Mullan football's human highlight duo

The Mullan Tigers football team made the jump back to 8-man football after playing 6-man last year, and if you watched any of the Tigers games you probably noticed their two best players.

Senior Gryphon Todd and sophomore Skye Gallaway had their hands on every single play that Mullan ran on both offense and defense, which had a tendency to lead to some highlight reel plays.

One of the season’s biggest highlights came during their home win against Timberline.

Pinned on their own 1-yard line, Todd took the snap rolled out and dropped a 30-yard dime right into Gallaway’s hands that turned into a 99-yard touchdown.

Plays like that became fairly common for these Tigers, but for these two players particularly it became a special connection.

“Being able to play football was enjoyable in itself,” Todd said. “Competing with my friends is always a good time.”

For Gallaway, the transition back to a more normal style of play really helped make the season enjoyable.

“Going back to 8-man was great,” Gallaway said. “6-man was terrible and weird.”

Both players finished the season with some regrets, Todd won’t get the opportunity to rectify his, but Gallaway plans to change some things before next season rolls around.

“I could've improved with my pad level,” Todd said. “It is such a huge part of the game and against hard running teams like Lewis County I think pad level could've changed the outcome of that game.”

“I wish I would've been more of an impact on defense,” Gallaway said. “My goal for next year is to be equally explosive and big time on defense as I was on offense. If I am going to play at the next level some day I think that being a more versatile player all around could only help that chance.”

Coach Stetson Spooner waxed sentimental when discussing his graduating quarterback and then turned his attention to returning standout and what he expects of him.

“I am going to miss Gryphon and the young man that he is when next season rolls around,” Spooner said. “I hope he pursues a sport at the next level. He is highly dependable and has a ton of work ethic to go along with a ton of skill too. We can replace the QB position but can't replace Gryphon Todd as a young man. Skye has no choice as far as being our leader from here on out. He is the guy going forward but is lucky to be surrounded with some good ball players also. He knows how to include and use those guys well. Skye is ready to lead off the field also. I think when Skye embraces this role he can and will carry it to the next level. I think this kid can play on Saturdays (college level) without a doubt.”

Gallaway is ready to accept to role Spooner would like to see him in.

“I know that the better part of our success or failure is going to land on my shoulders,” Gallaway said. “I enjoy challenges and am ready to rise up to any that come my way. I get no satisfaction out of doing things that I know I can do, or beating people I know I can beat. I really get pumped when I do things that people think I can’t or that I didn’t know I could do.”

Both Todd and Gallaway have transitioned into basketball, but Todd is already missing being on the gridiron and hopes his teammates don’t take their time for granted.

“The only things I would tell the guys is the same cheesy stuff everyone says but it's true,” Todd said. “Make it count. It's so fun while it lasts. Don't take any effort with you, leave it all out there.”