Galena Grizzlies Season Preview
Updated: Aug. 4, 2024
By: J. Ray Dockter
We are just under two weeks away from the start of high school football in the Silver State and I couldn't be more excited. Over the next few weeks, I'll be previewing many teams from our local area as well as a few other surprises, before getting into football season full swing on Aug. 16th when the first games kickoff. Today's team: Galena.
Head Coach: Aaron Cook, sixth season at Galena (16-30 overall, 9-15 league in five seasons at Galena and overall)
Previous Season Record: 7-6 overall, 4-1 league; 2023 NIAA Northern Region 5A-III Regional Champions.
Overview: Two years ago, when I spoke to Coach Cook before the season, he was excited for the future of Grizzlies football and in desperate need of breaking a 13-game losing streak.
Fast forward two years and the Grizzlies have seen their program turnaround in a great way, to the tune of 13 victories, a regional championship trophy and a state runner-up finish last season. The Grizzlies went on a magical run to the State Championship Game last season, ultimately falling short. During that game against Legacy (Las Vegas, Nev.) the Grizzlies lost all everything QB Colson Kermode for a few series before he came back - albeit with limited mobility. You can't help but wonder what the outcome of that game would have been if Kermode wasn't limited. As Cook put it "We fell short of our ultimate goal, we all know we should've had a ring ceremony this past spring."
The Grizzlies are not finished yet though as Coach Cook stated that his squad "fell short of our ultimate goal, [but] we must defend our regional championship this season. It is a premium for us." With the talent returning for this year's Grizzlies, they should be well prepared to defend their championship from last season. The Grizzlies were able to finish their season on a high note last season despite a rough start to their season that saw them go 1-5 in their first six games before reeling off six straight victories to get to the title game.
In order for the Grizzlies to defend their regional championship from last season they must lean on their experienced group of seniors that they are welcoming back for one final ride this season. This is a group that includes Colson Kermode, Erick Rodriguez, and Ben Imse to name a few. When describing this team Coach Cook said, "we've had a fun journey with this group, with this senior class, we've had some tough times, but we have tons of experience retuning." At the end of the day Cook expects 12-18 returning starters this season, despite having one of the district's lowest enrollments (approx. 1,250 students) for 5A playing schools.
Cook's team returns quite a bit but will have to replace a lot of linemen this upcoming season including the replacement of Tyler Miller (who is doing big things on campus from what I've been told.) The Grizzlies will continue to operate out of multiple "Spread" looks offensively while hoping to replicate the "Go-Go" offense in the process. Defensively the Grizzlies will employ the 3-3-5 stack once again this season. During our conversation Cook expressed how excited he was with the turnout and program health stating "[This is] the most kids we've had at Galena since I've been here." The Grizzlies expect to have over 120 student-athletes out for football this fall, up from 100 last year and almost double the number of kids they had participating during COVID when only 70 kids were in the program.
Galena is in control of their own destiny as they have playmakers in place in the pre-season who have tons of Varsity experience for the first time in many seasons.
Players to Watch:
QB/DB Colson Kermode, Senior: Kermode, now a senior, is expected to lead this year's group of Grizzlies from behind center and manning the defensive backfield. He is coming off of surgery after last season but is responding great in training camp thus far. Coach Cook stated "[He is] the best athlete at Galena, a great leader, and an excellent football player." Prior to the coaching change at Nevada, he had reported an (unofficial) offer from the Wolf Pack and it looks like UNLV and Air Force are keeping an eye on him this season as well. If he performs the way he did last season he could be 'Player of The Year' in the 5A-III when it's all said and done.
DB/RB Erick Rodriguez, Senior: Rodriguez is another playmaker that Galena welcomes back this season. He broke through last season at DB and is expecting to make even more noise this upcoming season. He will have the ability to go both ways this season, and Cook was quick to point out that he "has a great chance to play football at the next level" because of his football IQ and fiery play on the defensive side of the ball.
WR/LB Ben Imse, Senior: Part of a strong senior class, Imse is a three-sport athlete who has the ability to play at the next level if he chooses. He is coming off a season that saw him record 31 catches for 451 yards and two touchdowns offensively. His impact will also be felt on defense as he recorded 60 tackles to go along with four sacks for the Grizzlies last season.
Coach Cook was also quick to point out that Zach Compston, Dylan Sullivan and Matthew Ritenhouse will also be major players for the Grizzlies this season. They are all returning starters who have helped the Grizzlies turn the program around over the last few seasons.
Season Schedule:
Aug. 16 vs. Spring Creek
Aug. 23 vs. Chavez (Stockton, Calif.)
Aug. 30 at Oakdale (Calif.)
Sep. 6 at Reno
Sep. 13 at Acalanes (Lafayette, Calif.)
Sep. 20 at Damonte Ranch
Sep. 27 vs. North Valleys
Oct. 4 at Carson
Oct. 18 vs. Hug
Oct. 24 vs. Wooster
J. Ray Dockter has been covering high school sports since 2022. If you have a story worth telling let him know via Twitter @J_RayDoc.
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