Though the G-Men football program consistently ranks among the most impressive in the area, every year the community is left wondering: How will this team fare without the seniors? This year was no different. The class of 2023 left Garfield High School as the new winningest class of all time for G-Men football. The class was loaded with athletes who all worked together to claim that new title. But how does a football team rebound after losing such an influential class? Will they struggle? Well, once the ball was kicked off against the Cardinal Huskies in mid-August, every concern could be put to rest.
When seniors leave, it doesn't necessarily mean the team will be without proper senior leadership; it means that there is a new opening to fill for the upcoming seniors. The class of 2024 had no problem filling that void. Granted, most of the class has been playing together for close to twelve years now and has been leading the high school team for much longer than just this year, but it is evident that these young men have all taken the big step necessary to lead the G-Men football squad.
Garfield came out firing on all cylinders in week one as they held Cardinal to a scoreless game, the first shutout during this year's seniors' tenure, while also putting up 42 points to make the game a proper blowout. Senior Keegan Sell found the end zone twice on the ground, and senior Eric Geddes had a rushing touchdown on top of a pass to senior receiver Deacon Sommer for 38 yards and a touchdown. Senior kick returner and receiver Leo Grandizio added his name to the scoring list with an 85-yard kickoff return leading to another G-Men score. Later in the game, freshman Colin McGranahan got through to the end zone on a solid rush, showing promise for his future. To top off the scoring, senior kicker Ethan Bittence was successful on all of the extra-point attempts, adding another six points to the board. Notice a trend? Almost all of these points came by way of the seniors, who had no problem adjusting to their new roles. These scores couldn't have come without the linemen holding down the fort up front, giving Garfield's ball carriers room to run.
It starts with all-MVAC senior strongside lineman Jon Wiczen, who has had an impressive last couple of seasons after being thrown into the mix during his sophomore year. Other seniors on the line are Christian (Beanie) Gallagher, who also has had a few receptions as a tight end for about 50 yards this season, and Kaid Turnbull, holding it down at center and starting off plays strongly. Big junior Ivan Trent has made a name for himself since his freshman year and is now a cornerstone on the line, as well as sophomore Mike Huebner, a transfer from Rootstown who came to Garfield and immediately made an impact as a freshman last year. Not only did Garfield excel on the offensive side of the ball, but giving up zero points is an achievement in itself. The G-Men defense completely shut down Cardinal's offense. Keegan Sell alone had 14 tackles, 12 of which were solo tackles, and a whopping six of them were tackles for a loss of yardage.
This trend has continued throughout three weeks, as the G-Men sit at 3-0, with their closest game being a 35-point win against Warren JFK in week two. Eric Geddes won Believeland Media athlete of the week after an absolutely stellar performance, going 7 for 9 passing with four passing touchdowns and another two rushing touchdowns. Not only do the G-Men faithful realize this team's talent, but also everybody in the surrounding area. In the same week that Geddes won athlete of the week, another honor was given to a G-Man. Bonsky Heating and Cooling named Keegan Sell Athlete of the Week for another typical Keegan Sell game, where he dominated on defense with 15 total tackles, 12 being solo tackles, and another 5 tackles for a loss. In the next week, Garfield also took down their first Division one opponent in the Normandy Invaders by a commanding score of 52-13, with yet another wonderful performance by the seniors that have been mentioned already.
Throughout just three games, the G-Men have reached the end zone 22 times offensively, with 19 of those scores coming from this year's seniors: Eric Geddes, Keegan Sell, Leo Grandizio, and Deacon Sommer. They have proven their worth. The other three touchdowns came from freshman Colin McGranahan and junior Harper Troyer. The G-Men have impressed this year and will continue to do so. All of the questions regarding Garfield's persistence and skill level are long-lost thoughts, and rightfully so. Garfield is on pace for another amazing season, and actually, if the G-Men can manage to go undefeated this year, as they have in previous years, the class of 2024 will take the new title as the most winningest class in Garfield football history. It is exciting to see how far Garfield can go this year. And yes, this team will fare just fine under these new seniors as the G-Men look as good as they ever have through three weeks. Garfield football is back.
This article was written through a partnership with The Weekly Villager.