won the Slugger Award, Best Pitcher, and .350 Club. That is on top of earning 1-AAA Region Player of the year at season end.

Head Coach Will Smith has certainly gained many credits this season including earning region Coach of the Year. He is on his way to Florida Thursday to take part in coaching the 16-and-Under All-Star teams in Florida for eight days for Team Georgia. In the two weeks following, Smith is part of creating a 16-and-under National team. They are traveling to North Carolina as he has been selected to be one of those four coaches involved. This is Smith’s third year selected to coach the All-star games. “All these things that I’m doing is a representation of Worth County, Worth County High School and the Board of Education,” Smith said Sunday.

More recently, graduate Allen Fender was recognized as the 2010 Ray Knight Albany Herald Player of the Year. Smith was recognized in the same Albany sports feature as Coach of the Year. As far as Player of the Year, Coach Smith believes the Dougherty paper has only recognized a Worth County player once before, which was Daniel Henley in 2006. And apparently until this date, the Albany paper has never recognized a Worth County coach as Coach of the Year, until this year that is. Coach Will Smith has that honor of which he is very proud considering the number of schools the media source covers.

 ‘The progress and the strive that Worth County has gone through’ has not only achieved the honor of being recognized in other counties as high school baseball’s Player of the Year, but gained a double whammy by achieving the title of Coach of the Year as well.  

The entire team is credited by Fender and Smith in their numerous interviews regarding their recent honors. “That’s what I remember most, the way everyone came together this year,” Fender told the Herald. Coach Smith withholds each player’s stats until the yearly banquet where he recognizes successes throughout the season on individual players as well as team efforts and accomplishments. See below the 2010 Ram Baseball Awards for the 11 – 3 Region Champs, Worth County Rams.

2010 Ram Baseball Awards:

Highest Batting Avg. –  Jared Edwards .403

Slugger Award – Allen Fender, 3 HR, 6 2b, 30 H, 47 TB, .603 SLG%

Gold Glove – Will Peacock

Highest OB% – Jared Edwards .538

Best Pitcher – Allen Fender, 6 Wins, 3.29 ERA, 79K’s, 1 Save, 6 CG

Ram Tough – Brandon Weaver

Most Improved – Lawton Cooper

Ram Awards – Tevin Smith

Best Baserunner(s) -  Austin Newton, Jared Edwards

Table Setter – Tyler Hembree

Utility Player – Ryan Hickox

.400 Club – Jared Edwards .403

.350 Club – Allen Fender .385

JV

Best Hitter – Marlin Hall

Best Pitcher – Eli Reddell

Gold Glove – Chance Mitchell

Ram Award – Brett Sauls

Best Baserunner – Dylan Watson

Most Improved – AustinNewton

Senior Plaques were awarded to the six senior players and 21 small plaques were given out for 2010 Region 1-AAA Championship

Worth County Sports on Worthit2u.net is proudly sponsored by: 

RAMS FOOTBALL CAMP – Tra Battle shows up for day-1 of the first annual Rams football camp this morning at Milt Miller field to provide some tips for the future Rams. Tra is a former starter at the University of Georgia as a safety, has played two seasons in the NFL, and is the founder of Battle for Success Foundation.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In the Rams football camp kids are instructed on the basics of tackling, blocking, throwing, and catching. Techniques are taught by the Worth County coaching staff while players from the 2009-2010 football teams assist. 

RAMS IN SUMMER TRAINING – Rams football summer training is in full force as players jog through the new Worth County Elementary school grounds Monday morning, pictured below. The Spring Middle school and varsity game was recently played in May to kick-off the practice season.

Worth County Sports on Worthit2u.net is proudly sponsored by:

Basketball Scholarship Signing with Middle GA College

WCHS Senior basketball player Josh Alford  has signed with Middle GA College. Congrats Josh! (Photo by Heather Faircloth)

Front Row: L to R: Malcom Williams-Brother, Freddy Williams-Father,
Josh Alford-Senior Basketball Player, Tonia Alford-Mother, Ruby
Phillips-Grandmother

Back Row: L to R: John Cooper-Assistant Coach WCHS, Patrick
Marshall-Assistant Coach WCHS, Jamie Brooks-Basketball Coach Middle GA
College, Arthur Davis-Head Basketball Coach WCHS

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1st Annual Worth County Football Kids Camp!

  The Rams are holding their first ever football kids camp. The camp will teach the fundamental skills of blocking, tackling, punting, kicking, passing, and catching. The Worth County coaching staff is dedicated to teach the proper technique to insure safety while learning the skill that will take a young child far in the sport of football. We will have players from the 2009-2010 football team to assist in these skills and to have fun with the kids.

 Skills to be Taught:

Blocking                                   Tackling                                 

Punting                                      Kicking

Passing                                       Catching

We will also will play a version of football called Bowden ball; this is not tackle football.

Where: Milt Miller Field

 JUNE 7th, 8th, and 9th, from 9am. – 12pm.

