Gatewood Football 2023

Gators’ head coach Jeff Ratliff poses with his outgoing seniors. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators’ head coach Jeff Ratliff poses with his outgoing seniors. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators banquet caps state runner-up season

Ian Tocher
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Looking a lot younger and smaller than they appeared on Dec. 2 last year in a tough 16-10 loss in the state championship game, members of the 2023 Gatewood football team assembled one last time on Jan. 10 for their wrap-up awards banquet.
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

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

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

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.
Lydia Anne Gailey hopes to attend Georgia College & State University in the fall to major in education. Her K-5 buddy was McKenzie Saenz.

Lydia Anne Gailey hopes to attend Georgia College & State University in the fall to major in education. Her K-5 buddy was McKenzie Saenz.

Photos: Gatewood Homecoming 2023

News Staff
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Gatewood High School featured its Homecoming Queen ceremony on Oct. 20 during halftime for that night’s football game.
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

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

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.
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