The Gatewood Gators made the long 195-mile, one-way trek last Friday to Damascus to face Southwest Georgia Academy for a playoff game.
They returned to Eatonton a few hours later, however, with their season ended by a 30-18 loss to the Warriors.
The game for the Gators was highlighted by a 74-yard touchdown run in the first quarter from quarterback Ben Brannen, who recovered a fumbled handoff to fellow senior Mason Sinclair, and streaked down the sideline untouched to the end zone.
Brannen later added another touchdown on the ground and finished the game with a team-leading 129 yards rushing. Junior Drew Love added a 22-yard touchdown catch, though the Gators didn’t register an extra point after all three scores.
Following the loss, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff addressed his team, their parents, and all Gators supporters in his traditional post-game email address.
He began by recognizing “it’s never easy when something that you have poured your heart and soul into comes to an end,” but added he was very proud of his team’s effort against SGA.
“We left it all on the field,” Ratliff said. “We played perhaps our best game of the year. We just fell short.”
The coach stressed he was happy with the effort his Gators showed, singling out the defense for causing a few turnovers and forcing several punts.
“Plus, I felt like we matched their physicality and had them frustrated for much of the night,” Ratliff said of the Warriors.
However, he also acknowledged that, despite coming up with a few big plays, the Gatewood offense was unable to move the ball or take advantage of its possessions consistently.
Put simply, “we needed a few more scores that we didn’t get,” Ratliff said.
Regardless, the coach emphasized that this year’s team represented itself well, noting they recovered from a slow start to the regular season and were competitive through two playoff games.
“There is no need for us to hang our heads. We were ready and prepared. We played hard. We just came up short,” Ratliff acknowledged. “To the 25 guys that put on the pads each day, I am proud of you. You showed up to practice every day to get better. You worked and committed yourself to something bigger than you … The Team … I love each one of you.”
After also thanking the players’ parents for their support throughout the 2025 season, Ratliff turned his attention to the nine seniors on this year’s squad.
“I appreciate all that you have done for our program. Your commitment speaks volumes. Some of you I have coached for four years … from your elementary days until now, what a ride! Without you, there is no Gatewood football. Thank you for everything.”
In closing, the 13-year head coach reminded everyone that he believes “football is different from all the other sports.”
“It is hard and demanding. It teaches so many life lessons, but it is not for everyone. Not everyone can play football,” Ratliff stated. “It takes a special young man to play this game. I am honored to be the coach of Gatewood.”
Ratliff and Gatewood athletic director Troy Burner now turn their attention to finalizing plans for this year’s team banquet, likely to occur early next month.