Price $25 (Cash Only Please)

Ages: 7 to 12 years old

For Information Call: Perry Pylant or Anna Garrish

Worth County  High School 229-776-8625 or 229-777-8427

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The 2010 Worth County High School Baseball Banquet will be held June 8^th  at 7 pm in the High School Cafeteria

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Sylvester-Worth County Recreation Department registration date for Cheerleading, Football, and Soccer is scheduled for Monday, June 7, 2010, 5p – 8:30p at the Rec Department, 701 W. Wallace Street. Registration will continue until August 2nd. Registration fee applies. For more info call 776-6509.

Worth County Sports on Worthit2u.net is proudly sponsored by:

Rams Baseball Coach Will Smith (pictured on left) is Region Coach of the Year

The top 1-AAA players have been selected for the 2009-2010 baseball season with the Player of the Year being Worth County’s own, senior Allen Fender. The honor of Region Coach of the Year belongs to Worth County’s head coach, Will Smith.

Top Players of 1st Team selected include three from Cairo players, three from Westover, two from Perry, two from Monroe and two Worth County players – Infielder Will Peacock (Jr) and Outfielder Jared Edwards (Sr). Three players from Worth County were chosen for 2nd Team, Infielder Tyler Hembree (Sr), Infielder Ryan Hickox (So), and Pitcher Corey Odom (So).

There are three Region Honorable Mentions from the Rams team: Sophomore Brandon Weaver, Senior Bryant Reddell, and Sophomore Lawton Cooper.

In other Worth Sports News:

The Worth County Golf Team placed 16th in State after going to the State Tournament held at Maple Ridge Golf Course in Columbus.  The event had been rescheduled twice due to rain before taking place May 10. Worth County’s final tournament score was 378. Individual team member scores are below:

Tyler Cooper  90

Jacob Bennett  91

Gabe Cox  97

John Buchannan  100

Chandler Bell  111

Adam Holladay  126

1-AAA Champions- left to right: John Buchanan, Adam Holladay, Jacob Bennett, Chandler
Bell, Tyler Cooper, and Gabe Cox. (photo submitted)

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Rams endured a major loss Friday night as they hosted the first round of GHSA Class AAA state playoffs in Pope Park. They faced 4-AAA Rutland Hurricanes from Macon in a double-header, with the better of two out of three to advance. Saturday’s game however would not be played as Rams took two consecutive losses in Friday’s home field games. Game-1 resulted in a 2 – 9 final and Game-2 took its toll on the Rams, ensuing a 2 – 13 loss.

Rams Head Coach Will Smith said he made pitching changes several times in Friday’s games, but to no avail. Exhaustion and defeat wore on Pitcher Will Peacock in 4^th inning of Game 2. After bases were loaded and two runs were earned on walks from the pitcher, Coach Smith pulled Peacock and put in freshman Eli Redell to be the final on mound.  Rutland rarely made pitcher changes throughout both games, rotating only two. Smith said the primary pitcher for the Hurricanes had a blaze on his throw.  “The guy was throwing the ball 88mph. We were down 2 – 0 in Game 1 and we just haven’t seen anybody throw the ball that hard in months.”

At least five Rams errors in Game-2 alone contributed to Worth’s elimination from a state title this year.  When the Hurricanes reached a 10-run lead in the 5^th inning, the game was called on a mercy rule. Smith said, “We just got dominated in play basically.” 2-AAA Troup County Tigers are third in their region. Rams will play the Tigers Wednesday, May 12^th.

Coach Smith said he recalls in 2006 when the Rams were swept by Troup County in the play-offs. He said he had high expectations going through the motions that year in preparation. “All of the sudden, all four teams out of Region 2 were in the final eight.”

But Coach Smith told media that the two games played Friday night does not define his team – and Rams still walk away with the second only region championship for Worth County earned in nearly 50 years. See more photos below:

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Although Pope Field in Sylvester was quiet earlier today, in exception for a little field grooming and prep, tomorrow night Rams fans will fill the stands, plant the folding chairs, and cheer the home team on as state play-offs are played at home field.

Two games will be played tomorrow night with the first at 4pm. The opponent is Macon’s Rutland High. The following game will be at 7pm. A Game 3 will be played in case of a split on Saturday beginning at 1pm at Pope Park.. Gate prices — The price will be $7 for adults and children. This is set by the Georgia High School Association and is not a Worth County pricing policy. 

Rams Coach Will Smith informs attendees that Century club tickets will not get you into State Play-off games. “They are for regular season games only. We appreciate your support of Worth County athletics,” he said but added regrettably that state play-off games do not count.

