The Gateway Gators spoil Homecoming in Murrysville with a dominant 47-9 Big East Conference victory over the Franklin Regional Panthers.
Freshman phenom Ned Reid delivers an extraordinary four-touchdown performance in three different ways—scoring on a 42-yard touchdown run, catching a 21-yard touchdown pass, rushing for another second-half score, and throwing a jump pass to Kacey Carter out of the Wildcat formation. Sophomore quarterback Mayson Mitchell commands the Gator offense with poise, tossing a pair of touchdown passes to senior Jayden Stammer and connecting with Daysaun Spencer on key downfield completions. Backup quarterback Jacob Zielinksi adds a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown to cap off the scoring, while kicker Jackson Mikulandrich returns to action to solidify Gateway’s special teams.
Gateway’s defense turns in a relentless performance, stifling Franklin Regional inside the red zone and repeatedly turning the Panthers over on downs. Linebackers Jakson Smith and Khalid Harper, alongside Dorian Bell, Dylan Graham, and Tehran Gans, swarm the line of scrimmage to neutralize Franklin Regional’s ground attack.
After Panthers starting quarterback Brock Bowser exits early due to injury, Dominic Devola and featured back Jet Taylor fight for tough yardage, with Devola adding a late rushing score. However, Gateway’s explosive offense and suffocating defense ensure a triumphant conference bounce-back for the Gators
