Five Touchdowns, 355 Yards: Jace Gatlin Puts on a Show

Jace Gatlin delivered a performance worth remembering on October 3, 2026, as the Harbor Area Chargers wide receiver recorded five touchdowns and 355 yards against the LA Chiefs. Wearing No. 1, the seventh grader put together an explosive outing that earned him recognition as the WCFA Player of the Week.

For Gatlin, one play stood above the rest. His first touchdown of the game became his favorite moment. Despite a penalty against the opposing team, Gatlin completed the catch and found the end zone, giving his team a scoring play he won't soon forget.

But Gatlin's story goes well beyond one impressive game. The Class of 2032 athlete has been playing football since he was just three years old. Over the years, the sport has become a major part of his life, providing not only excitement on the field but also opportunities to grow as a person.

For Gatlin, football isn't simply something he plays. It's something he loves.

That passion is supported by a family that has been part of his football journey from the beginning. Gatlin looks up to his father as a football role model and credits his family with helping him develop both on and off the field.

Their influence has helped shape the mindset he brings to the game. His personal motto, "Discipline over motivation," reflects the approach he takes toward his development as an athlete.

It's a mentality that carries added meaning when considering the challenges Gatlin has already experienced. He revealed that one of his biggest football injuries happened while playing recreationally, rather than during a competitive game.

That experience gives perspective to one of his biggest goals: continuing his football career at the next level while maintaining a healthy body.

For a young athlete already producing performances of this caliber, staying healthy and continuing to develop remain important parts of the journey ahead.

Five touchdowns. 355 yards. One standout performance.

Jace Gatlin's showing against the LA Chiefs demonstrated his ability to make an impact on the field. Beyond the numbers, his dedication to football, appreciation for his family, and commitment to personal growth help tell the story of the athlete behind the jersey.

With his eyes on the next level and a belief in discipline, the Harbor Area Chargers wide receiver has plenty of motivation to keep working toward his goals.

For now, Gatlin can add another moment to his football journey: WCFA Player of the Week.

Meet Jace

Jace Gatlin has been playing football since he was three years old. The Harbor Area Chargers wide receiver looks up to his father as a football role model and credits his family with supporting his development both on and off the field.

What Football Means

"Football means everything to me, my joy starts by picking up a football," Gatlin shared. The sport has been part of his life since early childhood and continues to provide him with opportunities to compete, improve and pursue his goals.

Eyes on the Next Goal

Gatlin hopes to continue playing football at the next level while maintaining a healthy body. His focus is on staying healthy, developing his abilities and continuing his journey in the sport he loves.

Beyond the Field

One thing people may not know about Gatlin is that one of his biggest football injuries occurred while playing recreationally rather than in a competitive game. The experience adds perspective to his commitment to staying healthy as he continues pursuing his football goals.

From the Coach

“This has been one of the best games I’ve seen this player play.”

Jamal Gatlin | Head Coach, Harbor Area Chargers