Talented Tigers: Galion boasts a slew of experienced returners on the gridiron
GALION - The Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference is going to be an absolute nightmare this season with so many talented teams.
And Galion hopes to fit right in there at the top.
Boasting arguably the most talented junior class around with some experienced seniors and talented sophomores, the Tigers have their eyes on a league title — and more.
"I think the league is going to be fun to watch this year because lots of teams could win the conference this year," coach Matt Dick said. "I expect Galion to be in the mix and find ways to win close games."
Two top-notch options at quarterback give the Tigers an edge with Cooper Kent (810 yards, one touchdown) and Braxton Prosser (187 yards) both having seen time under center last season after Hanif Donaldson was relieved of QB duties.
"I think our strength on offense will be the balance of run and pass, condensing and expanding, and game experience," Dick said. "Linemen Justin Lester, Alex Griffith and Holden Hunter are expected to be solid up front with lots of experience. Running back Gabe Ivy ended the season strong and is expected to take that next step.
"Wideouts Logan Shifley and Elijah Chafin have made lots of playing in 7-on-7."
Kent and Prosser should have plenty of protection with the likes of Lester, Griffith and Hunter back along with Daltin Sparks, Landon Kurtzman and Noah Grochowalski in the mix. Ivy rushed for 512 yards and four touchdowns on 79 carries as a No. 2 but should see those numbers skyrocket as the main rusher, Jimmy Hardy will also see plenty of carries.
Joining Shifley and Chafin out wide will be Linkon Tyrrell, CJ Ganshorn and Coen Fuson, while Landon Campbell (19 receptions, 183 yards, three touchdowns) and Hunter Miniard will be options at tight end. Jack Hart will handle kicking with a combo of Ganshorn, Ivy and Shifley returning kicks.
"Chafin moving into Galion has given our skill athletes more depth on offense and defense," Dick said. "I also think Shifley is set for a big year on both sides of the ball because of the work he has put in this offseason."
Lining up as a 4-3 base defense will be Kurtzman (73 tackles, 16 for loss, 12 sacks), Kooper McCabe, Lester and Hunter on the line with Miniard (40 tackles), Campbell (112 tackles, 15 for loss, nine sacks) and Carson Frankhouse (118 tackles, 11 for loss, five sacks).
"Frankhouse is a leader of our defense and has a great nose to the ball," Dick said. "I also expect safety Linkon Tyrrell to step up and lead the secondary.
"Book ends Campbell and Kurtzman are (standouts, too)."
Ivy (50 tackles), Tyrrell and Chafin make up the secondary. Campbell will handle punting duties having earned All-Ohio honors last season averaging 39.6 yards on 40 punts, Ganshorn will take over punt returns.
"The ability to stay balanced on offense, stay healthy and continue to improve everyday is key," Dick said. "We want to grow as a team and win the MOAC."
Even with just six starters returning on both sides of the ball, Galion is primed for a special year and could be the direct competitor with Clear Fork for the league title. The Tigers welcome powerhouse McComb in Week 1 which should be the perfect opener to set the tone for what's to come this season.
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This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Galion football poised for a special season led by talented juninors
