Jeff Ratliff

Head coach Jeff Ratliff expressed sympathy for rival schools that suffered damage from Hurricane Helene late last month. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Head coach Jeff Ratliff expressed sympathy for rival schools that suffered damage from Hurricane Helene late last month. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gators well rested after storm break

Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 10, 2024
When the 2024 GIAA football season schedule came out, head coach Jeff Ratliff and his Gatewood Gators were pleased to see their prescribed bye week smack dab in the middle of a 10-game schedule.
Despite heading to Augusta Prep Day this Friday with the better record so far this season, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff has cautioned his players and supporters not to take the Cavaliers lightly. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Despite heading to Augusta Prep Day this Friday with the better record so far this season, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff has cautioned his players and supporters not to take the Cavaliers lightly. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gators coach expects improved play from Augusta Prep Day

Ian Tocher
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Following a scheduled bye week, the Gatewood Gators return to action this Friday at 7 p.m. when they visit Augusta Prep Day for their sixth of 10 regular-season games.
Gatewood senior Hunter Johnson (22) had a career night at Mount de Sales last Friday, rushing for 325 yards and scoring five touchdowns in a 46-20 win for the Gators. Meanwhile, quarterback Ames Johnson (10) had 12 carries for 96 yards and threw a touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Ben Brannen. FILE PHOTO

Gatewood senior Hunter Johnson (22) had a career night at Mount de Sales last Friday, rushing for 325 yards and scoring five touchdowns in a 46-20 win for the Gators. Meanwhile, quarterback Ames Johnson (10) had 12 carries for 96 yards and threw a touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Ben Brannen. FILE PHOTO

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Gators beat Cavs 46-20; prepare for second-half push

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
After dropping the first two games this season, Gatewood heads into a mid-season bye week with a winning 3-2 record after defeating Mount de Sales 46-20 last Friday night.The Gators' head coach was content with the win but wished the team was undefeated at this point of the season.
Mason Sinclair (11) recovered this fumble by the Southland player (lower left) near the Gators' end zone in the second quarter last Friday night. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

Mason Sinclair (11) recovered this fumble by the Southland player (lower left) near the Gators' end zone in the second quarter last Friday night. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

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Gators ‘find a way’ to beat Southland

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
After dropping their first two games this season, the Gatewood Gators now have a 2-2 record after a soggy 16-13 win over Southland Academy (0-4) last Friday at home in Eatonton.
Gatwood's Hunter Johnson (22) and quarterback Ames Johnson (10, no relation) combined for a pair of touchdowns Friday night in a 40-0 rout of the visiting Lions from Loganville Christian Academy. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

Gatwood's Hunter Johnson (22) and quarterback Ames Johnson (10, no relation) combined for a pair of touchdowns Friday night in a 40-0 rout of the visiting Lions from Loganville Christian Academy. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

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Gators feast on Lions in 40-0 win at home

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Following disappointing losses in the season’s first two games, the Gatewood Gators (1-2) stormed back with a dominating 40-0 performance at home in Eatonton Friday night against the Loganville Christian Academy Lions.“I’m going to hand it to my guys now.
Gatewood junior Mason Sinclair (11, center) fights for every inch of turf Friday night in a disappointing 28-12 loss to the visiting Trinity Christian Crusaders. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood junior Mason Sinclair (11, center) fights for every inch of turf Friday night in a disappointing 28-12 loss to the visiting Trinity Christian Crusaders. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gators fall to 0-2 after loss to Trinity

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Gatewood was off to a great start this past Friday against Trinity Christian. Senior Hunter Johnson scored first, catching a pass from Ben Brannen to give the Gators an early lead.
Gatewood junior Ben Brannen had a big outing at Flint River, scoring both of the Gators’ touchdowns last Friday. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

Gatewood junior Ben Brannen had a big outing at Flint River, scoring both of the Gators’ touchdowns last Friday. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

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‘Undisciplined play’ costs Gators

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 22, 2024
The Gatewood Gators opened their 2024 campaign with a 19-14 loss to Flint River Academy on Friday night in Woodbury. Head coach Jeff Ratliff said his team played well overall but added, “undisciplined, senseless plays really hurt us and ultimately cost us the game.
Entering his third season as the Gators’ starting quarterback, senior Ames Johnson is expected to be a leader on and off the field as Gatewood seeks a return to the state championship game in December. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Entering his third season as the Gators’ starting quarterback, senior Ames Johnson is expected to be a leader on and off the field as Gatewood seeks a return to the state championship game in December. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gators gear up for 2024 season

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 8, 2024
The Gatewood Gators will travel to Athens Christian this Friday for a preseason scrimmage. Head coach Jeff Ratliff hopes to iron out any last-minute kinks before the regular season starts one week later at Flint River Academy in Woodbury.
Gatewood quarterback Ames Johnson drops back to pass during a game last season. (File Photo)

Gatewood quarterback Ames Johnson drops back to pass during a game last season. (File Photo)

Gators’ football faces loaded schedule

Lance McCurley
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Longtime Gatewood football head coach Jeff Ratliff said he’s “excited” about his team’s upcoming season.Last year, the Gators lost a heartbreaker in the Georgia Independent Athletic Association Class AA state final to Edmund Burke Academy.
Last week, the Gatewood boys’ track and team won the GIAA Class AA state championship in Columbus. CONTRIBUTED

Last week, the Gatewood boys’ track and team won the GIAA Class AA state championship in Columbus. CONTRIBUTED

Gators bring home the gold

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Last week, the Gatewood boys’ track and field team captured its third state championship in five years.It did so in dramatic fashion, too. The Gators trailed Trinity Christian by a few points entering the final event, the 4x400-meter relay race.
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