Worth County ready to build on perfect season

SYLVESTER — Defending a state championship begins with replacing more than just starters.

For Worth County coach Jeff Hammond, the biggest challenge entering the 2026 season is developing the leadership that helped carry last year’s Rams to a perfect 15-0 record and the GHSA Class A Division I state championship.

The Rams graduated 21 seniors, leaving behind a veteran group that Hammond said set the standard with its daily commitment and work ethic.

“We have had a really good summer,” Hammond said. “We have a chance to be a really good football team. We’ve got great players coming back to fill those holes left by last year’s seniors. It’s just a matter of getting it done.”

Hammond’s confidence in his team’s talent hasn’t changed. His focus now is watching a new group of seniors assume leadership roles as Worth County prepares for another championship run.

“We’ll be looking for quarterback Lyndon Worthy to step into more of a leadership role,” Hammond said. “He’s a four-year starter at quarterback. He’s going to have to take a lot of the load.”

Worthy headlines an experienced group of returning starters that also includes defensive standout Malik Muhammad, linebacker Mike Wise and kicker Brodey Hancock.

Hammond said Tuesday’s practice wasn’t up to the standard established by last year’s championship team, but he believes the Rams have the pieces in place to build another successful season.

The Rams now face an even tougher challenge after moving into Class AAA, where they’ll compete in one of the state’s strongest regions. The new alignment includes defending Class AA state champion Carver-Columbus and Class AA runner-up Sumter County.

Worth County also will get an early test Aug. 7 when it travels to Valdosta for a preseason scrimmage against perennial Class 7A power Valdosta.

“I’m happy the GHSA has given us another week because we can sure use it,” Hammond said.

For Hammond, the extra practice time isn’t about installing new schemes. It’s about giving a talented group of returning players more time to grow together before opening a season filled with high expectations.

After last year’s championship run, Hammond believes the talent remains in Sylvester.