Worth County downs Brooks 49-35

SYLVESTER — The defending state champions picked up right where they left off.

Worth County opened the 2026 season Friday night by putting 49 points on another South Georgia powerhouse, beating Brooks County 49-35 at Worth County Stadium.

Senior quarterback Lyndon Worthy was efficient through the air, Khody Crutchfield scored three touchdowns on the ground and the Rams piled up 349 yards of offense in their first game since completing an undefeated state championship season last December.

Worthy completed 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown, connecting on 80 percent of his attempts.

While Worthy did his damage through the air, Crutchfield led a ground attack that gave Brooks County problems throughout the night.

Crutchfield carried 16 times for 95 yards and scored three touchdowns, averaging nearly six yards per carry. Kevarius Tyler needed only five carries to make his presence felt, rushing for 72 yards and a touchdown.

Together, Crutchfield and Tyler accounted for 167 yards and four touchdowns on just 21 carries.

Jaquaveon Nelson emerged as Worthy’s favorite target, catching five passes for 99 yards. Keaton Tucker added three receptions for 77 yards, including Worthy’s touchdown pass.

The victory continued an impressive run for a Worth County program that went 15-0 last season on the way to the Class 3A state championship.

But the Rams aren’t exactly easing into their title defense.

Brooks County provided the first challenge Friday night, and another South Georgia power comes to Sylvester next week.

Worth County will host No. 3-ranked Cairo on Friday night in another early-season test for the defending champions.

For the Rams, it will be another opportunity to find out how the 2026 team measures up after the 2025 team finished without a loss.

So far, the answer looks pretty good.