Second Half Surge Powers Massillon Past Big Walnut

November 14, 2026
by Don Engelhardt

Second Half Surge Powers Massillon Past Big Walnut

The monkey is off Massillon’s back. After losing two straight games to Big Walnut in regional finals venues and in spite of dominating play in both, the Tigers took care of business in this one with a 21-0 victory over the previously unbeaten Eagles. And what better place to do it than on Big Walnut’s own home turf in front of a sell-out crowd of mostly hometown fans. In addition, it was the third straight shutout for the Massillon defense, following one-sided wins over Canton McKinley and Columbus DeSales. The last time that occurred was 1986. With the win Massillon returns to the regional finals, this time to face Columbus Watterson.

The game was a tough ticket, in spite of the predicted cold and windy weather. Big Walnut’s fans filled most of their 3,500-seat home side and Massillon fans packed into the puny 500-seat visitors’ bleachers, with a couple dozen hugging the fenceline. But after the Tigers’ final score, the home side crowd was quickly cut in half as attendees headed in mass for the parking lot. However, kudos to the boisterous students, who remained to cheer on their team to the end.

The game itself resembled a 12-round, heavy-weight boxing match. Both teams brought it physically, with run-pounding offenses and stout defenses. And after six rounds, the game was even. It appeared that whichever team delivered the first big blow was going to gain the advantage. That came in the middle of the third quarter when Massillon quarterback Rasmus Haines completed a long touchdown pass to Gio Jackson Jr. for the initial score. Then, before the quarter was over Big Walnut began to stagger from a second blow when Gray Yeager broke through the line and sprinted 72 yards for a TD. And the knockout punch was delivered in the 10^th round (fourth quarter) when Yeager added a second touchdown, this one of 19 yards.

The Massillon offensive game plan appeared to be staying on the ground and letting the two-headed monster of senior Savior Owens and sophomore Gary Yeager run the ball. Owens, who rushed for around 175 yards, brought the physical play and the shifty Yeager, who finished with 26 carries for 164 yards, brought the speed. Although the Tigers didn’t score in the first half, the brutish play of the line had an impact on the Big Walnut front seven as it seemed to tire by the middle of the third quarter. Suddenly, the running lanes got a little wider and then a lot wider. The Tigers finished with 408 yards of offense, while only throwing seven passes.

Meanwhile, the defense got its wish by posting a third straight shutout. The players were facing a good offensive line and a running back by the name of Nolan Buirley, who is headed to Northwestern University and in 2025 was named Division II Offensive Player of the Year. But Buirley was held in check throughout the game and ended the night with just 37 yards on 19 attempts. At quarterback, Jackson Bowers, normally a tight end, was filling in for the injured Eli Stumpf. Although he is not the passer Stumpf is, he was somewhat effective in running the wildcat. He also threw the ball fairly well, completing 5 of 12 for 44 yards. However, by game’s end, Big Walnut had managed to gain just 108 yards of total offense, 64 on the ground.

The first half was played to a stalemate. The only scoring threats came on two missed field goals, one by each team. Big Walnut’s mid-range attempt never had a chance and Mateo Herrera’s 45-yard try was just wide right. Throughout the half the Tigers were assessed major penalties, which both stalled drives and permitted the Eagles to keep theirs alive. Fortunately, that was not the case after the break.

The Tigers kicked off in the second half with the wind at their back, allowing Herrera to find the end zone. All they need do now was hold Big Walnut and reap the benefit of good field position. And that they did. After gaining a first down at the Eagle 42, it was time to take a shot. Haines dropped back to pass with Jackson and Deontay Malone sprinting down the field. But Haines didn’t like the look against the deep-drop secondary. So, he rolled to his left to gain time and spotted Jackson breaking open. At that point he reached back and let it fly, over two pursuing defenders and right into the hands of Jackson, who caught it at the five and finished in end zone. It was the first blow. Herrera secured the PAT.

The Eagles gained some traction on their next possession, but only briefly and had to punt. From the Massillon 38 yard line, Haines called a play reversal at the line and then handed the ball to Yeager behind zone left blocking. From there, Yeager found a seam, broke two tackles, and once in the clear was not to be caught. The 4-play drive encompassed 95 yards. The second blow.

The third came in the fourth quarter at the end of a 90-yard drive, with all plays on the ground. Yeager finished it off with a 19-yard run, once again following a Haine’s check down. That one, the knockout punch, secured the win. On the next possession they ran out the final six minutes of the clock, taking a couple of knees at the end.

Next up is the match everyone in Ohio has been waiting for. Massillon is 11-1 and unbeaten in Ohio. Columbus Watterson is 12-0, with a winning streak that spans three seasons and with two recent Division III state championships. Both are nationally ranked and state ranked Nos. 1 and 2, regardless of playoff division. It should be a great one.

Photos by Marlene Kanipe