By James Massara
CCN News Director
UPPER SANDUSKY — In a game most likely circled by high school football historians with fond memories of the Northern Ohio League, former NOL members, Galion and Upper Sandusky, entered Friday’s nonconference football both undefeated, and looking to remain that way.
It was, however, big plays by Galion’s quarterback and too many mistakes by Upper Sandusky’s offense that lead to the Tigers’ 34-0 shutout of the Rams.
For the third consecutive week, a Northern 10 League defense could not figure out how to stop Galion quarterback Elias Middleton.
From Middelton’s first touchdown of the evening for Galion (3-0), a 24-yard run with 2:18 remaining in the first quarter, to his final of his five touchdowns responsible for, a 65-yard scamper with 8:43 remaining in the game to push it to a running clock.
“It’s really fun as a coach,” Galion coach Matt Dick said. “We have a smart quarterback, and all these athletes so we can spread the ball around, but on the same note, when you try to spread the ball around, I think that’s where some of the kinks come into play.”
Middelton finished just shy of 200 yards rushing and more than 180 yards passing.
Upper Sandusky coach Russell Hall said the Rams knew Middleton was a player to watch, but that Galion had other weapons as well.
“We knew ahead of time the quarterback was really good and their offensive line was very physical, we knew their tailback was very fast and they have some very good receivers,” Hall said. “Galion is a team you can’t just focus on one guy, because as soon as you do, they hit you with somebody else.”
Meanwhile, Upper Sandusky’s woes began on its first drive.
After driving 61 yards on what appeared to be a promising drive, the Rams stalled on fourth and goal on the seven-yard line. The turnover-on-downs was the closest the Rams came to scoring, only to be equaled in the second quarter with a turnover-on-downs also on the seven-yard line.
The weather conditions did not give any favors to either team as both Galion and Upper Sandusky lost multiple fumbles, Galion with two and the Rams with six and one interception.
Hall said the weather played a factor, but youthfulness played that largest role in the Rams’ mistakes.
“I think a lot of it is just growing pains,” Hall said. “We have a lot of young guys who have never played before, especially in this environment where balls are slippery.
“We’re getting better. We’re just not where we need to be.”
Hall said there were positives to look at despite the score. The Rams were able to move the ball down the field, despite the yardage not resulting in a change on the scoreboard.
Nate McMillan led the Rams with 125 yards on 21 rushes, as the Rams finished with more than 100 yards in both rushing and passing.
Dick said that’s one area that was glaring to him that his Tigers need to improve on.
He said despite the score, the Tigers needed to work on giving up lower totals in the total-yards category.
“I wasn’t really happy that (Upper Sandusky) had a couple 10-yard or 12-yard plays from one guy not doing his job.” Dick said. “But, the shutout is awesome. Should we bend, not break. I love that. I just think we gave up too many yards.”
Both Upper Sandusky and Galion will need to improve on areas of concern quickly, as both teams begin conference play in week 4 with opponents who look to contend for championships.
Galion hosts Pleasant in Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference action, while Upper Sandusky travels to Colonel Crawford to kick off N10 play.
Both games begin at 7 p.m.