Gatewood’s early struggles continued last Friday night in Warrenton, as the Gators dropped a 26-8 decision to Briarwood Academy, falling to 0-2 this season.
The loss came against a Briarwood squad that entered the game considerably higher in MaxPreps’ GIAA Georgia rankings.
Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff called the game “tough, physical football” and said he remained proud of his team’s effort. However, he admitted in his postgame summary to parents and team supporters that four big plays through the air and struggles blocking at the second level ultimately proved costly.
Briarwood quarterback Cutler Fleming was a difference- maker through the air and on the ground. Fleming finished with 293 passing yards and three touchdowns while adding 74 rushing yards. Orin “OJ” Wynn Jr. also played a major role for the Buccaneers, accounting for 140 total yards and a touchdown.
“Offensively, we struggled to move the ball in the first half,” Ratliff said. “Our inability to get to the second level prevented us from driving the football. Blocking schemes are all about angles. We took poor angles and did not do enough when we got there.”
The Gators made some adjustments at halftime, particularly in pass protection, giving the offense more opportunities to make plays.
“I was pleased with our pass protection,” Ratliff said. “It gave our quarterback a chance to make plays, which he did.”
Gatewood also did a better job slowing Briarwood’s running game in the second half. The Buccaneers, however, continued to find success through the air, connecting on several big plays.
“It was their ability to complete the deep ball that spelled our doom — or should I say, our inability to cover the deep pass,” Ratliff said. “That goes back to situational football … we simply cannot allow third-and-long conversions, and we cannot give up deep touchdown passes — regardless of down and distance.”
Despite the loss, Ratliff believes the Gators’ early-season problems are correctable.
“I am disappointed in the loss, but I am not disappointed in our play,” he said. “I see us for what we are right now, and that is a team that can absolutely fix their mistakes and be pretty good before it’s over.”
Gatewood remains on the road this week, completing a three-game road stint to start the season. The Gators will travel to Sandersville on Friday to face Brentwood, which also enters the matchup at 0-2 after suffering a 36-33 non-league loss to Bulloch Academy last week.
Despite Brentwood’s record, Ratliff said his team will face one of its toughest tests of the season.
“This week we have the state favorite, two-time defending champion Brentwood Eagles,” he said. “There certainly is no love lost between our two schools.”
Brentwood, Ratliff said, has plenty of firepower and a defense capable of creating problems for the Gators.
“They are led by a talented quarterback, a great running back, and speed all over the field,” Ratliff said. “And their defense is as solid as they come with tremendous linebacker play.”
For Ratliff, Brentwood’s losing record is irrelevant to the challenge awaiting his Gators.
“No matter what their record says ... they are the team to beat in GIAA AA,” he said.