2024 Booster Club Report – Week 1 – Post-Cleveland Glenville; Preview of the Canton GlenOak Game
Massillon (0-1) lost in overtime to Cleveland Glenville (1-0), 33-27. This week Massillon hosts Canton GlenOak (0-1).
Link to the Glenville Game Story
Link to the Glenville Game Statistics
Other scores:
- 7th Grade (0-0): The game against Akron Firestone was canceled. Plays home (MJHS) against Canton GlenOak on Tuesday, August 26, at 6:00 pm.
- 8th Grade (1-0): Defeated Akron East, 34-14. Plays at Canton GlenOak on Wednesday, August 27, at 6:00 pm.
- Freshmen (0-1): Lost to Cleveland Glenville, 48-0. Plays at Canton GlenOak on Thursday, August 28, at 6:00 pm.
- Junior Varsity (0-1): Lost to Cleveland Glenville, 28-7. Plays at Canton GlenOak on Saturday, August 30, at 10:00 am.
Review of the Cleveland Glenville Game
In a much anticipated game throughout the state, Massillon hosted Cleveland Glenville in the season opener. The Tarblooders jumped out to a first half lead of 19-7, before Massillon regrouped and mounted an energetic comeback, tying the score at 27. Subsequently, a game-winning field goal attempt by the Tigers at the end of regulation was blocked. In overtime, Massillon failed to score when a second field goal attempt was blocked. Glenville then hooked up on a slant pass for the win. Savior Owens led all rushers with 25 carries for 131 yards. Quarterback Manny Patterson completed 8 of 11 passes for 130 yards and 3 touchdowns. Ja’Dyn Williams recorded 17 total tackles.
“We have a damn good football team,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore at the first Booster Club gathering of the season. “We knew they were a really good football team. Our kids made big plays in the second half. Our final drive – 15 plays. We had to have it.” He noted that the conditioning program that Massillon uses made a huge difference in the second half. He added that the Tigers are trying to figure out the puzzle. But assured the attendees that in spite of the loss the team will finish strong.
Moore was also appreciated of the crowd noise toward the end when the game was on the line. “Our fans were amazing last Friday,” he said. “The energy from the crowd raised our level of play.”
“We had a good practice today,” Moore added. “It was a great start to this week. The kids got after after it. We are looking forward to Week 2 (against GlenOak).”
The guest players were Ja’Dyn William, Richard Harris and Dayvionne Floyd.
- Williams – The team started out little slow, reflecting back on a substandard practice the previous Monday. He said that Monday practices seem to impact the level of play in the games. This week the practice was very good.
- Harris – We are now playing with a chip on our shoulders.
- Floyd – Today this team showed that they can play.
GlenOak Scouting Report
Aside from Canton McKinley, GlenOak is the only Federal League team willing to play Massillon. The Tigers own a 16-4 historical record against the Golden Eagles in a series that began in 1982. Massillon won that first encounter 42-14 under head coach Mike Currence. GlenOak turned the tables in 1986 with a 9-7 win with former Massillon Coach Bob Commings at the helm. Following a long pause, the series resumed in 2010 and the two teams have been facing each other ever since, except for the 2020 Covid year. The first six games were split between the two teams, but the Tigers have taken the next eight. Moore’s record against the Eagles stands at 8-1, with the lone loss occurring in his first year.
GlenOak is coached by Scott Garcia, who is entering his 17th year as head coach of the Golden Eagles. His record there is 91-84. Last season the Eagles played primarily an underclass team and finished with a 1-9 record. This year Garcia hopes to turn the corner with a squad composed of 28 lettermen and 17 returning starters, 10 on offense and 9 on defense. He also plans to incorporate a no-huddle offense using the spread formation to increase the pace of the game. But in spite of all that, GlenOak is still picked by several publications to finished in the bottom of the Federal League.
GlenOak features senior running back Javi’ion McClendon (6′-1″, 200), who last year rushed for 586 yards and four touchdowns. He also returned two kickoffs for scores. On defense they return senior Matt Rekstis (5′-11″, 205). Last season he recorded 73 tackles and is considered the leader on the field.
According to Moore the offense utilizes 11-personnel (one running back and a tight end), with some 3-tight end sets and some normal spread. Their No. 1 play is the counter, within which they run RPO. They will also some Wildcat. He cites McClendon as being their player, who has good size and speed. None of the remaining players jump off the page.
On defense, look for an odd front, 3-4 alignment, with occasional even front. The linebacker corps is the most experienced group. The best player on defense is senior linebacker Dom Wagner (5′-9″, 205). He also likes senior defensive lineman Donel Hampton (5′-11″, 280), who comes off the bench.
Overall, they do not possess great size and speed and this may be a detriment on Friday.
