GALION — Galion finished a fine, 9-1 regular season with a 20-7 win over Clear Fork on Friday night and now will reap the fruits of its labor.
According to Joe Eitel’s website, the Tigers will finish in second place in Division IV, Region 14 behind only No. 1-ranked Shelby (10-0).
If that analysis holds true, Galion will have a week off before beginning its playoff odyssey at home against the winner of the 5-12 matchup (possibly Clyde at Bellevue), in two weeks.
In this one, the Tigers took the lead with 3:13 showing in the first quarter when Ayden Schmidt tossed a 34-yard touchdown on a 4th-and-16 play for a 7-0 lead.
A Clear Fork turnover inside its own 10 set up Schmidt’s 1-yard TD plunge in the second quarter for a 13-0 edge.
The Colts responded on Devyn Oswalt’s 30-yard TD aerial to make it 13-7.
But Galion answered in rapid-fire fashion with Schmidt finding Kurt Hay for a 20-yard TD pass just 11 seconds before intermission for a 20-7 advantage.
Defense ruled the second half as the Tigers and the Colts were both scoreless.
Clear Fork also has playoff aspirations.
Eitel projects the 6-4 Colts to finish eighth in the region. If that is accurate, Clear Fork would also be at home for its playoff opener, possibly against Cloverleaf (6-4).
Last time Galion and Clear Fork played in a 41-21 game on Sept. 13, 2024.
In recent action on Oct. 10, Clear Fork faced off against Sparta Highland.
(Photos by Amy Sesco)
