The Gateway Gators travel to Harrison City for a high-stakes 5A Big East Conference rivalry clash against the undefeated Penn-Trafford Warriors in the annual Battle of the Bell.
Senior wide receiver Daysaun Spencer sparks the Gateway attack with a dynamic performance, hauling in a 55-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Mayson Mitchell in the second quarter and generating major return yardage. Mitchell commands the offense with composure under pressure, adding a third-quarter touchdown pass to senior tight end Kacey Carter off a fake and later scrambling into the end zone for a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown. Freshman running back Ned Reed powers through the defense for hard-fought gains on the ground, while Jayden Stammer pulls down critical downfield completions. On defense and special teams, senior linebacker Jakson Smith records a sack, supported by physical line play from Khalid Harper, Dorian Bell, and Julius Clark, while Jacob Zielinksi steps up on punting duties
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Penn-Trafford defends home turf to secure a 52-20 victory and retain the Victory Bell. The Warriors’ physical ground game is led by senior quarterback Ben Grabowski, who breaks loose for a 62-yard touchdown run and adds a touchdown pass to Nick Ponko, alongside Cody Yacamelli, who delivers a 67-yard touchdown sprint and a second-half scoring run. Defensive back/receiver Trent Brown adds a 45-yard scoop-and-score fumble recovery, while Landyn Stikkel and Aiden Corbett make key defensive stops to keep Penn-Trafford undefeated on the season.
