MANSFIELD — In a clash of North Central Ohio's oldest rivals, top-seed Shelby and No. 2 Galion battled it out at one of the best venues in the state.
History.
That is what Galion head coach Matt Dick told his team after the Tigers fell 41-7 to the Whippets at Arlin Field in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division IV, Region 14 championship.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnd he's right; this year's Tigers made history.
“When we look back a week from now, a year from now or whenever, we’ll think about how this is a very special team,” Dick said. “There’s only been two regional trophies in the case ever and we put the second one in there, so I’m proud of that.”
The Tigers conclude the 2025 season at 11-2. They went undefeated at home with just one in-season Mid Ohio Athletic Conference loss.
Shelby High School's Brayden DeVito (2) is tackled by Galion High School's Kane Hay (4) and Jameson Glew (10) during OHSAA Division IV regional finals high school football action Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 at Arlin Field. TOM E. PUSKAR/MANSFIELD NEWS JOURNALSeveral records were set. It was only the Tigers' second regional final appearance (1985) and second-most wins (11) since then. The program number of 10-win seasons goes up to four as well.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Shelby-Galion rivalry dates back to Thanksgiving Day, 1894, in what started a lifetime of rivalry games. However, this is just the first time ever that the two met up in the postseason.
And what better way for it to be for a regional title. Both fanbases and North Central Ohio football fans showed out at Arlin Field.
“Being in this environment showed the pride that Galion has," Dick said. "Hats off to Shelby, too. The community showed out in the stands and I’m glad to be a part of that."
The Tigers showed grit and toughness like they had been all season long — that was their calling card. Galion completed a huge first down pass on the first possession to immediately prove the moment was not too big.
Galion High School's Dominic Capretta (9) scores a touchdown against Shelby High School during OHSAA Division IV regional finals high school football action Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 at Arlin Field. TOM E. PUSKAR/MANSFIELD NEWS JOURNALThe Hay brothers paced Galion's offense as Kurt finished the night with six receptions for 64 yards, Kane had three receptions for 27 yards. Senior quarterback Ayden Schmidt connected with tight end Dominic Capretta for a 12-yard touchdown in the second for Galion’s only score of the game.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJamesen Glew was another bright spot finishing with seven total tackles, plus two catches including a big 41-yarder.
The defense was stifling and Shelby’s offense has been dynamic all year. The Tigers totaled eight tackles for loss led by Cameron Kuehlman, who tallied three. Shelby also had over 100 yards of penalties, a credit to Galion’s mental mindset.
Ohio Mr. Football candidate Brayden DeVito accounted for all five of Shelby’s touchdowns — four passing, one rushing — and the Whippets move on the Division IV state semifinal against Cincinnati Indian Hill.
“I’m glad to be a part of this team," Dick said. "And this group of seniors will be missed."
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Galion falls to rival Shelby in regional football championship
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