Local coaches lead state’s top prep football players in East-West game

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

For Troy High graduate Nick Gallina, playing in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Star Game July 19 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing is a chance to get back to what he loves most.

“Just putting on the pads again; it’s been so long,” Gallina said.

Gallina is listed as a wide receiver on the East roster, but during his senior year with the Colts, he made plays on all sides of the ball.

He finished his prep career with 1,167 yards rushing, 601 yards receiving and 19 total touchdowns, including two kickoff returns.

Troy coach Gary Griffith said Gallina’s athleticism was one of the reasons he changed the Colts’ offense to more of a spread look.

“Nick is dynamic on the football field,” Griffith said. “Every time he touched the ball, he had a chance of taking it the distance. He was exciting to watch. He has tremendous quickness, and he’s a tremendous football player.

“I think it goes without saying that Nick is one of the more elusive players that I’ve seen in my career.”

Gallina was a three-year varsity member of the Colts, and Griffith said all the signs early on pointed to him being a premier player.

“You could see it was just a matter of time before he would break out,” the coach said. “He made great plays his junior year, and you could see his senior year that things were just going to click.”

Though Gallina’s natural talent helped him reach his potential, Griffith said he put in the extra work needed to be an elite player.

“He isn’t someone that was just blessed,” Griffith said. “He worked hard to take advantage of his abilities, and the All-Star game is a good showcase.”

Gallina has signed on to play for Saginaw Valley State University in the fall and is sure to have a number of memorable moments, but what his Colts accomplished last fall will not soon be forgotten.

The Colts finished 10-3 overall — their first winning season since 2002 — and advanced to the Division 1 semifinal.

 “That was the No. 1 thing we wanted to do — make Troy football noticed again,” Gallina said. “We made the playoffs … I’m just happy we brought Troy back.”

Now it’s Gallina’s turn to go back and wear the Colts’ helmet one final time.

You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062.