By: J. Daniel Pearson
It’s been seven years since the Gateway Panthers last posted a winning record, finishing 7-5 in 2017 — but Head Coach Marlin Roberts believes his young squad has the talent to end that drought in 2025.
After going 2-16 in 2022-23, Gateway won four games last year and were two scores away from posting a 6-4 record. But more importantly, they accomplished that with a young team that featured three freshmen starters.
All three, who have strong ties for the Panthers, return.
“I don’t think any coach wants to rely on freshmen to start varsity, but all three came in and performed at a high level. They made their share of first year mistakes, but they also made big plays for us,” Roberts said.
Those players included running back Nydrell Thigpen, who rushed for 660 yards and five touchdowns. Ari Spann stepped in at quarterback and Johnny Reyes was the second leading receiver and also played defensive back. That trio should form the heart of the Panther offense in 2025.
But there is also other talent on the Panthers roster. Dory Thimote is a quick and athletic 6-1, 190-lb. strong safety who is being moved to edge rusher; where he will join returning veterans Isaiah Robles and Adrian Malave on the line. Nathaniel Cadogan is a solid linebacker.
Roberts says his offensive line will be much improved this year. Collin Anderson will provide senior leadership; while junior Marquell Solomon returns after starting as a sophomore. Massive OL/DL Dante Brown (6-5, 300) transfers in from Cleveland, Ohio and should provide additional depth on both sides of the ball.
In addition, Roberts says his entire staff is back, which will also provide some stability. “For a few years, we had trouble recruiting enough competent assistants. Some of my former players joined our staff last year. They knew how I like to do things and they are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. They relate well to our players.”
An independent, the Panthers will play what Roberts calls a competitive yet fair schedule. “Space Coast won 10 games last season and Poinciana won eight. St. Cloud is always a solid program so we are going to have some challenges,” he says.
In all, the Panthers will play four in-county opponents including Liberty and Celebration. Roberts noted that staying healthy would go a long way in determining how the season plays out. “We had pretty good numbers last year and have had a good turnout for spring and summer workouts. Still, we don’t have the depth to play total platoon football and avoiding injurie is going to be real important.”
Gateway Schedule
8/15 Astronaut (Kickoff Classic) 7 p.m.
8/22 at Space Coast 7 p.m.
8/29 Astronaut 7 p.m.
9/5 Cypress Creek 7 p.m.
9/12 Lake Region 7 p.m.
9/19 Winter Springs 7 p.m.
9/25 at Liberty 7 p.m.
10/3 at St. Cloud 7 p.m.
10/10 at Lake Placid 7 p.m.
10/17 Poinciana 7 p.m.
10/30 at Celebration 7 p.m.
