Garfield’s historic 2026 campaign concluded abruptly on Nov. 13, as the G-Men fell 45-0 to Perry in the Region 17 semifinal. The loss marked the end of a remarkable season defined by the team’s fifth league championship since 2020 and an undefeated regular season, a feat Garfield has achieved in four of those five title-winning years. Despite entering the game as a co-favorite for the Division V state title alongside Ironton, Garfield’s 11-1 record was halted by a Perry squad that controlled every facet of the contest.
Perry’s dominant 45-0 shutout caps a historic 12-0 run for the G-Men
Perry established an insurmountable advantage early, holding Garfield to just 74 total yards while racking up 381 yards of their own. The Pirates dominated time of possession and field position, leading 21-4 in first downs. Quarterback Nate Trefzger was efficient and precise, completing 13 of 16 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown. His distribution was balanced, with four different players recording multiple receptions, led by Brody Krantz, who hauled in four catches for 72 yards and a score.
On the ground, Carter Hopkins powered Perry’s rushing attack with 10 carries for 62 yards and multiple touchdowns, while Chase Sivon electrified the opening drive with an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. In contrast, Garfield’s offense struggled to find rhythm, with Ryder Cain leading the G-Men with 11 carries for only 30 yards. The decisive shutout underscores the gap between the two programs in the postseason, ending Garfield’s pursuit of a state title after a season that solidified their status as a perennial powerhouse in Ohio high school football.
Source: Yahoo Sports
