Statistics

Massillon defeated Cornerstone Christian from San Antonio, Texas, 45-20, thereby improving to 5-3 on the season and continuing the hunt for a Top 4 seed in the post-season tournament, which also carries a first-round bye. Fortunately, after the events of last week, it was an evening of traditional high school football that is normally seen in Tigertown, devoid of chippiness during the game and unbecoming post-game behaviors.

It was a contest of two very good teams doing what they do best. For Massillon it’s running the ball and controlling the clock. For Cornerstone, it’s the aerial attack.

Tigers running back Savior Owens got the first carry of the night, but immediately left the game after apparently re-injuring his shoulder and did not return. That provided opportunities for backups Anthony McMullen Jr. and Christian Culler to showcase their talents. And that they did, producing outstanding breakout games. McMullen carried the ball 23 times for 130 yards (5.7 ave.) and a touchdown, and Culler rushed 11 times for 102 yards (9.3 ave.) and two score. Both were capable of taking the ball either inside or breaking it to the outside with equal success. It’s great to have depth at that position.

Meanwhile, Warriors’ quarterbacks Malcolm Carter and Mateo Rodriguez combined for 187 yards passing. Carter was 11 of 14 for 101 yards and Rodriguez completed 13 of 17 for 86 yards and one TD. However, it should be noted that the average yards per completion was just 7.8, well below a normal high school completion average of 12 to 15. But in essence, they were mostly throwing screen passes beneath the Massillon coverage to their speedy ball catchers, featuring wide receiver Luke Smith (9-45, TD) and running back Jaylen McKane (6-61). Both were very adept at defeating the initial tackler to keep many drives alive.

At the opposing end of the spectrum, the Tigers threw the ball sparingly owing to the success of the run game. Nevertheless, quarterback Manny Patterson had a fine night running the offense and completed 5 of 8 passes for 71 yards (14.2 ave.) and two touchdowns, those going to Giorgio Jackson Jr. and Deontay Malone. Patterson also ran for a score, his first of the year. For Cornerstone, they never got their rushing attack going against a stout Massillon defense. McCane gained just 48 yards in 13 attempts (3.7 ave.), while the Warriors picked up 32 additional yards on quarterback scrambles.

On special teams, Mateo kicked a 22-yard field goal. Also, the Tigers never punted.

The Tigers received the opening kickoff and drove 62 yards in nine plays and scored on a Patterson run of nine yards off a 3^rd and 3 scramble. Cornerstone started their first drive at their own 15, but on a third down pass wide receiver Josiah McNeil was stripped of the ball by Culler, giving Massillon great field position at the Warrior 25. Three plays later Patterson connected with Jackson on a 12-yard pass for a second score.

The next time the Tigers had the ball they drove 77 yards to the five yard line, from where Mateo Herrera kicked a 22-yard field goal, giving his team a 17-0 advantage. Mateo was also six for six on PAT kicks.

The Warriors finally got on the board with three minutes left in the half when McKane scored from five yards out. But Massillon came right back with a 15-yard race to the end zone by Culler. So, at the half the score was 24-7.

Cornerstone got back into the game with a 3-yard flare pass after driving 71 yards in 11 plays. But it didn’t take long for the Tigers to counter. It took 11 plays to cover 78 yards, with Culler scoring from the three. Following an interception by Deontay Malone at the Warrior 30, Patterson threw a beautiful pass to the right corner of the end zone that was caught by Malone in stride just before he stepped out of bounds. Score: 38-14.

Massillon tallied its final points of the night on the next possession with a 1-yard run by McMullen. Then Cornerstone finished the remainder of the game under a running-clock situation, scoring as time ran out with a Carter 14-yard scramble.

The two teams then lined up in single file with the respective head coaches in the lead for the post-game handshake. It came off in a friendly manner.

Jay’Dyn Williams led Massillon with 11 total tackles, 2.0 sacks and 2.0 TFLs. Noah Jenkins and Isaac Maxheimer followed with nine total tackles. For Cornerstone, Elijah Fayall recorded 11 total tackles.

Next week the Tigers (5-3) host Warren Harding (3-5) in the 90^th renewal of this long rivalry. The Warriors (4-3) have an open date.

Photos by Marlene Kanipe