Massillon Slips by NFL Academy in International Game

September 5, 2026September 5, 2026
by Don Engelhardt

Massillon Handles NFL Academy in International Game

In one of the more physical games ever played at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, Massillon held off NFL Academy Europe-Africa by the score of 21-16. Tiger running back Savior Owens scored three touchdowns, while the defense held NFL at bay sufficiently to secure the win.

NFL Academy Europe-Africa is a traditional boarding high school, located in the UK. Over a thousand high students try out for the Academy each year, with the goal of earning football-related scholarships to American universities and eventually finding their ways to the NFL. Eighty will secure spots on the team. There, they receive a heavy education in American football, along with taking a full load of high school-level academics. The school also adheres to the age limits that American schools use for playing eligibility. Coaches are American-bred and selected by the NFL. Although their website says that the players are from Europe and Africa, several hail from Canada, Mexico and Japan.

Prior to the game, Tiger safety Braylon remarked that NFL was the best team that Massillon will play this year. He may be right. Much improved from the 2024 edition that the Tigers defeated 35-20 in Oregon, they were big and tall throughout the lineup, averaged 300 lbs. on both sides of the line, had very good speed and most importantly played the game with great fundamentals and physicality.

Quarterback Viktor Lachambre, who hails from Canada, had great pocket presence throughout and could both zip the ball to his receivers. He was also an excellent runner, several times exiting the pocket and racing for first downs when unable to find targets. The running backs were strong enough to push the pile forward. The defense was formidable against the run. And most importantly, the Academy played the game right, being well-taught by their NFL coaches. However, they did give respect to the Tigers’ talented receivers by playing their cornerbacks and safety well back. That opened up the Tiger passing attack early.

Massillon favored the run in this one overall, with Owens receiving most of the carries, while also being relieved at times by both Gary Yeager and Brayton Feister. Each runner contributed immensely throughout the game. Quarterback Rasmus Haines also had a fine night, particularly in the first half when the game was on the line.

Lest we forget the crowd. It was simply deafening. And this time it did not need prompting by the announcer. It certainly must have an effect on the NFL offense.

The Tigers received the opening kickoff and drove 71 yards in 15 plays for their initial score. It came when Owens bulled his way into the end zone from two yards out. But most of the yardage was from air, as NFL was intent on stopping the run. It helped that Massillon converted two 4^th conversions along the way.

Mateo Herrera’s ensuing kickoff was returned to midfield, resulting in a massive loss of field position. Subsequently, all of the following kickoffs were dropped into the end zone.

The next time Massillon had the ball they were faced with a 4^th and one from their own 33. The call was for a fake punt. Only, NFL would have none of that and immediately assumed possession of the football. From there the Academy drove the needed distance to the end zone and scored early in the second quarter when running Nathan Morris slipped past the right side of the line and went in from the five. Much of the yardage in the drive was picked up via runs by the quarterback, who also finished the game as the team’s leading rusher.

Maintaining field position, NFL scored again when Paul Krause booted a 32-yard field goal after driving 45 yards to give his team a 10-7 lead. Again, Lachambre’s running was a major factor.

But the Tigers came right back, driving 69 yards in five plays. From the 26 yard line, Owens wormed his way through the defense, refusing to be tackled. The last defender did manage to trip him up, but only as he was diving into the end zone for the score. The big playwas a 40-yard pass completion from Haines to Geo Jackson Jr. that advanced the ball to the NFL 21. Massillon would thus take a 14-10 lead into the locker room.

Late in the third quarter Massillon boosted its lead on a 24-yard touchdown run by Owens, his third score of the night. The drive covered 80 yards and consumed 12 plays, taking significant time off the clock. At this point in the game the running attack was finally finding its way. Perhaps the apparent difference in conditioning between the two teams was finally taking effect.

The Tigers did have one more scoring opportunity midway through the fourth when Herrera attempted a 51-yard field goal. But the ball fell just a bit short.

With a 21-10 lead and less than two minutes remaining, the Tigers changed to a “prevent” defense on NFL’s final drive. The Academy did manage to score, but it came on the last play of the game. In that one Lachambre completed a 4-yard pass to Silas Floche, who just managed to get the ball over the goal line as he was tackled. No PAT was run.

Massillon led in first downs 18-13, rushing yards 229-112, passing yards 112-84 and total yards 341-194 (72 of the 194 came in the final drive).

Next week the Tigers host Canisius, New York. NFL returns to London after a successful 2-1 campaign in the United States, with convincing victories over Marietta, Georgia, and Akron Hoban. Next week they host GB Football Development. They will return to the U.S. later in the year to play Florida’s IMG Academy, a team they defeated last season in London.

(Stats and more details later)

Photos by Marlene Kanipe