Preparation leads to big plays: Ciroli’s hat trick sends Ontario past Galion

GALION — Big plays don’t happen without preparation.

If Ontario’s performance Friday night was any indication, the Warriors proved they put in the practice for their Week 5 matchup with Galion.

“I really think we worked on the small things this week and that really showed (tonight),” said Ontario junior Max Ciroli.

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound running back had a hat trick of rushing TDs and an interception defensively to help fuel the undefeaeted Warriors’ 46-28 win over Galion (2-3).

Ciroli scored on runs of 2, 22, and 5 yards and rushed for more than 100 yards on the night.

“When we do the little things right and avoid bad penalties, we’re a really hard team to beat,” he said.

The Warriors also had extra motivation, reflecting back on their 7-0 loss to the Tigers last season.

“All week there was something in the locker room. There was a little more energy than before because we really wanted to get this back because they got us last year,” Ciroli said.

Ontario coach Aaron Eckert agreed.

“That one was one that stung all offseason,” Eckert said. “(It was) one that we thought we probably should have got and I’m sure Galion feels the same way.

“They’re (Tigers) always going to be a tough team to play. Every time we play these guys it’s a good game and their staff does a great job.”

Warriors’ versatility on full display

Ontario continued its use of a two-quarterback system, but junior Sean Tanner took most of the snaps at the helm of the offense. That was different from Week 4 when Gavin Miller primarily operated the offense.

Eckert said he felt good about the way his team was able to execute in both the pass and run game.

“Every week we’re trying to get our guys in space,” he said. “We have dynamic athletes and I think one of the easiest things you can do is get those guys in space and let them go, let them be athletes.”

Big plays from a variety of Warriors — including Ciroli, Tanner, Cardae Brown and Jermel Powell, among others — highlighted Ontario’s complementary style of play, Eckert said.

“It’s not just one guy. We’ve got a bunch of guys that contribute and we have a bunch of different personnel packages,” he said. “I’m happy for our guys and the way they responded tonight.”

Photos by Tom Theodore | Story continues below.

Galion’s growing pains part of the process

Eckert complemented the Tigers and the strength of schedule Galion took on this season, playing in non-conference games against St. Marys Memorial (36-12 loss), Carey (21-17 win) and Bishop Ready (28-24 win).

“They’ve played probably the toughest schedule out of anybody in the area, regardless of division,” he said. “They’re grinders and they’re tough kids and they didn’t quit. It took a full four quarters to get that done tonight.”

The Tigers have 12 seniors and 12 juniors on their 52-man roster this season. The majority of Galion’s team is composed of freshmen and sophomores (a combined 28 players).

Galion coach Matt Dick said his team has great potential and competing against tough opponents to begin the season has made the Tigers tougher.

“But there’s just things we can’t get away from,” Dick said of mistakes that need cleaned up.

He specified miscues offensively that led to penalties Friday night and in games earlier this season.

“I love some of the things we’re doing, but there’s so much room for growth on us,” Dick said. “We can have a really fun ending to this season, but it’s a choice. And that choice starts now.”