Top-ranked Worth County chases statement win vs. Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes

SYLVESTER — Fifteen years. That’s how long it has been since Worth County last beat Fitzgerald. And for Rams fans, it feels even longer.

The Purple Hurricanes don’t just win this rivalry — they seem to snatch it away. Twice last season, Worth County walked off the field believing the outcome should have been different. Both times, the Rams believed they had done enough to win. Both times, Fitzgerald found the late breaks, the key calls, and the plays that mattered.

Now, the Rams get another shot. Ranked No. 1 in Class A Division I, Worth County (4-0) welcomes No. 9 Fitzgerald (2-1) to Sylvester on Friday night in a game that will help define the season for both.

The rivalry roadblock

Worth County claimed the region crown last fall — its first since 1998 — but even that achievement came with an asterisk. Fitzgerald beat the Rams in the regular season, then again in the playoffs, a 42-38 knockout in the Sweet 16. The Rams haven’t beaten the Purple Hurricanes since 2010.

“Last week against Brooks is no indication of how good Fitzgerald is,” Worth County coach Jeff Hammond said. “They could have easily won if a few breaks went their way. This will definitely be a challenge.”

Copeland, again the problem

Stopping Fitzgerald starts with slowing down senior quarterback Victor Copeland. The dual-threat Hurricane had two big games against the Rams last year and is averaging 132 rushing yards per game this season. Fitzgerald has attempted only 12 passes in four games. With Copeland running behind a physical line, the challenge is as obvious as it is daunting.

“Defensively, we will have to stop the run, tackle and not give up big plays,” Hammond said.

Worth County’s rise

This Worth County team is better equipped to respond. Junior quarterback Lyndon Worthy has thrown for 818 yards and eight touchdowns, earning recognition as Class A Division I’s top player from the Georgia High School Football Daily. Senior running backs Kaden Chester (391 yards, six TDs, 10.6 per carry) and Treshaun Jones (274 yards, seven TDs, 8.0 per carry) give the Rams a ground game to match.

Worthy’s receivers — Colby Griffis, Jayden Farley, Jace Collier and Jaquaveon Nelson — stretch defenses, while linebackers Brady Weaver and Chace Sims have keyed a defense that has allowed only 28 points through four games.

“Offensively, we will have to be able to convert third downs and be good in the red zone,” Hammond said.

The stakes Friday night

Fitzgerald, under new coach Wayne Tankersly, looks familiar: tough, physical, built on “effort, attitude and toughness.” The Purple Hurricanes have lived in the top 10 for nearly a decade, with a 2021 state title and six semifinal appearances in seven seasons.

Worth County has the No. 1 ranking, the balance, the momentum. What it doesn’t have is a win over Fitzgerald since 2010.

For the Rams, that’s the history they’re desperate to rewrite Friday night in Sylvester.