Coach Smith also expressed his gratitude to the fans and following his recent statement below are emails that have made numerous rounds regarding Coach Smith’s performance throughout this baseball season. “I want to thank each of you for your support of our ENTIRE athletic program. Our athletes take an awful lot of pride in representing Worth County. We as coaches try to put a quality product on the field that you as a community can be proud of. -  Coach Will Smith

 - Congratulations to Coach Will Smith and the Varsity Rams Baseball team for their Region “AAA” Championship! This has been a great year of baseball with a lot of highs and lows, but these boys pulled together and peaked when it counted. I cannot express how proud I am as a parent and as a fan. These kids have supported each other and created a unique Cinergy among them that will bond them for many years to come. I am especially proud for our seniors; they have been great leaders and have gained respect from their peers and parents! I believe Coach Smith has done an excellent job as well by bringing these kids together for a championship team, many of us forget the old saying never judge a man until you have walked in his shoes… We would not be human if we did not criticize each other and we are all guilty of knowing more than the coach… but at this point “ praise “ is in order for the job that Coach Smith has performed this year and I think he may know a little more about coaching then we do.

…Once again congratulations to the Rams baseball team and Coach Will Smith!! – Jerry D. Cooper

 Mr. Cooper,

I must say that I don’t believe you could have said that any better!    I may be WAY out of line replying to your email but feel that you should be commended on your remarks regarding Coach Will Smith.

We are all very proud of our RAMS.  As a coach’s wife, I must say that it is wonderful to know that there is a group of parents and fans that truly understand and support the coach.  It is hard to see your husband be defeated on the field of play, but when we have to sit in the stands and hear people degrade them; it becomes even harder.  I know personally that Coach Smith’s purpose as a coach is to help young men prosper on and off the field.  He is much more than a baseball coach. The young men who play for Coach Smith, as well as my husband and other coaches, will look back after high school and be able to say they learned life lessons though the sport they played for them.  Even though we don’t all agree with the decisions coaches make on and off the field; as wives, parents and fans we have to support them.  A coach receives lots of extra stress even when they are coaching a perfect game; therefore, we should show them even more support during their “slump.”  You are right in saying we are all human and criticizing the coach just comes naturally.  BUT we have to find the right place and time to say these things or sometimes just bite our tongue.
 
Once again, I must thank you for showing your support for the team and your coach.  I hope that your support will spread throughout the community and we can continue to pull together to lead the RAMS to a state championship! 

 - Kara Pylant 

And Now …..FOOTBALL News!

The Touchdown Club is sponsoring a Boston butt sale for May 29th. Pickup times are 1-4 P.M.  Please support the TD club so we can help our young men get the equipment and supplies needed for a safe and successful football season. Butts are $20 each. See any coach or TD club member for your ticket. 

Spring Scrimmage – May 21st.  Worth County Middle School starts at 5:30 Varsity follows at 7.  Will have a meet the players, parents, social afterwards to try to boost our TD club enrollment. Football spring game admission is $5.

Golf

Steve Scott Memorial / TD club golf tourney will be held on June 19^th. Further information to be announced

‘Rec Plus’ Soccer Academy

The Rec Plus Program will be run at GUFC’s north facility in Sylvester at JW Holley School off Carter Road. Practices will be scheduled on Mondays and Thursdays with times pending registration numbers. The Sylvester site coordinator is Butch Jenkins at 229-206-0042 and the program coordinator is Mike Wallace at 229-985-1154.
The ‘Rec Plus’ program is designed to provide the basis and the skills for years of competitive and recreational soccer. The goal is to provide a continuous approach for a player to improve and develop their skills. This will be a nine week program that will work on small and full size age appropriate fields. It will work in part with GUFC to provide professional coaching, scheduled play dates, and program uniforms.

Rec Softball

 – Softball Photos submitted

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Rams Sports updates below include Worth baseball, golf, soccer, and tennis. GO RAMS!

BASEBALL:

Rams Number One in Region

It is undeniable the maturity the Rams varsity team has achieved within this season. The team played last night’s game against Crisp County at a very impressive and crowd-pleasing skill level. And why wouldn’t they play like they love the game when their head coach Will Smith eats, drinks, and sleeps baseball. The team reflects Smith’s passion for the game as well as their own and has shown their growth exceedingly in the past two weeks on the diamond. The team’s level of teamwork, bonding and mutual support is no doubt one of the key aspects in their sudden achievements and desire to win. The Rams are currently first place in 1-AAA with three more region matchups to go. And if they hang on to what they have now, they will certainly and deservingly be region champs.

Although the Rams lost to Berrien County Thursday night, the loss was only by four runs  to a 1-AA baseball team whose overall average is currently 19 – 4. Rams were scoreless until the top of 4^th inning when Brandon Weaver stepped up to bat. With the pressure of 3-balls and 2–strikes on the sophomore, Weaver nails a homer at left field. The Rebels answered however with 5 runs at the bottom of the inning. The Rams would score an RBI run in the 5^th and hold Berrien scoreless for the remainder of the game. With the Rams down by six going into the 7^th, the team would give it their all and went down in true championship form – swinging. Their efforts earned them two more runs and the final was 8-4.

