The Playoffs for Massillon Begins on Friday
The OHSAA playoff format for this season has been reduced from sixteen teams in each region to twelve, effective in each of the seven divisions. The impact is that a third of the participating schools now earn byes for Round 1. The change came about following a request made by Ohio’s high school coaches.
In 2020 the OHSAA intended to increase the number of regional qualifiers from eight to twelve, but the plan was not implemented due to the high number of game cancellations on account of Covid. Anticipating related problems with the Harbin rankings, the OHSAA thus invited all schools to participate. The following year, the OHSAA increased the number of regional qualifiers from eight to sixteen, citing the enjoyment of participation. However, many believed the change was simply a “money grab” when the OHSAA at the same time assumed control of ticket sales and retained all the revenue. But now it is believed that the 12-team format will remain for awhile. And it’s probably the right number to assure that the best eight teams qualify, given the inherent flaws within the Harbin system.
With Round 1 now in the books, it’s time for the heavyweights to finally join the fray. For Massillon, the bye was much needed following an emotional 21-14 victory over Canton McKinley. A time to rest and heal up, a time to revisit the fundamentals and a time to get re-energized. Friday night the Tigers (7-3) will host the Vikings (9-2) of North Canton Hoover, which advanced following last week’s victory over Columbus Northland.
Aside from statistical and strength-of-schedule comparisons between the two teams for this specific game, there is a lot of successful history for the Tigers under current Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore when it comes to playing suburban schools.
Moore was hired in 2015 and, although his squad did not qualify that first year owing to a 4-6 record, the Tigers have been to the playoffs in each and every year since that inaugural season, which is an achievement that few coaches around the state can match. His overall record in nine years of playoff participation is a remarkable 32-8, which includes a state championship in 2023, six regional titles and four state finals appearances. Compare that to the nine previous Massillon coaches, who combined for a mark of just 28-22. However, it should be noted that most of those games were against Division I competition.
Nevertheless, there is little difference in performance capability between Division I and Division II suburban schools. Moore’s record there is a very fine 23-3, with all of the losses occurring during regional play, including:
- 2016 – Dublin Scioto (7-3), Round 1, 21-31
- 2021 – Uniontown Green (8-2), Regional finals, 25-26
- 2024 – Big Walnut (10-0), Regional finals, 7-14
The average score in all 26 games is 31-13 in favor of the Tigers. Eleven times Massillon played a suburban team at home, winning ten of them. The average score in those is 40-15. On neutral fields, Moore’s record is 12-2, with an average score of 33-11, while the lone game on the opponent’s field resulted in a 43-13 pounding of No. 2 seeded Perry.
Records of the opponents don’t seem to matter much either. Against undefeated teams Moore has won four of five, with an average score of 34-15. Against 9-1 and 8-2 teams he is a combined 8-0.
The most common opponents played were Perry, with a 3-0 record, Westerville South, with a 3-0 record, and Big Walnut, with a 2-1 record. The Tigers faced Canal Winchester, Uniontown Lake and Green twice each, winning five of six. Moore is also 1-0 against Hoover, with a 48-23 victory in 2020.
Just for completeness, Moore is 6-1 against city-type schools and 3-4 against parochial schools Akron Hoban (2-3) and Cincinnati LaSalle (1-1).
In regular season games against suburban schools Moore has a record of 30-3, with the three losses coming during his first three years. When added to the playoff mark the combined record is a whopping 53-6.
Below is a list of past games played against North Canton:
- 2020, Playoffs Round 2, Massillon, 48-23
- 2009, Playoffs Round 1, Massillon, 17-10
- 2008, Playoffs Round 1, North Canton, 14-7
- 2003, Playoffs Round 1, Massillon, 45-14
- 2002, Playoffs Round 1, Massillon 31-0
- 2001, Playoffs Round 3, Massillon, 27-7
The numbers in the story above show that history is not necessarily on the side of the Vikings. No. 1, Massillon has simply dominated suburban schools with Moore at the helm, even in the playoffs when facing the better teams. No. 2, they are playing at home, where they have won 11 of 12 playoff matches. No. 3, most scores have not been close, with the Tigers winning three-quarters of the games by at least three touchdowns. And No. 4, the Tigers have won the last 27 games against Stark County opponents. Nevertheless, the two teams still need to play on Friday. Does Hoover have the tools it needs to pull the upset? We will see come Friday.
