Scores from last week:

• Varsity defeated Canton McKinley, 24-17
• Freshmen defeated Canton McKinley, 28-13.  Final record: 6-4

This week’s schedule:

• Friday – Varsity vs. Columbus Walnut Ridge (9-1) at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, 7:00 pm

Last Saturday was a tremendous day for the Massillon football program in more ways than one. Not only did the Tigers defeat the Bulldogs, but Massillon also won the blood battle, the food drive and the pull-up challenge.  More than 2500 out-of-town fans paid $5.00 each to watch the game live on the internet, covering some 29 states and two foreign countries.

The effort to feature the tiger head blowup tunnel at each school during the week was a resounding success.  The kids were thrilled and many parents turned out to take photos.  Even the teachers got into the action.

This week’s first round playoff game against Columbus Walnut Ridge will start at 7:00 pm.  Parking passes for the west lot will be honored.  Tickets are available on Tuesday for season ticket holders and Wednesday through Friday for the general public.  Hours are 7:00 pm to 5:30 pm, although the office may close early on Friday.

Justin Gaddis (center) and Dean Clark (defensive back) were the guest players.  Over 25,000 social media followers watched the replay of Clark’s thrilling pancake of the McKinley running back.

The guest coach was J.P. Simon.  Simon said that the team trained in the off-season to maintain their intensity over a 4-quarter game and a 15-week season.  He noted that it was the main factor in defeating the Bulldogs.  Statistics-wise, McKinley ran just four plays and a punt in the fourth quarter to the Tigers’ 24.  “Physicality and toughness are our core values,” said Simon.  When asked about the sledge hammer he carries around during pre-game warmup, Simon said it was trophy that the linemen won during a summer camp at the University of Pittsburgh.  Called the “Big Man Challenge,” each of the 60+ teams competed in five events, including a tug-of-war at the end.  Not only did Massillon finish on top of the field, they won each of the five events.  “It was kind of cool to win that award,” he said.

Head Coach Nate Moore reviewed film of several plays from last Saturday’s game then turned his attention to Walnut Ridge.

General notes:

• The Scots play in the Columbus City League
• Their regular season record was 9-1, the loss being 26-20 to Eastmoor
• They average 48 points a game and give up 8
• Five times they scored over 50 points
• Only two teams have scored more than once (Eastmoor and Marion Franklin)
• Ten players go both ways
• The quarterback and two wide receivers have received college offers (Valparaiso, Kentucky and Cincinnati)

Offense

• The quarterback (6′-4″, 200 lbs.) has has thrown for 1,756 yards and 28 touchdowns.  He will run some, but not effectively.
• The running back (5′-9″, 185 lbs.) is a sophomore.  He has rushed for 1,048 yards and 14 touchdowns.
• The top wide receivers are both over 6-foot.
• The offensive line averages 6′-2″, 238 lbs.  Two of the players are on the smaller size.
• They operate out of the spread offense, with some jet sweep.  Run-pass ratio is 60:40.

Defense

• 3-4 alignment
• All three defensive linemen go both ways
• The line averages 6′-4″, 225 lbs.
• The Sam linebacker (who also plays receiver) is being recruited by Kentucky.

Go Tigers!