2026 Booster Club Report – Week PO2 – Preview of the Columbus DeSales Game

Massillon (9-1) defeated Canton McKinley (8-4), 31-0.  This week, following a bye in Round 1, Massillon hosts Columbus St. Francis DeSales in a Round 2 playoff game.

Review of the McKinley Game

“There’s only one Massillon,” said Tiger Head Coach Nate Moore.  “It started with the parade.  It was awesome.  Man, did everyone show up.  The crowd on Saturday afternoon was unbelievable.  Maybe the grand old days are right now.”

The guest players were safety Braylon Gamble, defensive back / wide receiver Deontay Malone and outside linebacker Christian Culler.

Gamble – Our class has never lost in that game (McKinley).  We didn’t want to lose.  We played a little different.  DeSales is pretty good.  They could beat us.

Malone – It was a good feeling.  It’s great to play in it. But, it’s better to see all the fans show up.

Culler – That week is always the biggest week.  After the goal line stand, it set the tone.  DeSales is the same team we played last year.

“After watching the films, I appreciate how dominate the performance was,” said Moore.  When asked if he expected more intensity from the Bulldogs, Moore responded, “The Tigers played really good.  When we’re at our best, we’re pretty good.”  Although, he did mention that McKinley’s steady dose of Federal League competition does little to prepare them for a game against a team like Massillon.  That’s why he prefers to schedule high level opponents for both the scrimmages and the regular season, during which the weaknesses are exposed and the coaching staff has time to correct them.

Columbus DeSales Preview

DeSales scores to date:

• Youngstown Ursuiline (7-4): 31-7 W
• Columbus Walnut Ridge (2-8): 41-6 W
• Columbus East (9-1): 35-14 W
• Cleveland St. Joseph (8-3): 17-20 L
• River Rouge, MI (0-9): 27-14 W
• Columbus Watterson (9-0): 0-32 L
• Bloom-Carroll (5-5): 30-0 W
• Columbus St. Charles (8-3): 28-20 W
• Steubenville (8-2): 14-20 L
• Columbus Hartley (6-5): 49-19 W
• Watkins Memorial (6-5): 45-14 W

DeSales is a member of the Central Catholic League, along with Watterson, St. Charles and Hartley.  “They are a great program, historically,” said Moore.  “Have been one of the top teams in Ohio”  Their resume includes three state championships (’85, ’97 and ’98), six runners-up, 12 regional titles and a 63-29 playoff record in 32 playoff appearances.  Over the past five years they have compiled an overall record of 33-17, including 4-5 in the playoffs.  Of course, the last four years have been in Division II (pushed up due to competitive advantage) and during those years they have yet to advance beyond Round 2 in post-season play.

Last year the Stallions lost 48-14 to Massillon in Round 2.  The Tigers led 27-7 at the half and a running clock was in effect before the third quarter had expired.  Leading the offensive attack was running back Savior Owens, who rushed  18 times for 215 yards and three touchdowns.  For DeSales, junior quarterback RJ Day completed 13 of 26 passes for 125 yards and one TD.  Junior Dax Middleton caught five of the aerials for 32 yards.

The Stallions this year average 27 points per game and give up 15.  In Round 1 of the playoffs, they defeated Watkins Memorial, 56-14.  Day completed 11 of 13 passes for 239 yards and 4 TDs.

The Stallions have a much younger team from a year ago, but still have a few high-performers returning.  On offense, they start 6 seniors, 2 sophomores and 3 freshmen.  On defense, they start 2 seniors, 4 juniors, 4 sophomores and a freshman.  Three players go both ways.

The offense operates out of the spread, with Day as the catalyst for the attack.  The defense aligns in a 4-2-5, with stand-up edge player.  The secondary normally plays a 2-high scheme, with some cover-3.  Not a big blitz team.

The players:

• Quarterback – Senior RJ Day (6′-1″, 195).  Has passed for 2,244 yards and 25 TDs.  Holds the Top 2 spots (’25 and ’26) for DeSales’ all-time passing yards.  Career passing leader.  Four-year starter, with 1,000+ yards each year.  Committed to Northwestern University.  A really good player. Strong arm.  Good with feet.  Good size.  Escapes the pocket well and keeps the play alive.  Will have some called QB runs.  Against Youngstown Ursuline, completed 24 of 29 passes for 259 yards.
• Running back – Senior Kaleb Johnson (6′-1″, 200).  Good size.  Questionable for the game due to an injury.  Backup is sophomore Jonah Jenkins (5′-10″, 190).
• Tight end – Senior Jordan Karhoff (6′-5″, 235).  Best athlete on the team.  Also plays wide receiver.  Committed to Virginia Tech.  Hasn’t played since Week 8 due to an injury.  Questionable for this one.
• Wide receiver – Senior Dax Middletown (6′-1″, 185 lbs.).  Returning starter.
• Offensive line – Averages 6′-1″, 258 lbs.  One of the smaller lines the Tigers have faced this year.  Includes two freshmen and a sophomore.  Best lineman is senior Noah Grimmet (6′-0″, 295).
• Defensive line – Karhoff starts defensive end.  A big-time pass rusher.  A huge loss of he does not play.
• Linebackers – Best linebacker is sophomore OLB Carter Clark (5′-11, 175).
• Secondary – Best safety is Johnson.  Although, he may not play.  Best cornerback is junior Christian Wells (5′-9″, 185).

Decent kicking game.

Go Tigers!