2024 Booster Club Report – Week 3 – Post-Bergen Catholic; Preview of the Canisius Game

Massillon (2-1) lost to Bergen Catholic, NJ (1-1), 35-21, bringing their 18-game winning streak to an end.  Bergen, as a result of their win over the Top 50 Tigers, moved up to No. 8 nationally per Calpreps.com.  This week Massillon faces Canisius (1-0), from Buffalo, New York.

Link to the Bergen Catholic Game Story

Link to the Bergen Catholic Game Statistics

Other scores:

• 7th Grade (2-1): Lost to Youngstown Catholic (7,8,9), 61-6.  Plays at Madison on Wednesday, September 11, at 5:00 pm.
• 8th Grade (3-0): Defeated Maple Heights Milkovich, 40-12.  Plays at Madison on Wednesday, September 11, at 6:30 pm.
• Freshmen (2-1): Lost to Lakewood St Edward, 35-6.  Plays home vs. Cleveland Glenville on Thursday, September 12, at 6:00 pm.
• Junior Varsity (3-0): Defeated Lakewood St. Edward, 28-24.  Plays home vs. Cleveland Glenville on Saturday, September 14, at 10:00 am.

Review of the Bergen game

“I’m proud of our guys,” said head coach Nate Moore.  “We learned a lot  about us.  Our offense started out hot.”

The guest players were co-captains junior linebacker Ja’Dyn Williams and senior offensive lineman Chris Fair.  “The defense could have done things better,” said Williams.  “We had a hard time stopping their offense.”  Fair added that Bergen was a really good team.  “Our pass pro did really well,” he said.  “We started out well.  Fought in the second half, but it didn’t go well.”

Canisius Scouting Report

Canisius, which is located in Buffalo, New York, is a member of the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association.  In size, they are equivalent to an Ohio Division II team.  Last year they finished with a record of 5-6, losing 21-20 to St. Francis in their playoff semifinals.  They also have a 5-year record of 27-22.  Massillon, which leads the overall series 2-1, lost to the Crusaders 49-35 in 2017 and won 23-24 in 2021 and 42-7 last year.

Canisius opened their season last week with a 39-25 victory over Scranton Preparatory.  They are currently ranked as the No. 6 in New York by Calpreps.com, with the upcoming game against the Tigers, ranked as No. 1 this week in Ohio, as clearly the best opponent they will face this year.

“The have some really good players,”  said Moore.  “They are better than last year.  They are big up  front and have some speed.  Another tough week ahead.”

The offense operates out of the spread with the quarterback in the shotgun, while using multiple receiver formations.  Although they have a balanced attack, they really prefer to run the ball owing to their big offensive line and 3-star running back.  The line averages 6′-3″, 269 lbs.  The best player in this group is 6′-5″, 300 lb. senior Patrick Enright , a 3-star recruit that is committed to Holy Cross.  The running back is Elijah Kimble (5′-10″, 190). Just a sophomore, he is perhaps the best player on the team, with offers from Michigan and Oregon.  He is an explosive runner and will readily bounce his carries to the outside.  On occasion, he will line up in the wildcat.  He will also line up at receiver, where he is the No. 2 target.  The No. 1 target is Jahyden Clark.  the 6′-1″180 lb. senior has good speed and line release.  He has an offer from Buffalo.  The starting tight end is senior Mason Alnutt (6′-4″, 235).  He is committed to UNLV.  The quarterback is junior Marreo Brusco (5′-10″, 180).  He throws a good ball in the short game, but tends to throw the ball up when going deep and let the receiver track it down.

The defense aligns in a 4-3, cover-3, while occasionally switching to a 3-4 and also occasionally switching to a cover-0.  Their goal is to provide maximum pressure up front.  The defensive line, all seniors, has good size and height, averaging 6′-4″, 260.  However, all four also play both ways, two on the offensive line and two at tight end.  Clark, the wide receiver mentioned above, also plays outside linebacker.  And then there is running back Kimble, who lines up at cornerback.

This will be a good game for Massillon to get back on track.

Go Tigers!

Photo by Rob Engelhardt

Tyler Hackenbracht returning the punt against Bergen Catholic.