In a high-stakes regular-season finale at the Wolverina, the Gateway Gators battle the Woodland Hills Wolverines in a physical 5A Big East Conference showdown.
Gateway erupts to an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter, fueled by freshman running back Ned Reid, whose 31-yard sprint sets up a 19-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Mayson Mitchell to senior tight end Kacey Carter, before kicker Jackson Mikulandrich drills a 25-yard field goal. After Woodland Hills rallies to take a 14-10 lead, Gateway reclaims momentum on the final play of the second quarter when Mitchell uncorks a dramatic 45-yard Hail Mary pass that is tipped by freshman Ty’Miere Sanders into the hands of Nazir Diggs in the end zone for a 17-14 halftime advantage. In the fourth quarter, Mitchell connects with Carter again on a fourth-down touchdown strike—Carter’s second score of the night—to put Gateway ahead 24-20.
Senior wide receiver Jayden Stammer shines on defense with a first-half interception, while linebackers Jakson Smith and Tyrion Williams, alongside defensive linemen Dorian Bell and Julius Clark, deliver key tackles for loss to keep the Wolverines under pressure. Senior defensive back Julian Dancear adds a crucial second-half pass breakup, while Daysaun Spencer provides tight coverage on the perimeter.
However, Woodland Hills responds behind quarterback Jaron McKinney Jr., who throws touchdown passes to Malik McCloud and Nico Mager, before running back DJ Dutrieuille seals a 37-24 victory for the Wolverines. Despite the hard-fought defeat, Gateway’s resilient performance positions the Gators strongly for a WPIAL 5A playoff berth.
