Gateway Beats Norwin 42-10 to Secure Playoff Spot

MONROEVILLE, Pa. – The Gateway Gators have officially clinched a playoff spot with a win on Senior Night. They rolled over Norwin by the score of 42-10. Coming into the game Gateway (6-2) was heavily favored over the Norwin Knights (1-7) and for good reason. Gateway scored early and often which resulted in the “Mercy” Rule going into effect for the second half. 

On the first drive of the game, the Gators drove down the field to take an early 7-0 lead by the way of a Jaquon Reynolds’ 36-yard recieving touchdown from Brad Birch.

Norwin responded with a good-looking drive of their own that resulted in a 39-yard field goal by senior kicker Joseph Castle to make it 7-3. Norwin’s Jackson Pons left the game in the second quarter and never returned to the game, halting any hope for the Knights to pull off the upset. The Mississippi State target, Pons, plays multiple positions including quarterback so when he went down so did the Knights’ gameplan.

Junior quarterback Brad Birch would go onto throw for four touchdowns in the first half, including a 95-yard touchdown to Chris Livsey and a 14-yard touchdown to left tackle Matthew Brooks.

The senior Chris Livsey put on a show on Senior Night with his 95-yard recieving touchdown and his 59-yard punt return touchdown. Gators’ running back Jaquon Reynolds also had two touchdowns in the first half with a third one called back due to a holding call. The Gators entered halftime with a lead by the score of 42-3.

The third quarter was relatively quiet in terms of scoring as the score remained the same heading into the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter the Knights added a late touchdown but that was after the Gators pulled their starters.

Next week the regular season will finish up throughout the WPIAL. Gateway visits 6A opponent Pittsburgh Central Catholic, while Norwin is on the road against Hempfield.