The most impressive game last week however, would have to be the win over the Cairo Syrupmakers, who has placed in the top three in region for at least three consecutive years.  Allen Fender threw 6-strikouts. The Rams earned 12-runs off of 11-hits and allowed the Syrupmakers only one run on an RBI in the 6^th inning. Senior Allen Fender started the scoring off, after Syrupmakers gained two quick outs on Worth, with a homerun at right-center field. Neither team would score again until the 6^th inning when Rams dominated putting 5-runs on the scoreboard. Ryan Hickox pulled off a nice steal in the 7^th after hitting a single and following a solid double by Brandon Weaver. The Rams would earn 6-runs in the 7^th and win 12 – 1 over the Syrupmakers.

In last night’s game against Crisp County and the top of 3rd inning, Rams were down 6 – 5. But by the bottom of the 4^th Rams would take the lead and maintain it for the duration of the game to claim an 8-6 victory over the Cougars for their 5th consecutive region win. Their next game will be against region opponents Monroe on April 26^th for a home game on Senior Night, beginning at 5:30pm.

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GOLF:

Worth Golf Region Champs

The WCHS Boys Golf Team won Region Monday April 12^th in Cairo under Coach Perry Pylant. The team finished regular season ahead of eight other high school teams. The tournament scheduled for Saturday, April 24^th was rescheduled due to rain. The tournament is scheduled for May 1^st at Pineknoll Golf Club in Sylvester. After matching up with Cairo and Westover earlier in the month, Coach Perry Pylant said “We have been up and down the last few weeks, but I think we are ready for region.” And on the April 12^th matchup with Cairo, The Worth team became Region 13A Champs and is headed for State on May 3. The Girls Golf Team placed 3rd in Region. See stats below:

Worth- Boys
Jacob Bennett 79
Tyler Cooper 95
Gabe Cox 89
Chandler Bell 90
John Buchannan 89
Adam Holliday 98
Team Score 347

Girls
Haley Davis 136
Hayley McCarty 127
Candace Ballard 129
Heather Land 128
Team 255

Perry 362
Cairo 363

Champs at practice with Coach Pylant at the Pineknoll Golf Course last week:

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TENNIS: 

Girls Tennis Team Finish Third in Region – Boys Team in Need of Players

The Worth County Girls Tennis team’s season ended with an overall 9 -5 average, giving them a third place rank in region 1AAA. The girls went to their first round of play-offs in Spalding County. Team Head Coach Ken Holland said the team lost in a tough match but said the game was closer than the final 5-0 score might indicate. “We were very pleased with the progress we made this year. The girls really worked hard,” Holland said Thursday. “We are only losing one senior so the future is bright if we can continue to grow as tennis players. We will work some this summer to increase our exposure to quality tennis through camps, private lessons and tournaments. ”

Photos by Lisa G. Jones

(L to R) Chelsea Wilkerson, Olivia Young, Matilda Harris, Molly Maxwell, Elli McDonald, Drew Bryan, Heather Ellis, Lauren Potts, Sara Moree, Coach Ken Holland.  Not pictured-Madison Giddens

(L to R)  Antonio Walker, Craig Howell, Chandler Kuck, Corey Littleton, Damy Brown, Ryan Howell, Trey Shipp, and Coach Ken Holland

Worth Boys Tennis Head Coach Ken Holland said the season ended unfavorably for the team this year ending with an overall and region record of 5-9. He said a big contribution to those final stats and 5^th place in region was a lack of team players. “We need more boys’ tennis players to participate before we can have a legitimate shot at starting a successful program. We finished with only 6 players.” Holland said the team lost some players during the year for disciplinary reasons. “The boys who stuck it out worked hard and were a pleasure to coach.” Coach Holland’s boy’s tennis team will lose three seniors this year and he emphasized the need for new players.  “Getting our numbers up the next few years will be important.”

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SOCCER:

Worth Girls Soccer finished 3^rd in Region 1-AAA at 4 – 3 and will play the first round of playoffs on April 30^th. The team ended regular season playing the Dougherty Trojans last Tuesday, pulling off a shut-out victory at 7 – 0 with Kasey Strawder scoring -2, Stephanie Fowinkle -2, Brittany Bradley -1, Heather Squires -1, and Samantha Fowinkle- 1. The Rams girls will be guests on the field of the 4-AAA Woodward Academy War Eagles in College Park.

The Boys Soccer team finished at 3 – 4 in region with their final game played last week against Dougherty County. The away game ended in overtime at a 3 – 2 Worth win, with senior Desmond Thomas scoring two of those goals.

Worth senior Amber Blake drives the ball towards the goal on home field:

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Worth County Rams Baseball Coach Will Smith abided by his well-thought-out strategy to sweep three region games last week and with the team’s unified defensive effort, the outcome was even better than anticipated.

The week began with an away game against Peach County Trojans which ended in an 8 -1 victory with Alan Fender on the pitcher’s mound.  Following Wednesday’s game and big victory over Monroe (18 – 0) Smith said pitching Will Peacock was the right call against the Tornadoes. He said of the upcoming game on Friday however, he felt sophomore pitcher Corey Odom was ready to throw against region opponents and No. 3 seed team, Westover Patriots, at Paul Eames field.

