Fitzgerald’s fourth quarter comeback ends Worth County’s football season

SYLVESTER – Worth County appeared poised for a trip to the state semifinals after freshman kicker Brodey Hancock drilled a 20-yard field goal late in the third quarter, giving the Rams a commanding 38-21 lead over Fitzgerald in Friday night’s state quarterfinal matchup. But the Purple Hurricanes stormed back, scoring three unanswered touchdowns to complete a dramatic 42-38 comeback victory.

The win propels Fitzgerald (10-3) into the state semifinals, where they will face Northeast (Macon) (11-2) next Friday. For Worth County, the loss marks the end of a standout 9-4 season, highlighted by the program’s first Elite Eight appearance since 1997.

The quarterfinal clash showcased two explosive offenses in a high-scoring shootout. Worth County leaned on a potent passing attack, racking up 588 total yards, with quarterback Lyndon Worthy throwing for 419 yards and three touchdowns. Fitzgerald countered with a dominant ground game, amassing 589 total yards, including a staggering 486 rushing yards on just 43 carries.

Jayden Farley opened the scoring for the Rams with a 20-yard touchdown reception from Worthy on their first possession. Kaden Chester then broke free for a 70-yard catch-and-run to give Worth County its second touchdown. After Fitzgerald tied the game at 14-14, Worthy connected with senior D’Ontae Fulton for a 22-yard touchdown pass to retake the lead.

Fitzgerald answered again to even the score at 21, but the Rams carried a 28-21 advantage into halftime after Chester capped the first half with a one-yard touchdown run. Tre’Shaun Jones extended Worth County’s lead with a two-yard touchdown run, and Hancock’s field goal later pushed the margin to 38-21 in the third quarter.

However, Fitzgerald seized control in the final quarter. The Purple Hurricanes struck with a 48-yard touchdown pass and a game-changing 95-yard touchdown run while shutting out the Rams in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.