Notes from the Tiger Football Summer Kickoff Event

Football is a 12-month at Massillon for the both the players and the fans.  Thus, a good crowd was on hand at the Massillon Eagles 190 to officially kick off the 2025 high school football season.  First, was the introduction of Mary Lou Wilton, this year’s Booster Club President, and first ever woman in that position.  Mary was graciously welcomed by the members.

Then it was Head Coach Nate Moore’s turn, who is beginning his eleventh season at the helm, more than any previous Massillon mentor.  “The summer practice season is just getting underway, with two practices in, as we prepare for the season opener against Cleveland Glenville,” he said.  “There’s no place like Massillon.  It’s a very special place, like no other place in America.  The entire community is behind them.  That’s what makes this place special.  And we want to build upon it.”  He then addressed the members of the Booster Club, thanking them for all of the support they provided over the years.  “The Booster Club is the heartbeat of this program,” he emphasized.  Moore closed by reviewing the schedule, highlighting the major contests of Glenville, Rabun Gap of Georgia, Lakewood St. Edward, Cardinal Ritter of Missouri and Canton McKinley.  He was also excited to have nine regular season home games.  His current record at Massillon 110-25, including five regional titles and a Division II state title in 2023.  He also owns a 9-1 record over McKinley.

Moore then turned the presentation over to his assistant coaches, including newcomers Evan Berbari, Jeff Kent and Edwin Glick.  Here are a few of their remarks:

Dan Studer (Strength and Conditioning)

• Had an exceptional off-season; 62 workouts.
• Record year of attendance.
• Excited to see what these guys can do.
• Reviewed weight lifting and speed; 20 players under 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash, including Tra’Yon Williams, who runs a sub 4.4.
• The numbers indicate that we’re going to have a really good football team.

Evan Berbari (Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks)

• We will be tough-minded and disciplined.
• Will try to get more downhill in the run game and have more variety in the passing game.
• Three candidates at the quarterback position.

Chip Robinson and Ty Keirns (Offensive Line)

• We’re going to run the ball and hit you in the mouth.
• We have a really coachable group.
• We will hold up our end of this.

J.P. Simon (Tight Ends)

• I haven’t seen an off-season like I’ve seen this year (10^th year).
• I have young guys. But we’re going to be good.
• Returning starter Logan Allman is available at tight end.

Cale Miller (Wide Receivers)

• We have a lot of size, speed, experience and toughness.
• Some will play on both sides of the ball (defensive backfield).

Jeff Kent (Defensive Coordinator / Inside Linebackers)

• I am excited to be here (coming from Georgia). Massillon, it’s a really special place.  It has its own energy.
• The defense will be based out of a 3-front, with occasional 5-front and 7-front. Very multiple.  Multiple coverage schemes.  Players will make adjustments on the field.
• The players are new to the system, but they have made up a lot of ground in a short amount of time.
• Pressure will come from everywhere, with a lot of blitzing.
• We will be very physical. We want the other team to tap out.  We want to see how many quarterbacks they have on the roster!
• The weight program is second to none and many high schools in Georgia are copying it.
• I can’t wait to get into Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.

Joey Studer and Chris Spruill (Defensive Line)

• We are emphasizing discipline, effort, attitude and physicality.
• We’re seeing tremendous growth. The kids are diving right in.
• Don’t think; play fast.

Edwin Glick (Outside Linebacker)

• A lot of young guys. No returning starters.
• Excited to see the kids grow.

Jason Jarvis (Safeties)

• The coaching staff is a tight group. The kids see that and it transfers to them regarding respect of others.
• Cited Tra’Yon Williams and Braylon Gamble as players to watch.  Also mentioned sophomore George Rivera.

Bo Grunder (Cornerbacks)

• Relying on 2-way players to stock this position.  Thus, have more athletes to look at.