By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Gateway can take a step toward securing its first-ever playoff berth today at 7 p.m. with a visit to Celebration in 7A District 6.

The Panthers, 4-3 and 1-1, come off a 10-3 win at Cypress Creek. The Storm, 0-7 and 0-2, lost at Lake Nona, 68-10.

Gateway Coach Marlin Roberts said his team must focus and not be overconfident against a Celebration team that struggled all season.

“Celebration has had some problems, but you can’t overlook anyone,” Roberts said. “They’ll be ready for us.”

The Storm were victimized by a state record 10 touchdown passes at Lake Nona. Celebration has not been competitive in any game this season, something that Roberts said that he can relate to.

“Two years ago, I think we had a running clock in the second half five or six times,” he said. “It’s difficult to experience. Celebration had a pretty good team (4-6) last season, but they lost a lot of seniors.”

Celebration Coach Ben Aarestad said that the goal for the balance of the season is simply to improve.

“We’re trying to get the young kids better for next season,” he said.

Gateway is on track to have its best season since 2004, when it won the Rotary Scholarship Bowl and posted a 6-3 record.

With wins today and again next week against Harmony, the Panthers would be in excellent position in the district standings entering their season finale at district co-leader Osceola Nov. 4.