Gatewood Football 2026

Gatewood junior running back and linebacker Brady Haley has been one of the Gators’ most dependable players through the first two games of the season, contributing on both sides of the ball. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood junior running back and linebacker Brady Haley has been one of the Gators’ most dependable players through the first two games of the season, contributing on both sides of the ball. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators grounded by Briarwood, fall to 0-2 on season

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Gatewood’s early struggles continued last Friday night in Warrenton, as the Gators dropped a 26-8 decision to Briarwood Academy, falling to 0-2 this season.The loss came against a Briarwood squad that entered the game considerably higher in MaxPreps’ GIAA Georgia rankings.Gatewood head coach Jeff...
Freshman quarterback Bennett Haley is young but shows a lot of promise, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff said. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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

Gators seek bounce back after rough opener

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff isn’t about to make excuses for his team’s 47-7 loss to Tattnall Square Academy last Friday night in Macon.Simply put, the Gators didn’t play the way their coach believes they can play.Tattnall Square, where Ratliff spent his high school years, fielded a talented...
Landon Moreno, one of only six seniors on the Gatewood roster, will be called upon often this season. TREY NORRIS/Staff

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

Gatewood coach focuses on ‘moving forward’

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Gatewood’s Jeff Ratliff recently began his 16th season at the Eatonton-based school and his 14th as its head football coach with a relatively young and undersized roster.Regardless, Ratliff believes his Gators have the speed, desire, toughness and togetherness needed to make the most of a demanding...
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

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

Gatewood’s limited roster makes two-way players essential to success

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 20, 2026
At Gatewood, playing on both sides of the football isn’t unusual. It’s a necessity.With a smaller roster than many of the schools they compete against, the Gators rely heavily on a core group of players to contribute on offense and defense.
Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen scrambles out of the pocket for a first down against Edmund Burke. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen scrambles out of the pocket for a first down against Edmund Burke. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Preparation key to Gators’ early success

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Gatewood is heading into the regular season with a little more confidence after using a pair of preseason scrimmages to identify weaknesses and make improvements.
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

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

Tenured Gators coach loves the game

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
For Gatewood head football coach Jeff Ratliff, the start of a new season still brings the same excitement, even after more than three decades on the sidelines.Entering his 33rd season overall in coaching and his 16th at Gatewood, including 14 years as its head coach, Ratliff said the routine may be...
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

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

Gators look to take 2026 ‘one game at a time’

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
As Gatewood continues its summer workouts ahead of preseason practice, the Gators know they won’t have much time to ease into the 2026 season.Following a productive month of strength and conditioning work, 7-on-7 camps, and team development in June, Gatewood now turns its attention to the 2026...
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 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

Gators begin summer workouts in preparation for 2026 season

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
With the start of summer workouts underway, the Gatewood football team has officially begun laying the groundwork for the 2026 season.The Gators opened their offseason conditioning program Monday, beginning a two-month focus on building strength, improving conditioning, and developing the...
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