Karns City football’s Bryce Galan showed his ballhawk skills last year. He’s out to prove more in 2026
They say talent rises to the top, but what an athlete does once he gets there is never a guarantee.
In Bryce Galan’s case, the highlight of his junior season was not simply earning a starting job in Karns City’s defensive backfield, it was how he responded to the opportunity.
After seeing minimal playing time in 2024, Galan shouldered a leading role last year on a team filled with experience in the secondary, intercepting six passes, breaking up four others and making 35 tackles from his safety position. The effort earned him a spot on the Butler Eagle Sweet 16 Defense.
“I completely surprised myself, didn’t know I had that ability in me,” Galan said. “One of the things I was able to do well was read the (offensive) line and the quarterback.”
Galan’s efforts helped lead the Gremlins to their first District 9 title in four years.
“That made me feel great, being able to be part of that and help the seniors go out with a bang,” he said.
KC coach Joe Sherwin now knows what he has in Galan and is counting on him for a big senior year.
“Bryce has good instincts and takes good angles that allow him to be a ball hawk,” Sherwin said. “He’s not afraid to stick his nose in to make a tackle.”
That’s one area in which Galan aims to improve.
“Producing like I did last year gives me a lot of confidence, but I’m hoping to fill the gaps more to help stop the run this season,” he said.
Galan’s contributions were not exclusive to defense in 2025. He totaled 515 yards in kickoff and punt returns, returning a punt 74 yards for a touchdown. He will again serve as a returner this season. He also led the team in receptions (14), receiving yards (267) and TD catches (three).
He will be one of quarterback Cole Johnston’s top targets this year, along with fellow receiver Owen Kaufman. The duo should be able to draw attention from opposing defenses away from each other.
Galan also figures to get chances to gain yards on the ground, and his exploits appear to be paying off in ways he didn’t expect.
“I was a running back as a freshman for junior varsity, then switched to receiver my sophomore year,” he said. “I’m looking forward to running the ball.
“Before last year, I never thought about playing football in college. I’m not settled on anything, but I now think it’s a possibility.”
