Freshman quarterback Bennett Haley is young but shows a lot of promise, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff said. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Landon Moreno, one of only six seniors on the Gatewood roster, will be called upon often this season. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood junior Brady Haley is one of the Gators who will play multiple positions on both sides of the ball in 2026. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators head coach Jeff Ratliff said he loves his players, the game of football, and the challenges it brings with each new season. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Early during the 2025 season, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff (center) held court with his players, cheerleaders, and parents of both near the 50-yard line at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood coaches want their players to be like “family” to each other, committed to helping whether in the gym or on the football field. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood senior Presley Moss runs her part of a relay race at a home meet earlier this season. CONTRIBUTED

Gatewood’s 2025 senior class of football players collected most of the team’s post-season awards, including Ben Brannen (second from left), who was named the team’s Most Valuable Player and the Offensive Player of the Year. CANDI MORENO/Contributed

Early this season, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff (center) held court with his players, cheerleaders, and parents of both near the 50-yard line at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

In addition to his lineman duties, Gatewood senior Colt Jenkins (45) also serves as the team’s punter and delivered a couple of monster punts against Heritage, earning him Player of the Game honors from head coach Jeff Ratliff. IAN TOCHER/Staff