Panthers Going Independent Should Level Playing Field With Five Home Games This Season

When nearby Tohopekaliga opened a half decade ago, it created a huge problem for Gateway Athletics.

Not only did it syphon off half of the Panthers student population (including half its athletes) but it dropped the Panther classification – forcing them into one of the largest and far-reaching districts in the state, where they were often over-matched with Polk County powerhouse teams.

Between that schedule, a lack of depth caused by open transfer rules and an unfortunate high number of serious injuries (the team went through five quarterbacks last year) – the program found itself on hard times, winning just four games over the last three years – including an 0-10 mark last year.

With that backdrop, the Panther administration made the tough decision to classify as an independent for at least the next two years. Although they will not be eligible for the FHSAA playoffs, it allowed the Panthers to put together a more balanced schedule.

It’s not an unprecedented moved for schools around the state. Liberty, Poinciana and Gateway will all play as independents this year, while 10 Orange County schools made the same move this year. “Depending on your size and location, you end up getting stuck in a district where you’re not competitive and there is no real light at the end of the tunnel and that was the basis for going independent,” Gateway coach Marlin Roberts said. “We are still going to play a good schedule, but at least we are going to give our kids a chance to be competitive in most of those games.”

Roberts, who begins his 17^th year as head coach at Gateway and 23^rd year with the school overall, does have some talent on his roster but says his team does not have the depth if the injury bug hits again. “Staying healthy is going to be a big key for us,” Roberts said. “We have some good players but we’re real thin at certain positions.”

Leading the Panthers offensively will be running back Dashawn Reese and quarterback Jandel Diaz and WR Jeremiah Barnes. Reese (6-0, 200) can be a load to bring down in the open field; while Roberts calls Diaz, a “smart player who has a good grasp of the game.”

Freshman speedster Nydrell Thigpen has looked impressive this summer in seven-on-sevens and workouts and should also be an integral part of the Panthers offense.

Other players expected to contribute include LB Dory Thimote, DL Markell Solomon, DB Jayden Gardner, and OL/DL Gustavo Gallardo. Gardner is a transfer from Winter Park.

“As has been the case for the last couple of years, we’re going to have to play a lot of players on both sides of the ball,” Roberts said. “So staying healthy is going to be extremely important for us. Another key will be developing some depth on both the offensive and defensive lines.”

Last year was also tough for the Panthers because a massive school reconstruction project forced them on the road for the first eight games of the season and also made it difficult to find practice fields. The project has been completed and Gateway will get to play five home games. “Last year was trying for us in a lot of ways,” Roberts. “Just returning to sense of normalcy will help.”

2024 Schedule

Head Coach: Marlin Roberts

Independent

2023 Record: 0-10