MARION — Pleasant protected the home field and grabbed a homecoming game win behind good defense in a Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference game.
The Spartans narrowly defeated Galion, 14-13, and a shutout in the first half was key in doing so.
Pleasant (5-3, 3-2 MOAC) struck first on a four-yard pass from Owen Lowry to Aiden Smith at the end of the first quarter. It just happened to be the only score of the first half.
Galion (5-3, 2-3 MOAC) drove deep into Pleasant territory midway through the second quarter but Brennan Ringer of the Spartans made an interception at their own eight-yard line.
The Tigers’ very next drive ended in the red zone again when Braxton Prosser coughed it up. Galion was within striking distance twice in the final six and a half minutes.
“It hurts, it hurts right now,” said Galion head coach Matt Dick. “I’m the guy calling the plays, so I’m telling you right now it starts with me. We just have to keep putting our kids in better situations and find ways to reduce some of our turnovers.”
Galion’s defense stood tough and didn’t allow Pleasant to do anything with the second turnover and the clock ticked to half.
Tigers received a big boost out of the half with an onside kick by Allen Carver that was recovered. Galion then marched down and scored on a Prosser pass to Chambers from 35 yards out.
After getting a stop, the Tigers again scored on a 25-yard run by Prosser. Galion’s junior quarterback led the team in rushing with 112 yards on 12 attempts. The extra point attempt by Carver bounced off the right upright and would prove to be crucial. After having two red-zone visits end in turnovers in the first half, Galion had much better luck in the second half.
Pleasant retook the lead on a seven-yard run by Lowry early into the fourth quarter.
With just over six minutes remaining, Pleasant blocked a Landon Campbell punt to the Galion 47. The Tigers’ defense stiffened and gave the offense another chance.
Galion’s next possession resulted in a four-and-out with about three minutes remaining. Pleasant picked up a first down but would turn the ball over with 20 seconds left in the game.
Prosser hit Chambers across the middle, then the Tigers received help with a defensive pass interference. The game ended on a Pleasant sack.
“Pleasant played a great game,” explained Dick. “They’re a high-powered offense and we held them to 14. I’m excited about what our defense did. I love to watch film and see all of those stops.”
Injuries continue to hurt Galion, as top offensive playmaker Gabe Ivy remained out in a walking boot. Safety and wide receiver Elijah Chafin only played about a quarter.
Galion will have their homecoming game next Friday against River Valley. Pleasant will host Marion Harding.