The Seccaium Park Trophy is staying in Galion for yet another year.
The 2015 edition of the football Tigers made sure of that Friday, handing archrival Bucyrus a 55-0 defeat at the BHS Athletic Complex in the season opener for both ballclubs. It marked the seventh consecutive season the Tigers have knocked off their oldest foe, and the eighth time in the last 10 seasons Galion has beaten Bucyrus. The Tigers now lead the series 61-47-7.
Drake Barnett scored three rushing touchdowns and Jacob Fryer added another score on a 51-yard gallop to help fuel the Galion offense. Colton Moore returned an interception 21 yards for a defensive touchdown.
Kevin Bowshier and Ryan Talbott also scored rushing touchdowns and placekicker Conner Moreton connected on 2-of-3 field goal attempts.
Defensively, Dominick Monk recorded two of the Tigers’ four sacks. Galion’s defense also came up with a fumble recovery and forced the Bucyrus offense to turn the ball over on downs twice. Isaiah Davis had a scoop and score called back on a muffed punt in the fourth quarter or the special teams would’ve added to the scoring.
Fryer and Barnett both left the game with injuries in the first and second quarters, respectively. Acting head coach Todd Roston said Fryer suffered a lower leg injury. Barnett was one of several players on both teams to suffer from cramping during the game. He returned to action in the second half.
Galion (1-0) plays its home opener for 2015 next Friday against the Columbus Crusaders.
The Crusaders open their season Saturday against Noblesville (Ind.) at Otterbein University.
Bucyrus (0-1) plays at Crestline in Week 2.
(NOTE: Check back for more details about Galion’s win, including reaction from coaches of both teams.)
