2025 Booster Club Report – Week 8 – Post-Cornerstone Christian; Preview of the Warren Harding Game
Massillon (5-3) defeated Cornerstone Christian (4-3) from San Antonio, Texas, 45-20. This week Massillon hosts Warren Harding (3-5) in the 90th renewal of this long rivalry.
Link to the Cornerstone Christian Story
Link to the Cornerstone Christian Game Statistics
Other scores:
- 7th Grade (5-0): Defeated Canton, 32-6. Plays home to Lucas on Wednesday, October 15, at 6:00 pm.
- 8th Grade (2-4): Defeated Canton, 20-0. Plays home to Canton GlenOak on Tuesday, October 14, at 6:00 pm.
- Freshmen (2-5): Defeated Akron Buchtel, 23-0. Plays at Warren Harding on Thursday, October 16, at 6:00 pm.
- Junior Varsity (0-6-1): Did not play. Plays at Warren Harding on Saturday, October 18, at 11:00 am.
Review of the Cornerstone Christian Game
Massillon (5-3) opened up a 24-7 halftime lead and cruised to a 45-22 victory over Cornerstone Christian (4-3) of San Antonio, Texas. The Tigers displayed a dominant offensive performance, scoring on every possession except one, when they were stopped on downs. Starting running back Savior Owens managed just one play due to a recurring injury, but backups Anthony McMullen Jr. and Christian Culler alternated at the position admirably and were major catalysts for the win. 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 scores. In support, quarterback Manny Patterson was 5 of 8 passing, with TD strikes to Gio Jackson Jr. and Deontay Malone. On defense, Massillon completely shut down the Warrior rushing attack. Ja’Dyn Williams, Noah Jenkins and Isaac Maxheimer had 11, 9 and 9 total tackles, respectively, and Williams also recorded two quarterback sacks. Deontay Malone contributed with a pass interception. Relying almost solely on the air game, Cornerstone’s two quarterbacks completed 24 of 31 passes for 187 yards and one score, but at just 7.8 yards per catch.
“It was a pretty good effort,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore while reviewing the Cornerstone Christian win. “Not perfect. But a lot of good things. The effort was there against a good team. We played good enough to win.” Moore also remarked that both the offense and defense played well in spurts, while the special teams struggled.
The guest players were senior quarterback Eli Moore and senior linebacker Ja’Dyn Williams.
Warren Harding Scouting Report
Harding is a Division II school that plays in the All-American Conference along with Austintown Fitch and Boardman. Last year they finished with a record of 8-4, with a 41-21 loss to Fitch in the second round of the playoffs, after defeating the Falcons 35-21 during the regular season. They also lost to Massillon, 45-14. Harding has compiled a 5-year record of 26-29, while qualifying for the playoffs each year, with eight wins and five losses in those games. The Tigers own the edge in historical series, which stands at 61-25-3. This one is the 90th renewal of the rivalry, which is Massillon’s second longest, behind that of Canton McKinley.
Results to date:
- Canton McKinley (7-1): 25-43 L
- Akron Buchtel (3-5): 25-6 W
- Massillon Perry (4-4): 15-25 L
- Akron St. Vincent (0-8): 42-6 W
- Erie McDowell, PA (3-5): 28-9 W
- Boardman (4-4): 10-14 L
- Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (6-2): 3-7 L
The top players on offense are:
- Junior quarterback James Jones (6′-4″, 200); returning backup; 27 of 49 (55%) for 335 yards and 3 TDs
- Senior quarterback Amiere Cobb (6′-0″, 210); 10 of 28 (36%) for 136 yards and 3 TDs; 20 carries for 208 yards (10.4 ave.) and 2 TDs
- Sophomore running back Makhai Brogden (5′-11″, 185); 27-259 (9.6 ave.) and 3 TDs
- Freshman running back Satavian Hill (6′-0″, 170); 30-158 (5.3 ave.) and 2 TDs
- Senior wide receiver Julius Ferrell (6′-2″, 170); 13-162 (12.5 ave.) and 2 TDs
- Junior wide receiver Matt Richardson (5′-10″, 175); 11-104 (9.5 ave.) and 0 TDs
The offense operates out of the spread, but the will run the ball 70% of the time, even on 3rd and long. That’s because original starting quarterback James Jones has been out with an injury. In his place is Amiere Cobb, a converted tight end, who does not have great passing stats. He will call his own number at times, but seems to lumber and does not possess running back speed.
Warren has also experienced injuries at the running back position and has currently settled on sophomore Makhai Brogden, with Freshman Satavian Hill subbing in at times. Brogden plays downhill and is a pretty good player. The offensive line comes off the ball well and has very good size, averaging 6′-2″, 283 lbs. Another week, another huge offensive line to contend with. Moore says that the Tiger front seven will have its hand full against this group. Harding will run some 2-back sets and some empty.
According to Moore, Harding is doing the best it can without a specialized quarterback. But they will still present a lot of challenges.
The top players on defense are:
- Junior safety Elijah Phillips (5′-9″, 180): 43 total tackles
- Senior linebacker Raitwan Hill (5′-9″, 210): 42 total tackles
- Senior linebacker Tyler Smith (6′[-0″, 205): returning starter; 38 total tackles; 2 sacks
The strength of defense is the front-7, which aligns in a 3-4. This group moves around a bit and has good size. It is also here that Harding has seen the return of several injured players. The line averages 6′-3″, 270 lbs. In the secondary look for cover-0, cover-1 and cover-3.
Warren is hampered with playing several 2-way starters, including all three defensive linemen and both safeties. In addition, three of the linebackers also sub in on offense. Moore believes this could be a major factor in the game. “They have a lot of 2-way guys,” he said. “That should work in our favor. Wear them down in the second half.”
Special teams are good all-around.
Go Tigers!