 The call paid off as the Rams earned a 9 -1 victory and the number one spot in region. They will play Cairo this week in an away game and are confident the winning streak will continue. Rams defeated the Syrupmakers in a region game earlier this season by one point. Rams (7-2) will also face 1- AA Berrien Rebels on Thursday and a region match against Crisp County in this week’s only home game on Friday.

 The Rams baseball team was not the only ones to claim a win over region opponents Monroe Tornadoes. The boys soccer team walked away from Monroe with a big shut-out win at 6 – 0. It was a much needed victory for the team after three consecutive region losses. They will play the Dougherty Trojans in Albany this week.

The girls soccer team recovered from a two-game losing streak by defeating the Tornadoes in a home game and shut-out victory of 10 – 0. The girls stand at a 10-3-1 overall but need a region win over Dougherty this week to tip their region stats to 4 -3. They are currently in third place in region.

The Worth Rams Girls Tennis team finished third in the region with a 9-5 record following Westover (10-4) and Crisp County (14-0).  Head Coach Ken Holland said the girls team will be traveling to Spaulding County Tuesday for a 3:30 match in Griffin.  “Spaulding is the number 2 seed from region 4AAA.  They are very solid at all 3 singles positions as well as both doubles.  We will play hard as always and see what happens!”

WCHS Golf Team won Region Monday in Cairo under Coach Perry Pylant. They won over 8 other high school teams. and will be going to State on May 3. The team players are Jacob Bennett, Tyler Cooper, Chandler Bell, Gabe Cox, John Buchanan, and Adam Holladay. The Girls Golf Team placed 3rd in Region.

 Worth County Sports on Worthit2u.net is proudly sponsored by: Southwest Georgia Therapy—

The Sylvester-Worth County Spring games have begun at the Industrial Park in Sylvester. This season’s games include T-ball (girls & boys ages 4-6); Coach pitch baseball (ages 7 & 8); Girl’s softball ages (7 -9); Minor league baseball ages (9 & 10); Girl’s softball ages (10- 12); Little league baseball ages (11 & 12); Girl’s softball ages 13-15); and Pony league baseball (ages 13 & 14).

Join numerous supporters tonight (Thursday), in family entertainment to include three T-ball matches, beginning at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30pm. Also scheduled tonight are two matches from the Coach Pitch Baseball, two match-ups for Machine Pitch Baseball and a Live Pitch game is also on the agenda.

Support Worth County’s kids and our Recreation Department and bring family and friends to watch these events.

The Rec Department offers a year-round sports program for children of all ages. Soccer will follow beginning in August and Football begins September 1^st. Cheerleading programs are also available. Over 500 children generally sign up for the baseball program alone each spring. Volunteers for coaching or helping with Rec Department activities are always appreciated as well as donations, which are tax deductible. For more information and to view the complete spring sports schedule, visit www.swcrd.com or call 776-6509.

See photos below:

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Become a Foster or Adoptive parent. For more information call Worth County DFCS @ 229-777-2000 or 877-210-KIDS. A child is waiting for You!

As Junior Varsity Rams baseball approaches near season end (three games remaining) they ended their home game tonight with a nailbiter. At the bottom of 9th inning, Worth Rams were down 5 – 0 against 1-AA  Fitzgerald Hurricanes. The home game at Pope Park turned around when sophomore Austin Newton (3) slammed a ball over the park’s fence for a homerun with a runner on 1st and 2nd. Three runs were added to the scoreboard as well one other run in the same inning for the Rams. It was only the beginning of recurring runs for both teams throughout the game. The Rams and Hurricanes were neck and neck,with the game finally called at a tie at 10 – 10.

Varsity Rams, on the other hand, have found themselves in a rut for two consecutive losses. In last night’s game against region opponents Perry Panthers, the Rams took a hurtful 10-run loss at home with the final being  13 -3. Tonight, the Rams also played at home and met with the Purple Hurricanes of Fitzgerald. The Hurricanes blew past the Rams to earn an 11 – 7 victory. After Tuesday night’s game against Perry, the Rams stand at 4 -2 in region. Rams Coach Will Smith said it is imperitive to win in Albany tomorrow night. He commented on tonight’s game indicating sacrifices had to be made in order to make sure the Rams are ready for the region game tomorrow night against Dougherty Trojans.

“We came back and tied it up at one point, and then I changed pitchers.” He said his pitcher changes tonight were to conserve the arm and energy of his starting pitcher, Allen Fender, for tomorrow’s region game. See photos below of Tuesday and Wednesday’s Varsity and JV games below;

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JV Rams

A beautiful Saturday afternoon made for a fun-filled day at 100-year old Pope Park. To further celebrate the centennial anniversary of the oldest playing field in Georgia, an Old Timers Baseball game was scheduled which attracted participation from players who headlined in the sport as early as the 1950′s. The oldest batter stepping up to the plate was Mr. Carol Brown, (pictured right) a pitcher for Sylvester in 1951. His brother Bobby Brown and Gene Overton, also of the 1950′s Sylvester Eagles, watched the game from the fan-filled stands.

