Gatewood Football 2023

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

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.
With Jackson Hewatt (3) providing cover, Evan Bennett (7) makes his way across the goal line for Gatewood's first touchdown last Friday night in a 17-8 win over Briarwood. IAN TOCHER/STAFF

With Jackson Hewatt (3) providing cover, Evan Bennett (7) makes his way across the goal line for Gatewood's first touchdown last Friday night in a 17-8 win over Briarwood. IAN TOCHER/STAFF

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Gatewood beats Briarwood, remains undefeated

Story And Photos By Ian Tocher
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Gatewood boosted its unbeaten record to 4-0 last Friday with a 17-8 win at home on Sammons Field against Briarwood Academy.
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

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.
Back-up quarterback Ben Brannen (2) pushes off an Augusta Prep defender on his way to scoring a third-quarter touchdown in Gatewood’s 62-6 win over the visiting Cavaliers. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Back-up quarterback Ben Brannen (2) pushes off an Augusta Prep defender on his way to scoring a third-quarter touchdown in Gatewood’s 62-6 win over the visiting Cavaliers. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Gatewood gets easy win over Augusta Prep

Ian Tocher
Thursday, September 7, 2023
The Gatewood Gators added another easy win Friday night, beating the visiting Augusta Prep Day Cavaliers 62-6 at Sammons Field in Eatonton.
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. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.
Gators quarterback Ames Johnson (10) completes a handoff to fellow junior Jackson Hewatt in a pre-season scrimmage early last month. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators quarterback Ames Johnson (10) completes a handoff to fellow junior Jackson Hewatt in a pre-season scrimmage early last month. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators counting on experience to improve

Ian Tocher
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
A 5-7 finish like last year, including the playoffs, will not be enough to satisfy Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff this time around.
Gatewood’s assistant coaches include (l-r) Andrew Ringer, Josh Ringer, Tyler VanDusen and Mike Kelly. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood’s assistant coaches include (l-r) Andrew Ringer, Josh Ringer, Tyler VanDusen and Mike Kelly. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Coaching comes first at Gatewood

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
In any sport, it’s the athletes who make the plays and score the points to win the game, but there are always coaches on the sidelines or behind the bench, providing the game plans and advice to guide the way.
Junior running back Jackson Hewatt (3) is the center of attention of teammates and rivals alike in a first-quarter scrimmage run Friday night at Gatewood Schools in Eatonton, versus the Cavaliers of Mount de Sales Academy. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Junior running back Jackson Hewatt (3) is the center of attention of teammates and rivals alike in a first-quarter scrimmage run Friday night at Gatewood Schools in Eatonton, versus the Cavaliers of Mount de Sales Academy. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Coach concerned, not worried about Gators

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Overall, Gatewood Gators head coach Jeff Ratliff appeared satisfied, if not entirely impressed with his team’s 35-13 win in a pre-season scrimmage against Mount de Sales Academy last Friday night. “I was proud of the effort tonight.
Subscribe to