Season Preview: Gallia Academy’s new squad and new head coach
By: Lucy Schaefer
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GALLIPOLIS, Ohio (WOUB) – The Gallia Academy Blue Devils are rebuilding after the loss of 14 seniors and their head coach of two years. The Blue Devils placed third in the Ohio Valley Conference last season with a 9-3 overall record.
Players like Kenyon Franklin and Hunter and Hudson Shamblin were staples in last year’s program. Former Head Coach Kole Carter left Gallipolis to coach at Brunswick.
The continuation of last season’s legacy begins with Gallia Academy’s new head coach, Nathan Mettler.
Mettler was an assistant coach for five years at Zane Trace, Fairfield Christian and Westfall. This is his first time as a head coach.
“I’m hoping I can just build a great culture down here and continue the great tradition,” Mettler said.
Gallia Academy Defensive Coordinator Tommy Saunders worked with Carter. He said the coaching transition has been smooth.
“He’s done a good job stepping in and keeping some of the things Coach Carter had going but also bringing his own insights and perspectives,” Saunders said.
The leadership of the coaching staff is more important now than ever with young players stepping up into bigger roles. Saunders says he’s seen growth from them.
“They realize that this might be their chance to make an impact. It’s been cool to see the confidence they’ve built over the summer,” Saunders said.
The senior class of last season was the last to play the seven-time OVC champions, the Ironton Fighting Tigers, as an in-conference opponent. This season the Tigers left the OVC to play independently.
With Ironton out of contention, there’s an opening for the Blue Devils to claim the top spot. Junior Linebacker Cory Mock said that’s the goal.
“We feel like last year, we had a shot. We didn’t get it,” Mock said. “But this year’s going to be different. We’re ready to go get it”
Gallia Academy will open their season at Meigs on August 23rd.