After The Eagles’ 1959 region championship, it would be nearly 50 years before the next region championship was earned by any high school team in Worth County. The team won region in ’51, ’52, ’53, and ’59, but it wasn’t until 2006, under former baseball player, Valdosta State and Florida State Coach, and forever baseball enthusiasts, Will Smith. He’s the first coach in the history of Worth County that achieved a region title with his team. Smith, who has been coaching Rams baseball since 2001, said of the Old Timers,  ”They are the ones who made everything happen for us. They’re the ones that raised the kids to enjoy, appreciate and respect the game of baseball.”

Several home run hits were slammed over the Pope Park fence including one from 1979 MVP Hal Proctor. The announcer for the game, Glen Parkman, is also an Old Timer in Worth County baseball. Parkman announced former nicknames of players, humorous anecdotes for how they earned those nicknames as well as a few stats. The ball park and stands were filled with smiling faces as young and old alike enjoyed America’s favorite sport. See more photos below:

Tonight the Worth County Rams secured a victory over region opponents Peach County Trojans in a home game. Rams are now 2 – 0 in region. Runs were close until 5th inning when Rams made three runs to be up 5 -3. The game ended with a Rams 5 – 4 victory. Monday’s upcoming game against 1W-A Baconton Carter Blazers (6-2) will also be played at Pope’s Stadium in Sylvester beginning at 5:30pm. See more photos at page bottom.

Tonight in Worth County was also the newly titled Colonel Sherry Spence’s opening night as a professional auctioneer at 3G’S Auction Company. The auction business, located at 1121 E. Franklin Street in Sylvester, is brand new to Worth County and will offer weekly auctions every Friday night beginning at 6:30pm with early registration beginning at 5pm. Auctions include quality new and used merchandise, estate sales, benefit auctions, business liquidations, antiques and more.

Pictured: Colonel Spence, left and Auctioneer’s Clerk, Arlene Schippang warm-up before auction time. Other pics include some of the guests that came to bid opening night.

AS PROMISED…… MORE RAMS BASEBALL!

Another event-filled week in Worth County has passed but yet another with a huge event list  is ahead, especially throughout Valentine’s weekend. Make sure to shop locally for the special valentines in your life and help support our county’s businesses. See photos of some of this past week’s happenings here and in recent posts:

  ONE….

  TWO……

  THREE!… three-pointer shots in a row from senior Lady Ram Deandria Walker (#3, from far left) Tuesday night against region opponents the Monroe Lady Tornadoes. Lady Rams battled to the finish but lost in the end to Monroe 72 -65. The boys were also defeated 65 – 48. Rams will play their final game of the season Friday against Dougherty Trojans.

BFHS Adoptathon held Friday at Tractor Supply in Tifton:           

 WCSO eyes on YOU                                                                                                               

WCFR issued a tornado drill last week in Worth County. Here students at WCHS assume safety position in the school’s hallway.  

After rectifying a mild infestation more than a year ago, the Worth County Courthouse is dealing with yet another problem with flying bats attempting to claim the building as their home. Protective covers were attached to the building to block openings recently discovered that were allowing enough access for the bats to enter through the roof. Criminal court proceedings were interrupted a few times last week due to the flying creatures!

Remember: School is out for the week of February 15th – 19th.

Seniors Justin Tukes and Sherrod Loud signed football scholarships today at Worth County High school. See more info on this page.

Worth County senior Allen Fender signed to accept a baseball scholarship to Darton College on Monday morning.  The left-handed pitcher throws in the mid 80′s, according to Coach Will Smith. ”He struck out 75 while only walking 26 in 13 games last year. He also hit .392 and played 1st base when he was not pitching.”

Before becoming a Cavalier however, the three-year starter pitcher will gain another season of experience with the Rams in the Pope Field’s centennial year.

Worth County Ram football players Justin Tukes, a 6’5″  230 lb Defensive end, and Sherrod Loud, 6’1″, 285 lb Defensive linesman both signed football scholarships this morning at Worth County High School. Tukes committed to sign with the University of Central Florida. Loud signed with Georgia State University. This is GSU’s first year coming out with a football program, Worth Head Coach Scotty Ward said this morning adding, ”Their head coach is former head coach of Georgia Tech and Alabama, Bill Curry.”  Curry was also a pro football player for nine years. “It’s a good opportunity. They will play in the Georgia Dome – that’s going to be their home field,” Ward said.

The Worth County JV Rams basketball conluded their season Friday with a 70-44 victory over region opponents Perry Panthers. Coach Arthur Cooper said today he is very proud of his team. “They worked hard and we had a pretty good season. We played a pretty tough schedule with Tift County and Colquitt, but I was very proud of them.” The JV Rams finished their season with an overall record at 8 – 5.   

