MILFORD CENTER – Galion was anything but complacent with a 70-7 victory over Fairbanks, who hosted the Tigers Friday night.
The Tigers’ offense scored ten times more than the Panthers (0-8, 0-5 MOAC).
“You can never take anything for granted,” said Galion head coach Chris Hawkins. “Championship teams take everyone seriously.”
Tiger’s quarterback Chase Cooke passed for a total of 200 yards and five touchdowns.
Cooke’s first touchdown was a 14-yard pass to Jacob Fryer to propel the Tigers to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter after two early rushing touchdowns from Drake Barnett.
It’s a sign that the team’s passing game is improving, Hawkins said.
“It’s getting there,” he said. “Chase manages the ball well.”
The first half of the game ended with an interception by Galion defense with the score 49-0.
Cooke said he was pleased with Friday night’s game and that the team’s 38-21 victory over River Valley last week helped him with his performance against Fairbanks.
“That (last game) gave me confidence in my receivers,” he said.
Barnett rushed 190 yards for three touchdowns and caught a 22-yard pass from Cooke for another touchdown. Galion intercepted three Fairbanks passes throughout the game.
The Tigers had a 63-0 lead when the Panthers finally scored after quarterback Kyle Warner threw a four-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
The win keeps the Tigers (6-2, 3-2 MOAC) alive in the state playoff race.
Galion will host North Union next Friday.
“Next week is going to be tougher,” he said.
