Two unbeaten rivals meet under the lights as Galion travels to Shelby tonight. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM at Shelby High School. Both teams are 3–0 and sit near the top of the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference table.
This is a century-old rivalry with recent swings. Galion edged Shelby 13–12 in a defensive battle in 2019, then Shelby answered last fall with a 35–6 win. With both programs unbeaten through three weeks this season, the winner grabs an early inside track in the MOAC race.
The Setup
Shelby has rolled to 3–0 with convincing wins over Madison, Lexington, and Bellevue. Galion has matched that start with decisive victories over St. Marys Memorial, Carey, and Norwalk.
Shelby coach Rob Mahaney has his offense humming, and senior quarterback Brayden DeVito just crossed 10,000 career passing yards, a milestone that reflects years of production. Galion coach Matt Dick brings a balanced group that has allowed only 20 points in three games. Expect both staffs to probe early with tempo and quick reads.
Recent Form Snapshot
• Shelby: 56–14 at Madison, 37–13 vs Lexington, 49–6 at Bellevue
• Galion: 35–6 vs St. Marys Memorial, 41–14 vs Carey, 41–0 at Norwalk
Matchups To Watch
• Galion secondary vs DeVito’s deep ball: Shelby stretches the field. Galion’s back end has been stingy through three weeks and gets its stiffest test.
• First-down efficiency: Both teams have lived ahead of the chains. The side that wins on early downs will control pace and field position. Recent scores show neither has needed long third-down conversions to finish drives.
• Line play at the point of attack: Galion’s 41–0 shutout at Norwalk and Shelby’s 49–6 win at Bellevue both started with dominance up front. The trenches likely decide this one.
Keys For Each Team
Galion
- Limit explosives over the top and force long drives.
- Sustain possessions with a steady run game and quick hitters to stay in rhythm.
- Steal a possession with special teams or a takeaway to flip momentum.
Shelby
- Set an early tempo and test the edges to open vertical shots.
- Keep DeVito clean so deep concepts can develop.
- Close in the red zone. Field goals may not be enough if Galion shortens the game.
What History Tells Us
This rivalry delivers tight finishes and statement wins. In 2019 Galion won by one. In 2024 Shelby controlled wire to wire.
Game Info At A Glance
Date: Friday, September 12
Time: 7:00 PM
Site: Shelby High School
Records: Galion 3–0, Shelby 3–0
Conference: Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference
Bottom Line
Both teams have handled business through three weeks. If Galion keeps Shelby’s explosives in check and controls the clock, the Tigers have a path. If Shelby’s passing game hits early and often, the Whippets can tilt this toward a shootout. Either way, it looks like the kind of Friday night that defines a season