 2009/2010 Rams Baseball 100th Anniversary Pope Park

2010 marks the 100th Anniversary of  Pope Park.  It is the oldest continuous functioning baseball park in the State of Georgia. Come join us in celebrating this event at Pope Park on  February 22nd. 

Calendar of Events:

          2/1st – first day of practice and tryouts

          2/8th – full practice

          2/13th – 50 inning game at 10 am.  - This is where the High School ball players play as many inning as the day will allow.  The Middle School ball players play during the lunch break.

          2/18th – Scrimmage Game @ Colquitt County @ 5:30 pm.

          2/22nd – 1st Home Game @ 6 pm—Join us for the history making event of 100 years at Pope Park.  Many special events to precede game.

          3/20th – Old Timers Game, if raining 3/27.  Here we have any and all alumni, not just Worth County, to come and play baseball. Where the even years plays against odd years of graduation.

 For more game information go to www.gasports.com and select Worth County.

 We will see you at Pope Field Ball Park!

 Worth County Golf Booster Club Golf Tournament

 Registration:   Sign up in the Pine Knoll pro shop or call Perry Pylant @ 478-230-7318.

When:   April 24 at 12:00 noon

 Where:   Pine Knoll Country Club

Format:   3- man scramble

Cost: $120.00 per team or $40.00 for individual (will be placed on a team if you sign up alone)

Food:  Fatboy’s B.B.Q. will be served at 12:00 noon. Golf will follow.

Prizes:  Cash prizes awarded to top three teams. Other great prizes for longest drive and closest to the pin.

Mulligan:   $10.00 for 2. Limit 6 per team.

                                                                                                                                               YA THINK????

Allen Fender photo is courtesy of WCHS

Worth County Rams advance to playoffs after Friday night’s win over region opponents, the Monroe Tornadoes with a 23-14 victory. The first big play of the game was when quarteback Will Peacock handed-off to Rodney Farley who threw a pass downfield to Suderian Smith for a touchdown. Monroe answered with 14 points in the first half, but that would be where the Rams defense would hold them throughout the second half as the offense added 16 more points to the scoreboard. Marlin Hall(#8) also had a big night making two interceptions, one in which he returned for a touchdown.

The Rams, now at 4 -3 in region, will face Woodward Academy on Friday 13th in College Park, Atlanta. The 4-AAA War Eagles are 6-2- in their region currently. Offensive Assistant Coach Ken Holland said, “We’re just excited because we turned things around. We started 1 -4 and had to win four out of five to get to playoffs and that’s what we did. I think the kids really responded to what we were trying to do as far as offense and defense. We’re very optimistic about Friday and believe we’ll be okay.”

As things turned around a bit for our Rams football team, gaining a shut-out victory after a four-game losing streak, the Lady Rams’ six-game winning streak took a turn for the worst. The softball game in Perry last week was the ‘one more win’ needed from Worth County to become 1-AAA Region champs for the second consecutive season. But Perry’s three runs at the bottom of the 2nd inning would be the only runs made throughout the game for both teams. It was enough to give the Lady Panthers the region championship however, and our Lady Rams a second spot in region.

Last night began the first round of state playoffs. A double-header was played at Worth County’s home field as the 18-6 Lady Rams faced the 16-9 Woodland, Henry Lady Wolfpack. Woodland began in the first game earning three runs during the top of the inning. The Wolfpack would score another run in the 2nd. The Rams became hopeful during the bottom of the 4th following a single by Kimmie Lee. Laren Potts steps up to bat and after two strikes in a row, Potts nailed a homer putting two runs on the board for Worth. Potts stepped up again in the 6th to slam yet another homer. But despite Worth allowing only 10 hits to Woodland allowing the Rams 11 hits, four strike-outs by Rams Pitcher Kelly Weaver and Potts’ homers, both teams would score again in the 7th to give the Pack a one run win at 5 -4.

In the second match-up, Woodland and Worth both entered inning two with three runs on the board, which included  first at bat for the Rams   Haley Ellis’ homerun hit. Woodland scored two runs in the 2nd and the Rams answered in the 3rd with their own two runs. Fourth inning would be the deal breaker as Woodland made five runs off of three hits. Neither team would score again until the 5th when Haley Ellis belted another homerun. But it wasn’t enough and Rams endured an advancement slayer with a final of 10 -6. Pitcher Morgan Bell pitched four strike-outs and Rams achieved six runs out of seven hits finishing  overall 18-8 and 12 -2 in region. A season ‘Worthy’ of  recognition from our Lady Rams!

HOW MANY WOLVES DOES IT TAKE TO STOP A RAM?

COUNT ‘EM as Rams’ Haley Ellis tries to claim a base!

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Welcome back Worth County Rams! Tonight’s game began with two teams with defensive challenges that appeared to allow no penetration. However, the Rams managed to break the Crisp defensive line in the 2nd quarter and never let up. Rams dominated the remainder of the game ending with a shut-out game, performing with noticeable overall improvements, and defeating region opponents Crisp County Cougars 22 – 0. Way to go Rams!

