There is a quite an optimistic aroma going around Tigerland. This team has 17 returning starters, the numbers are up over 50 players in grades 10-12 and the players have devoted themselves to an off-season weightlifting program spearheaded by Coach O'Rourke. Having added veteran and former head coach Jim Ruth to the coaching staff should be a plus as well. Coach Ruth will handle the defensive play calling while Coach O'Rourke will handle the offensive coordinator roles. Coach O will be starting his 21st season as a head football coach and looking to build upon his record of 107-90. Assistant Coaches: Chuck Neal, Sean Maguire and Brent Terrell will be working tirelessly this season to ensure the Tigers are prepared each and every game. The defense is definitely going to be the glue that holds this team together. Seasoned linebackers and a solid secondary have had the opportunity to learn Coach O'Rourke's philosophy and system and will be able to react better to plays this year rather than having to think first. This defense will be hungry and eager to lay claim to a new era of Galion Tiger football. It should be an exciting season for Tiger loyalists who dream of the return to glory days. The players and coaches are focused on this season and the future of Galion football - the only direction this team is going..... is up!

Media's 2004 Predicted League Finish :
8th

Passing: Ben Blubaugh
9 comp, 29 att., 73 yds, 0 td's, 6 int's

Rushing: Ben Blubaugh
94 att., 214 yds., 0 td's and Jimmy Fryer
45 att., 214 yds, 2 tds

Receiving: Bobby Nichols
10 rec., 110 yds., 0 td's

Scoring: Jimmy Fryer
4 tds, 26 pts.

Punting: Troy Bright
42 punts, 33.2 avg.

Kicking: Aaron Benedict and Jimmy Fryer each with 1 XP

Tackles: Ben Blubaugh
79 tackles

Sacks: Ricky Rinehart
3 sacks

Interceptions: Ben Blubaugh and Bobby Nichlos
each with 2 ints

Kickoff returns: Ben Blubaugh
7 ret., 24.9 avg.

Punt returns: Jimmy Fryer
7 ret., 12.7 avg.

Written by coachgiffohio

Defensive line:
  The Tigers will finally have some depth this year and will be led by several seniors to include: Nose-tackles Blake Durtchi (5'4" 140), Tony Javens and Aaron Benedict and 215 pound tackle Dustin McMillen (5"10" 215). A handful of juniors and sophomores will share playing time and are looking to compete for starting positions to include: Tom Javens at nose-tackle, Andy Dill, Robert Sharrock and Matt Clum at tackles. The Defensive End positions look to be filled by some giants. 6'5" Ricky Rinehart and Brandon North will be patrolling the short fields in Tigerland using their height to knock down passes and their speed to corral runners to the inside. Nate Harding and Tim Gribble will also be shuttled into the end positions as they gain varsity experience.

Linebackers:
  Two seniors will anchor the middle of the field for the Tigers in Ben Blubaugh and Nate O'leary; both returning starters along with junior Troy Bright. With plenty of leadership on this field the coaching staff will have plenty of opportunity to incorporate the sophomore four horsemen Matt Harderman (6'0" 185), Tyler Agin, Brad Heater (5'10" 170), and Codi Bowman (5'6" 135). Bring back the days of the Bruise brothers, cause this corps of linebackers is ready to bring some heat to each and every game this year.

Secondary:
  The Galion secondary will look to improve on its rankings from last year and with the help of key returning starters such as Jim Fryer and Bobby Nichols at the corner positions and Matt Shipley at safety this group of veterans has the potential to help anchor what should be a stout defense. With a crop of youngsters waiting in the wings and looking to the veterans for leadership players such as Tyler Long, Nic McLure, and Kevin Murphy prowl anxiously on the sidelines waiting for their chance to gain valuable varsity time.

Special teams:
  Kicking and Punting duties look to fall on the shoulders of Troy Bright, Bobby Nichols and Aaron Benedict. Several other players to include: Tyler Agin, Matt Shipley, Troy Bright and Matt Hardeman may be called upon as needed. Aaron Benedict looks to be a key return man as he is quite capable of breaking the long one any time he touches the ball.