Gatewood Football 2026

Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen (10) rushes past Brentwood defenders in last Friday night's loss to the War Eagles. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen (10) rushes past Brentwood defenders in last Friday night's loss to the War Eagles. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators get going but still seek first win

Ian Tocher
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Despite falling 49-27 to Brentwood last Friday night in Sandersville and dropping to 0-3 on the season, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff said the Gators are showing signs of progress.All three defeats came against what Ratliff considers among the better programs his team will face this year.
Jeff Ratliff enters his 14th season as Gatewood’s head football coach and his 16th season overall with the program. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Jeff Ratliff enters his 14th season as Gatewood’s head football coach and his 16th season overall with the program. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood coach focuses on ‘moving forward’

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Gatewood’s Jeff Ratliff recently began his 16th season at the Eatonton-based school and his 14th as its head football coach with a relatively young and undersized roster.Regardless, Ratliff believes his Gators have the speed, desire, toughness and togetherness needed to make the most of a demanding...
Gatewood junior Brady Haley is one of the Gators who will play multiple positions on both sides of the ball in 2026. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood junior Brady Haley is one of the Gators who will play multiple positions on both sides of the ball in 2026. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood’s limited roster makes two-way players essential to success

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 20, 2026
At Gatewood, playing on both sides of the football isn’t unusual. It’s a necessity.With a smaller roster than many of the schools they compete against, the Gators rely heavily on a core group of players to contribute on offense and defense.
Gatewood running back Brady Haley runs downfield behind his blockers during a preseason scrimmage July 31. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood running back Brady Haley runs downfield behind his blockers during a preseason scrimmage July 31. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Preparation key to Gators’ early success

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Gatewood is heading into the regular season with a little more confidence after using a pair of preseason scrimmages to identify weaknesses and make improvements.
Gatewood junior Brady Haley will play a key role on both sides of the ball this season as the Gators look to compete for a state championship. CONTRIBUTED

Gatewood junior Brady Haley will play a key role on both sides of the ball this season as the Gators look to compete for a state championship. CONTRIBUTED

Haley eager to help Gators take next step

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Football season doesn't begin when the lights shine on Friday nights for Gatewood junior Brady Haley.It starts with the extra work no one sees.Whether it's running drills on weekends, sharpening his footwork, or preparing for another season of playing nearly every snap, the two-way player for the...
Early during the 2025 season, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff (center) held court with his players, cheerleaders, and parents of both near the 50-yard line at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Early during the 2025 season, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff (center) held court with his players, cheerleaders, and parents of both near the 50-yard line at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators look to take 2026 ‘one game at a time’

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 2, 2026
As Gatewood continues its summer workouts ahead of preseason practice, the Gators know they won’t have much time to ease into the 2026 season.Following a productive month of strength and conditioning work, 7-on-7 camps, and team development in June, Gatewood now turns its attention to the 2026...
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