Softball Game Preview: Gatewood Gators vs. Johnson County Trojans

The Gatewood Gators will square off against the Johnson County Trojans at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Gatewood is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7 runs per game this season.

Gatewood came out on top against Edmund Burke Academy on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run third inning. The Gators walked away with an 8-3 victory over the Spartans. The game was the first time the Gators have beaten the Spartans on their field since August 18, 2022.

Riley Roberts

Hits (Career)

10/07/25 @ Edmund Burke Academy	3
09/29/25 @ Thomas Jefferson Academy	2
09/23/25 @ Briarwood Academy	2
09/20/25 @ Georgia Military College	2
09/02/25 vs Central Fellowship Christian Academy	2

Riley Roberts made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and one double. Those three hits gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Gatewood let Lily Arthur and Ellie McMillian run wild. Arthur went 2-for-4 with two runs and one stolen base, while McMillian went 2-for-4 with two runs and one RBI. Alexis Thrift was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two runs.

Meanwhile, Johnson County didn't have quite enough to beat Swainsboro on Monday and fell 4-2. The Trojans have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Gatewood pushed their record up to 12-8 with the win, which was their fifth straight on the road. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.4 runs over those games. As for Johnson County, they now have a losing record of 11-12.

Gatewood came up short against Johnson County in their previous meeting back in August, falling 8-5. Will the Gators have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.