Rec Department soccer and football players, coaches and staff were recognized at last night’s Rams game. (pictured below)

Lady Rams have done it again. It started last night at Westover when Worth took the Lady Patriots in another shut-out game. With Kelly Weaver on the mound, she allowed only three hits in the 7-inning game. Weaver threw eight strikeouts and Worth won with 7 – 0.

Tonight, the Lady Rams faced region opponents Crisp County. In a game that could have gone either way (Crisp defeated Worth earlier in the season and is third in region), Worth left home field and the Lady Cougars (11 -3) with a    4 – 0 shut-out victory. Both teams played well defensively, but The Lady Rams’ outfield played exceptional including an attempted bunt that resulted in a double play from catcher Haley Ellis and quite a few third (Brittany Cornell) to first outs. Each WC outfielder had an opportunity to make tremendous plays in tonight’s game and the Rams took advantage. Pitcher Morgan Bell threw five strike-outs.

Lady Rams are now 12-1 in region with one more game tomorrow (Thursday) night against current 1-AAA first place ranked Perry. This game will determine the region champions. Let’s get ‘em Ladies!!

The Worth County Rams suffered their fourth consecutive loss last night away in Cairo against region rivals, the Syrupmakers. Hopes of breaking a successive losing streak that followed a huge win in the season opener quickly faded in fourth quarter as Cairo had a 27- point lead on the scoreboard.

The opening play of the game began with the Rams’ kickoff and the Sryupmakers answered with a 96-yard return for a touchdown. When asked about the game and the pretentious rut the team is struggling to get out of, Head Coach Scotty Ward answered, ”We can’t keep from putting the ball on the ground that’s our biggest problem. We keep fumbling and they keep getting it. We lost five last night and you can’t do that and win.” The Rams endured a 33-6 loss.

Coach Ward describes the team’s attitude at halftime as hopeful despite the 17 -0 score in Cairo’s favor. “We were down at half time and I told them, ‘You can’t quit, you still gotta keep playing’.” The Coach said as the team faced a very demanding second half, and even with the redundant consecutive losses, his team was and is not disheartened. “In the second half we actually ran the ball well. They didn’t quit and they haven’t quit yet.”

Coach Ward invited the team to his home this morning to watch game film and nearly 20 players had arrived by 11am. The Worth County Rams are looking for an astonishing big win against the 4 -2 Crisp County Cougars next Friday at WC  home field. Go Rams!

 Lady Rams, now 10 -1 in region, mastered another victory in last night’s game against the Cairo Lady Syrupmakers. The game ended after the top of the 7th inning at home, Senior Night, with a 9 – 2 victory. After a Cairo double-play and two runs on the board in the first inning, it would be up to Lady Rams to turn things around on the defense going in to inning two. That is exactly what they did. Rams held the Syrupmakers for no score and put four runs of their own on the scoreboard. Those two Cairo runs would be the first on the board, but also the last the team would score throughout the game.  

Rams dominated the remainder of the game with another run in the third, three runs in the fourth, and a final run in the 6th when Haley Ellis belted a ball over the fence for a homerun score. Junior Morgan Bell pitched all 7-innings with her final pitch a third strike and the final of the game.

Next Tuesday (10/06), the Lady Rams will play region opponents Westover Patriots (0 – 7) in Albany.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX1FAg2ac9Q

Lady Rams visited Dougherty’s Lady Trojans Tuesday and left with a shut-out victory after only three innings. The 19-0 win put the team at 9 – 1 in region and second only to Perry.

Scoring began with a Trojan wild pitch as Senior Brittany Bradley ran in from 3rd base to score. Brittany Cornell then hit to left center- field for a single as Heather Ellis and KimberlyLee ran in to score. Sophomore Haley Ellis would hit a homerun to right center-field to put three more runs on the scoreboard. Eight runs were scored in the top of the 1st inning as Dougherty takes infield. Three batters, three outs, and Lady Rams were back to bat before getting in the dugout good.

The 2nd inning would result in 10 runs for Worth County. Junior Morgan Bell slammed a hit down right center field for a homerun that also sent  in Lauren Potts, Cornell, and Kelly Weaver in for RBI scores. Dougherty returned to infield getting only five batters up, two hits, and one error.

The Lady Rams would only score one run in the third. Junior Alex Owens was hit by a pitch and took the base. She advanced to third on a pitcher’s error. Fourth batter up, Molly Maxwell, sends Owens in to score. The Lady Trojans would get one more shot. Lady Ram Pitcher Kelly Weaver struck out the first batter for a quick first out. After only one successful hit, the game quickly came to a halt as the Rams shut out the team, allowing only four hits.

Our softball ‘Diamond Thieves’ totaled five steals in two innings, two of those from KimmyLee. Weaver struck out four batters, two of those in the top of 2nd inning. The Lady Rams will play Cairo at home for Senior Night on October 1st at 5pm. Three region match-ups remain for the team including away game with Perry’s Lady Panthers on October 8th. Go Lady Rams!!