Jeff Ratliff

Blake Callaway leaps high in the air to complete just one of at least three outstanding catches he made on the night in the state title game at Mercer. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Blake Callaway leaps high in the air to complete just one of at least three outstanding catches he made on the night in the state title game at Mercer. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gators’ season ends with state-final loss

Ian Tocher
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Chalk it up to championship game jitters or just plain bad luck, but a series of fumbles, interceptions, and turnovers cost Gatewood the 2023 Class 2A championship Friday night at Mercer University in Macon.
Mason Sinclair (11) makes the stop on a Briarwood ball carrier, aided by seniors Blake Callaway (5) and Evan Bennett (7). ARELLA CASH/Staff

Mason Sinclair (11) makes the stop on a Briarwood ball carrier, aided by seniors Blake Callaway (5) and Evan Bennett (7). ARELLA CASH/Staff

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Gators beat Briarwood to reach state final

Ian Tocher And Arella Cash
Thursday, November 30, 2023
For the fifth time in eight years, the Gatewood Gators are going back to the state final. The Gators prevailed 15-12 over visiting Briarwood Academy last Friday night to earn a rematch with Edmund Burke Academy (EBA) in the championship game on Dec. 1, with kick-off scheduled for 5 p.m.
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

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Gatewood secures region title with ‘Whoopin’ Stick’ win

Ian Tocher
Thursday, November 9, 2023
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 quarterback Ames Johnson had another strong game last Friday in Monticello, scoring three touchdowns and throwing for another in Gatewood’s 36-18 win over Piedmont Academy. IAN TOCHER/File

Gators quarterback Ames Johnson had another strong game last Friday in Monticello, scoring three touchdowns and throwing for another in Gatewood’s 36-18 win over Piedmont Academy. IAN TOCHER/File

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Gatewood doubles up on Piedmont

Ian Tocher
Thursday, November 2, 2023
With heavy hearts, the Gatewood Gators visited Piedmont Academy in Monticello last Friday, where they won 36-18 in memory of Dawn Sinclair, who lost her long battle against cancer just two days earlier.
On an outstanding pass from quarterback Ames Johnson early in the second quarter, Gatewood’s Blake Callaway made an equally impressive catch to come down in the end zone for a touchdown. IAN TOCHER/Staff

On an outstanding pass from quarterback Ames Johnson early in the second quarter, Gatewood’s Blake Callaway made an equally impressive catch to come down in the end zone for a touchdown. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gatewood falls 20-14 in tight battle

Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 26, 2023
A late touchdown in the final quarter preserved a perfect 8-0 record for the visiting Edmund Burke Academy (EBA) Spartans Friday night, as they beat the hometown Gatewood Gators 20-14 in a long, hard-fought match. The Gators fell to 6-2 with just two regular-season contests left on the schedule.
In a game earlier this season, the Gatewood Gators take the field at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/File photo

In a game earlier this season, the Gatewood Gators take the field at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/File photo

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Gators trounce Fullington Academy, 34-6

Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 19, 2023
The Gatewood Gators took care of business Friday night, posting a convincing 34-6 victory over the visiting Fullington Academy Trojans from Pinehurst.
Gators head coach Jeff Ratliff is already looking past last week’s loss in Columbus to this Friday night in Macon against two-time defending 2A state champion Central Fellowship Christian Academy. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators head coach Jeff Ratliff is already looking past last week’s loss in Columbus to this Friday night in Macon against two-time defending 2A state champion Central Fellowship Christian Academy. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gatewood falls 35-0 to end winning streak

Ian Tocher
Thursday, September 28, 2023
The undefeated streak ended at four for the Gatewood Gators Friday night as they were shut out 35-0 in Columbus by the defending Class 4A state champion Ste. Anne-Pacelli Vikings.
Gatewood kicker Jayden Daniel (4) was singled out for his consistency in contributing to the Gators’ 20-13 win last Friday over Southland Academy in Americus. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood kicker Jayden Daniel (4) was singled out for his consistency in contributing to the Gators’ 20-13 win last Friday over Southland Academy in Americus. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gatewood gets it done in Americus

Ian Tocher
Thursday, September 14, 2023
“We did what we needed to.” That was the assessment of head coach Jeff Ratliff on the performance of his Gatewood Gators last Friday after a 20-13 victory over Southland Academy in Americus.
Fellow Gatewood seniors Evan Bennett (7) and Blake Callaway (5) each scored two touchdowns in the Gators’ 35-0 win over the Trinity Christian Crusaders Friday night in Dublin. FILE PHOTO

Fellow Gatewood seniors Evan Bennett (7) and Blake Callaway (5) each scored two touchdowns in the Gators’ 35-0 win over the Trinity Christian Crusaders Friday night in Dublin. FILE PHOTO

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Gators crush Crusaders 35-0 to start season

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 31, 2023
The result was never in question last Friday night in Dublin, as the visiting Gators dominated the Trinity Christian Crusaders on both sides of the ball in a season-opening 35-0 win for the Gatewood squad.
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