“I’m overall really happy with the way we played, especially being down in players like we were,” said Head Coach Nate Moore.  “We got better.  We’re back on the win track.”

The guest players were co-captains Braylon Gamble, Eli Moore, Ja’Dyn Williams and Savior Owens.  “They’re doing  a tremendous job,” said Moore.  “I’m proud of all of them.”

• Gamble – We’re underdogs, referring to the upcoming game against St. Edward.  But we’re  ready to make a statement.  They run a lot of RPOs.  We need to read our keys.  We’ll be OK.
• Moore – The offense played really well (vs. Bennett).  We’re going to be ready.
• Williams – We played a pretty decent game.  We fixed a lot of mistakes that we had.  We’re headed in the right direction.
• Owens – We plan to run the ball against St. Edward.

Massillon own a 3-game winning streak over St. Edward, having won in each of the last three years, by scores of 31-28, 15-13 and 31-21.  The Tigers also lead the all-time series, 6-4.  The Eagles have a 5-year record of 50-11 and have qualified for the playoffs in each of the past five years, with a record of 23-2.  In fact, as the dominant team in northern Ohio, they have made a habit of playing in the state tournament, with more recent championships in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023.  Last year they advanced to the state semifinals, but were defeated by eventual champion Olentangy Liberty, 21-7.

The Eagles enter this year’s matchup with the Tigers as the No. 1 team in the Ohio and the No. 55 team in the country (per hsratings.com).  They average 41 points per game and give up 17.  The Tigers, at 2-2, average 35 points per game and give up 23.  Cleveland Glenville is the only common opponent.  The Eagles defeated Glenville last week 28-14, after trailing 14-7 entering the fourth quarter.  Two costly Glenville turnovers on their own side of the field greatly influenced the outcome.  Massillon fell behind 19-7 to Glenville in the first half, but stormed back in the second half to tie the score at 27, only to lose in overtime.

St. Edward’s schedule to date:

• Pickerington North (3-1), 24-0
• Delbarton School, NJ (1-2), 48-28
• Huber Heights Wayne (2-2), 63-27
• Cleveland Glenville (2-2), 28-14

“We have a big one this week,” said Moore.  He said it will be a mental game.  Eds is well-coached and disciplined.  The Tigers won’t be out-hit.  They won’t be out talented.  But they can win with great preparation.  Nevertheless, you can’t beat yourself.

Offensively, the Eagles align mostly in 1-personnel, with some empty sets and some 2-back sets.  All are good players, according to Moore.  As usual, the line has great size, averaging 6′-3″, 291 lbs.  And they have some very good skill players.  Quarterback Jonny Evanchick makes good decisions and is an accurate passer.  He also runs out of a fake jet sweep, similar to the Massillon play.  The best receiver is Zach Hackleman, who lit it up against opponents last year.  He is as good as you will see.  He runs great routes.  The running back is Brando White, who returns for a third year as a starter, although he missed last year’s game against Massillon.  He is an excellent player; best the Tigers have seen this  year.  Similar to Savior Owens.

• Senior offensive lineman Mason Wilhelm (6’-4”, 290), HM All-Ohio, 3-star recruit, North Carolina commit
• Senior quarterback Jonny Evanchick (6′-1″, 175), 38 of 52 (73%) for 564 yards and 9 TDs; 29 carries for 153 yards (5.3) and 1 TD.
• Senior wide receiver Zach Hackleman (6’-1”, 170), 1^st Team All-Ohio, 18 receptions for 259 yards (14.4 ave.) and 6 TDs.
• Senior wide receiver Ryan Mikovsky (6′-1″, 180), 9 receptions for 124 yards (13.8 ave.) and 0 TDs.
• Senior Brandon White (5′-8″, 200), 59 carries for 404 yards (6.9 ave.)and 7 TDs.

The defense normally operates with an odd front, either 3-4 or 3-3, with some even front 4-2 thrown in.  They use a lot of run blitz, which worked effectively against Cleveland Glenville last week.  Coverages are variable, especially on 3rd down.  The line is on the smaller side for a St. Edward team and may be an area to exploit by the Massillon run game.  It averages 6′-1″, 227 lbs.  The inside linebackers are both good players.  The secondary is considered the strength of the team.  Moore particularly cited safety Brayden Thomas ((Michigan State) and safety Brodon Moore.

• Senior defensive end Collin Crocker (6′-1″, 230), 43 tackles, 6.5 TFLs
• Senior linebacker Aiden Peterson (6′-1″, 210), 60 tackles, 6 TFLs
• Senior defensive back Brayden Thomas (6’-0”, 175), HM All-Ohio, 37 tackles, 8 TFLs, 3-star recruit, Michigan State commit
• Senior cornerback Mahki Boone (6′-0″, 170), 3-star recruit, Miami of Ohio
• Senior safety Landon Lehmer (6′-0″, 190), 47 tackles, 3 TFLs
• Senior Brodon Moore (5′-11, 170), 20 tackles, 3.5 TFLs

Based on the Massillon depth chart provided by Moore, the Tigers should be at full strength for this one.

Incidentally, the Tigers’ offensive line averages 6′-2″, 268 lbs. and the defensive line averages 6′-3″, 260 lbs.

Massillon Statistics Leaders

• Manny Patterson (quarterback) – 35 of 49 (71%) for 478 yards (13.7 ave.) and 9 TDs
• Gio Jackson Jr. (wide receiver) – 16 receptions for 218 yards (13.6 ave.) and 5 TDs
• Deontay Malone (wide receiver) – 15 receptions for 207 yards (13.8 ave.) and 4 TDs
• Jadyce Thigpen (wide receiver) – 8 receptions for 107 yards (13.4 ave.) and 2 TDs
• Savior Owens (running back) – 66 carries for 478 yards (7.2 ave.) and 7 TDs
• Anthony McMullen Jr. (running back) – 35 carries for 107 yards (3.1 ave.) and 1 TD
• Ja’Dyn Williams (linebacker) – 50 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 5.5 TFLs
• Braylon Gamble (safety) – 16 tackles, 1.5 TLFs, 3 pass breakups, 1 pass interception, 1 forced fumble
• Christian Culler (linebacker) – 15 tackles, 2 sacks, 4.5 TFLs, 1 forced fumble
• Tra’Yon Williams (safety) – 15 tackles, 0.5 TFLs, 3 pass breakups
• DeVaughn Williams (linebacker) – 15 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 2 TFLs
• Isaac Maxheimer (linebacker) – 2 pass interceptions
• Mateo Herrera (kicker) – 17 for 17 in PATs
• Magnus Haines (punter) – 10 punts (36.2 ave.), long 54