Garaway Advances to Division VI Sweet 16 with Shutout Victory
Garaway High School defeated No. 2 seed Crestview 34 to 0 on the road to advance to the Division VI Sweet 16, a continuation of the program's regular deep playoff runs. The win highlights senior leadership, a culture of preparation under coach Jason Wallick, and a schedule strategy that emphasizes strong opponents to sharpen the team for postseason play.
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Garaway High School's football team delivered a decisive performance in a 34 to 0 road victory over No. 2 seed Crestview, moving the Pirates into the Division VI Sweet 16. The shutout sent a clear message about the program's balance of offense and defense and extended a multi year playoff tradition that has become a hallmark of the program.
Quarterback Grady Miller led the offensive charge, completing 203 yards and three touchdown passes. Jaxon Garber was a reliable target with six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown, while senior Matthew Frey powered the ground game with 139 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Trey Miller and Micah Yoder added crucial receiving scores that helped seal the win. The statistical performance underscored a comprehensive team effort across phases of the game.
The victory also spotlighted the leadership core of the roster. Coach Jason Wallick, a central figure in shaping the Pirates program, leaned on senior leaders including co captains Brady Miller and Micah Yoder to execute late in the season. The team and coaching staff have emphasized preparation and scheduling strong opponents early in the season, a strategy credited with sharpening the roster for playoff intensity.
A difficult early season loss to Girard proved a turning point, galvanizing players and coaches to refine focus and execution as the postseason approached. That adjustment appears to be paying dividends as Garaway navigates the bracket. "For the Garaway Pirates, that number has been traditionally much greater, with the Pirates making lengthy playoff runs every season." The line captures the expectation and continuity within the program as the team prepares for its next challenge.
For Holmes County residents, the win reinforces local pride in a program that regularly represents the region in state competition. Deep playoff runs bring increased community engagement on game days and reinforce ties between the school and its supporters. They also serve as a yardstick for coaches and administrators who prioritize scheduling competitive opponents to test the team under pressure.
As the Pirates advance to the Sweet 16, attention will turn to preparation for the next opponent and maintaining the discipline that produced a shutout road victory. The program's emphasis on leadership development, rigorous scheduling, and in game execution will be central as Garaway seeks to extend its postseason run and continue contributing to the county's high school sports legacy.
