Gatewood Schools hosted its sixth-annual Briar Patch Brawl cheerleading competition on Oct. 24 in the school’s gymnasium. Seven middle school teams and seven varsity teams competed inside while Morning Grind, Kona Ice, and Southern Dawgs Catering sold refreshments outside.
Middle school teams were the first to perform. Gatewood Middle, coached by Emily Embry, performed well in their routine, but George Walton Middle placed first and Bethlehem Christian Academy Middle came in second place.
Gatewood Cheer Varsity head coach Libby Rainey said that despite struggling with injuries this season, the Gators’ cheerleaders plan to finish out strong and healthy. She described this season as rewarding, challenging, and fun.
The varsity team, including assistant coaches Amanda Andrews and Chase Castellanos, look forward to making a run for the state title on Nov. 11 in Columbus.
Varsity winners at the Briar Patch Brawl included Bulloch Varsity in first place and George Walton Varsity in second.
Five Gatewood seniors on the team were recognized at the event along with their kindergarten buddies, including Brynlee Burgess and her K-5 buddy Macey Duvall, Taylor Moreno and her K-5 buddy Savannah Davis, Carly Cannon and her K-5 buddy Ava Varela, Lexi Moss and her K-5 buddy Leah Kate Ligon, and Hillary Haley and her K-5 buddy Madison Davis.
“They cheer for each other, they constantly wish each other good luck, and they root for each other,” Rainey said of the fellowship and unity that exists between all the different teams at Gatewood.