Jeff Ratliff

Gators quarterback Ames Johnson had another strong game last Friday in Monticello, scoring three touchdowns and throwing for another in Gatewood’s 36-18 win over Piedmont Academy. IAN TOCHER/File

Gators quarterback Ames Johnson had another strong game last Friday in Monticello, scoring three touchdowns and throwing for another in Gatewood’s 36-18 win over Piedmont Academy. IAN TOCHER/File

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Gatewood doubles up on Piedmont

Ian Tocher
Thursday, November 2, 2023
With heavy hearts, the Gatewood Gators visited Piedmont Academy in Monticello last Friday, where they won 36-18 in memory of Dawn Sinclair, who lost her long battle against cancer just two days earlier.
Tyler Middleton (center) made the effort for Gatewood Friday night, but the visiting Spartans came up with the ball after a lategame fumble by Gators quarterback Ames Johnson. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Tyler Middleton (center) made the effort for Gatewood Friday night, but the visiting Spartans came up with the ball after a lategame fumble by Gators quarterback Ames Johnson. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gatewood falls 20-14 in tight battle

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
A late touchdown in the final quarter preserved a perfect 8-0 record for the visiting Edmund Burke Academy (EBA) Spartans Friday night, as they beat the hometown Gatewood Gators 20-14 in a long, hard-fought match. The Gators fell to 6-2 with just two regular-season contests left on the schedule.
In a game earlier this season, the Gatewood Gators take the field at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/File photo

In a game earlier this season, the Gatewood Gators take the field at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/File photo

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Gators trounce Fullington Academy, 34-6

Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 19, 2023
The Gatewood Gators took care of business Friday night, posting a convincing 34-6 victory over the visiting Fullington Academy Trojans from Pinehurst.
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.
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