Clear Fork Looks To Snap Two Game Streak Against Galion

Unbelievably, it’s week 10 already. Where does the time go? It seems like the teams were just having their July 7 on 7’s. It’s been a fun and wild season so far for the Clear Fork Colts as they’ve had their share of success and struggles.

Last week the Colts went on the road and were able to rally together to get a huge win on River Valley’s senior night. Clear Fork snapped its two game losing streak with a statement 44-7 win against the Vikings. With the bitter taste of defeat from Shelby and Highland in their rear view mirror, the Colts knew they had to come together and turn things around with the playoffs looming in the near future. After an injury kept Clear Fork quarterback Marcus Hoeflich limited all week and on a snap count Friday night, head coach Aaron Brokaw would turn to senior leader and captain Ben Campbell to start the game under center. The cliche, “next man up” was slightly understated after this move.

Campbell would take command of the offense by helping his team accumulate 294 rushing yards in the first half alone. He also accounted for five of the team's six touchdowns. Clear Fork’s offensive line gave its best performance of the season. “The starting five here had a talk, we had a talk because we knew the reason why we lost last week (Highland) was because of us. So we knew had to step it up on the first drive and punch them (River Valley) in the mouth. By doing this, we set the tone for the rest of the game”, Offensive lineman Nate Wine said following the team’s road victory.

A spark was lit, not only on the offensive side of things, but defensively the Colts got back to the identity that had been the team’s strength the first six weeks of the season. Clear Fork has held five teams to 10 points or less this season with two shutouts.

The x-factor this week though will be on the offensive side of the trenches for the Colts. If Clear Fork’s offensive line can step up against a fantastic defense from Galion then the Colts will have a chance to knock off the Tigers and possibly clinch a home game to open the playoffs. “This class of Seniors would love to have to have another home game to go out right. We’re going to do whatever we can to make that happen”, Ben Campbell said following his five touchdown performance at River Valley.

In order to have a shot at another home game, Clear Fork will have to figure out a tough Galion Tiger defense that has only surrendered 12 touchdowns all year and only allows an impressive three yards per carry on the ground. Leading the Tiger defense this season are Cameron Kuehlman and Zach Sallee. Kuehlman currently leads the team in tackles with 114 while Sallee has a team high 11 sacks.

Galion comes into the week 10 matchup with an 8-1 record with the only loss being to the top ranked Shelby Whippets, 45-34, in a game where the Tigers led at halftime 21-20. Other key wins this season have been over successful programs like Carey and St. Mary’s Memorial. The Tigers have a well balanced offensive attack averaging 196 yards on the ground and 180 through the air each week. Galion has won the last two meetings with Clear Fork by a margin of 76-24. Last year the Tigers beat the Colts 41-21 down in the Valley.

While the matchup on paper makes Clear Fork the underdog heading in, resilience will be a factor for the Colts and could lead them to their ultimate goal of hosting an OHSAA playoff game in the Valley and the hillside full of screaming supporters. Clear Fork currently sits 8th in division four region fourteen. The top four have a bye as five through eight get a home playoff game. The 9-12th seeded teams will have a huge disadvantage and some will even long travel distance across the state to their matchup. After the win last week the Colts have clinched their 19th playoff spot in program history.

Don’t miss a second of the action Friday whether you’re in the stands listening or at home VSBN has you covered with coverage starting at 6:40pm. Coach Brokaw joins the kickoff show on vsbnradio.com.