Garfield senior running back Tyler Lutz.
Shannon Eldreth/Portage Sports

By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Since the joining the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference, the Garfield G-Men have been nothing short of dominant.

Undeniably dominant.

In three seasons, the G-Men have outscored their league opponents 959 to 293 and have won two league championships.

In 2021, Garfield outscored the MVAC 269-94. In 2022, the margin grew to 316-119. Then, last year in 2023, the difference ballooned even farther to 374-80.

To get there, head coach Mike Moser and his collection of veteran assistants have set and communicated clearly what the expectations are to be a G-Men football player.

“We make sure our student-athletes are aware of the expectations year round in everything we do,” said Moser, who enters the 2024 season with 85 career victories. “We have kids who enjoy being coached and challenged and are ready to compete.”

The mentality has carried into this preseason.

“There has been a lot of excitement and competition in camp this year,” Moser said. “Being a younger team has meant a lot more teaching, but the kids are doing a great job learning.”

A solid group of seniors and juniors have stepped into leadership roles after spending the last few seasons watching Keegan Sell be the hardest-working player and most vocal leader through his actions.

Ivan Trent, Cade Rock, Aidan Hill, Brandyn Bogucki, Richie Shackleford, Tyler Lutz, Jack Neikirk, Mike Huebner, among others, have all grown into leadership roles for the G-Men.

The next group to try to lead the program through another dominant season.