Gatewood secures region title with ‘Whoopin’ Stick’ win

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PUTNAM COUNTY

  • Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff (right) was all smiles after his Gators won back the “Whoopin’ Stick,” held by star player Evan Bennett, who had on a cast covering most of his right forearm in a return to play after missing several games due to an injury suffered earlier this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff
    Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff (right) was all smiles after his Gators won back the “Whoopin’ Stick,” held by star player Evan Bennett, who had on a cast covering most of his right forearm in a return to play after missing several games due to an injury suffered earlier this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff
  • Gators quarterback Ames Johnson makes the extra effort to gain every bit of ground possible Friday night against Brentwood. IAN TOCHER/Staff
    Gators quarterback Ames Johnson makes the extra effort to gain every bit of ground possible Friday night against Brentwood. IAN TOCHER/Staff
  • Gatewood senior Blake Callaway (5) made the catch to give the Gators a great scoring position near the end of the first quarter. IAN TOCHER/Staff
    Gatewood senior Blake Callaway (5) made the catch to give the Gators a great scoring position near the end of the first quarter. IAN TOCHER/Staff
  • Gatewood kicker Jayden Daniel (4) leads the charge on Seniors Night at Sammons Field as the Gators start the second half against in-region rival Brentwood. IAN TOCHER/Staff
    Gatewood kicker Jayden Daniel (4) leads the charge on Seniors Night at Sammons Field as the Gators start the second half against in-region rival Brentwood. IAN TOCHER/Staff
A dominating 42-14 win over region rival Brentwood returned the “Whoopin’ Stick” to Gatewood’s possession on Nov. 3 at Sammons Field in Eatonton. The victory also secured the number-one seed for the Gators in playoffs this year. Gators head coach Jeff Ratliff explained the handmade, one-piece, wooden trophy featuring a football carved into its top, is the result of two old football fans – one…

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