Gallia Academy 2010

[GalliaGrad78]

Brandon Taylor did a good job in his role on sp teams last year when asked to come in especially punting the ball. He kicks off well also. Last year we had 2 kick offs returned that I witnessed that the kicker tried harder to get out of the way than make the tackle and Brandon is a ball player not just a kicker and could fill the "safety" role. We have had 2 really good players in the past that aggrevated leg injuries throughout the season that were used to kick off though so it is really a double edged sword.

Taylor done great as a soph with a year of growing and strength on him he should be one of the top kickers/punters in the league

How about at running back? I know he is pretty quick.

[JChipwood]

Yeah running back definitely although I would think Golden, if healthy, would be alot bigger contributor to the running game this year in the way that Gravely was used last year. He is def the strongest, biggest back and alot faster than Gravely was but I am sure Wilson and Taylor will see carries increase with Allison's departure. I was saying that about Taylor in reference to the sp team question asked by jottings. Taylor could be on the field in every aspect of the game this year. One thing for sure, our backs are looking stronger and putting on weight like I have never seen at GA before.

[GAHS83]

It is difficult for me to gauge how much improvement there is going to be. I'm pessimistic by nature, so I tend to understate things a lot.

The bad:
The 2 wins last year were vs. by far the two worst teams on the schedule.
While we looked good in spots vs. the other teams, we were very inconsistent
We got pushed around up front in many of the contests
Our pass D was horrid

The good:
The effort was excellent all year. I didn't see any quit in the team
Many underclassment got significant playing time
We only lost a handful of seniors
The team looks to be much stronger as a whole
From what I heard from the camp at Rio, the team seems much more comfortable with the new system

Overall, I definitely expect there to be improvement, but I think 7 or 8 wins might be stretching it. 5 or 6 would be more realistic.

It will be really interesting to see what happens in August.

[The Hitman]

Galia won't be playing the same Hillsboro team that beat them last year. They have a lot of new players, much bigger, much faster, much stronger and a whole season of the new system under their belt. 8-2 last year and finished the season strong. Good luck to Galia, they'll need it against Hillsboro.

[GalliaGrad78]

The Hillsboro game was one of two I got to go to last year, and for a team that was struggling to find it's identity (GAHS) and wins, I left there thinking they perhaps stole one from us. Two key calls turned a possible "W" into a loss. I refer to the EP attempt late in the game. I have seen the replay of that kick literally hundreds of times (I have the DVD) and it was good every time. We lost by a point.

Then on Hillsboro's last drive there was a clear fumble. I was in the press box and didnt get the call, but Hillsboro retained possession and later scored the winning TD.

That is definitely one of the losses last year I would love to have back, but I'm glad Hillsboro is on our schedule and hope it continues into the future. I was impressed with the good people there several years ago when we played DeSales there in a week 12 playoff game, and the hospitality continues to this day.......not a bad refreshment stand either!

I was there also, and you are exactly right on both calls.
The Blue Devils will be much improved this year also, and playing at home.
No luck will be needed.

[jottings]

Devils 2010 season depends on how much the forward wall shows improvement this fall. If the line shows a tremendous improvement, it will be a good year. If not, it could be another long year

[jottings]

Does anybody have an update on the Blue Devils sports facilities at Centenary?

Was at the new school for a GAHS Athletic Hall of Fame committee meeting Tuesday evening, and it looked like nothing has been done since school let out three weeks ago.

Hope officials don't let things drag on out there. The spring sports facilities should have been done by now. Looks like somebody is dragging his or her feet once again. Blue Devil fans should really be upset with the way things are going

Hey, maybe Gallipolis could get a grant from the government since we are part of the poor region in Appalachia. We need some assistance (stimulas money would be great) to help pay for new projects in order to get out of flood- prone (pig pin) Memorial Field.

Too bad we don't have anyone in the community like Portsmouth where a lady gave PHS $10 million for its new sports complex.

[edforshey]

I heard this evening that Gallia was traveling up to Parkersburg next Thursday, July 1st, for a 7 on 7 tournament.
Tournament starts at 4pm and is double elimination.
Championship should start around 8pm.
Not certain who plays who yet.

It will be nice to see Coach Eddy and his skill players.

[PIGSKIN JUNKIE]

I think the Devils will be much improved this year.

[GalliaGrad78]

How did the 7 on 7's go?

[GalliaGrad78]

Is everyone on vacation?

Will the Blue Devils be selling those discount cards again this year? I bought one last year, what a deal!

[galliagrad89]

Does anyone know if Austin Smith is playing this year?

[BBallin fool]

He is at RV!!!

[91blue14]

4-ever the young kids gotta play to. i dont see the multi million dollar complex coming soon for 5 games a year. i was on ohio university turf not very old but fading badly.frank solich told me the the upkeep is expensive to replace every ten years. but we gotta try and keep up with the jones's. maybe they will be smart and go with natural grass and keep memorial field for middle school and midget league just a thouhgt.

[Mighty Mighty Devils]

If Gallia does'nt get a new stadium soon they will be losing kids to the 2 county schools that are getting new stadiums. on another note watched gallia @parkersburgh in the 7on7 did'nt look to bad and I think our linemen won the strong man competion

[91blue14]

the field takes a beating by rain and ballgames. i wiuld say the rain does the most damage. nobody really likes being on the field in those conditions.

i dont see losing kids to the county to play at a new stadium. they are in the same boat. how much money can you talk people into for 5 games a year. 3 brand new stadiums for this county would be plush. maybe 1 big stadium at the fairgrounds for all three schools. the city wouldnt go for it but not a bad idea in my book.

[Mighty Mighty Devils]

I think the county schools already have the money for there stadiums or new fields

[91blue14]

I think the county schools already have the money for there stadiums or new fields

that some good news hope they come thru for these communities

any word on the city

[FANOSPORTS]

This might be a stupid question and I've not been to the new high school (GAHS) but any new school I've seen built or refurbished in and around Central Ohio and elsewhere in the last 10-20 years (and there have been many) also includes a football stadium, am I missing something ? Just asking.

[pappy1]

Where ever you play make the best of it. Be tough hard nosed football players on all fields and under all conditions. If you do that you can whine about how far you have to drive starting week eleven.