Author: Don Engelhardt

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A Brief Look at the Division II State Playoffs

A Brief Look at the Division II State Playoffs

Division II this year comprises 124 teams, spread across four regions, 64 of which will qualify for postseason play and a chance to win the next state title.  Loveland grabbed the first DII crown following the state’s realignment of the divisions in 2013.  And for the next seven years, the top spot was shared exclusively by Cincinnati LaSalle and Akron Hoban.  But since then, four different teams have taken home the trophy, none having the name LaSalle or Hoban.  And a new first-time winner could emerge once again, with the division continuing to cultivate competitive teams.

REGION 7

Massillon once again sits in Region 7, with the majority of the schools located in the Columbus area.  While the Tigers have traditionally been the class of the group, this year they are not alone.  That’s because Big Walnut, which captured the region last season, returns fourteen starters from a year ago and is anticipating another deep run in the playoffs.  In last year’s regional finals the Eagles weathered a driving rainstorm to defeat Massillon by the score of 14-7, in a game during which the Tigers dominated the statistics, only to commit 19 false starts, which in essence shut down their vaunted offense.  And that offense is all but gone for this year.  So, consider this potential matchup as a tossup.

Below is a 5-year look back at all the teams in Region 7.  The chart shows both Massillon and Big Walnut on top of the heap, with the Tigers owning three regional titles and the Eagles one.  The fifth went to Green, which currently resides in Region 5.  Aside from these two, New Albany and Columbus DeSales have also shown some good history.  But the remainder of the teams have struggled to be competitive.  In fact, nearly half of the teams have produced zero playoff wins over the last five years.

STATE-WIDE

Across the state, the dominant teams over the past five years have been Akron Hoban, Avon and Massillon.  All three have won state titles.  All three have won over twenty playoffs games.   All three have won at least three regional titles.  And all three have qualified for the playoffs in each of the five years.  And that trend is expected to continue this year.

Nevertheless, there may be some competition in each region.  In Region 5, look for Walsh to challenge Hoban.  In Region 6, Avon may face off like last year with Medina Highland, which returns their starting quarterback.  And Anderson may need to fend off a resurging Cincinnati LaSalle team.

The chart below summarizes the playoff successes for all of the better teams in the state.

Below is a brief summary of each primary contender (including All-Ohio placement and recruiting ranking).

REGION 5

Akron Hoban (12-3) – Last year lost 35-10 in the state semifinals to Avon.  Returns 5 starters on offense and 4 on defense, including offensive lineman Sam Greer (1st Team, 4-star), defensive back Elbert Hill (1st Team, 4-star), running back Brayton Feister (2nd Team, 4-star), wide receivers Peyton Cook (3-star) and Ace Brown (3-star), plus newcomer quarterback Nick Kinsey (3-star).

Walsh Jesuit (13-1) – Returns wide receiver Milan Parris (1st Team, 3-star), offensive lineman Colton Crosley (2nd Team) and linebacker Caden Carter (3rd Team) and James Brewer III (3-star).

Others: Austintown Fitch, Nordonia.

REGION 6

Avon (16-0) – Last year won the Division II state title with a 20-13 victory over Cincinnati Anderson.  Returns 4 starters on offense and 3 on defense, including defensive back Jakob Weatherspoon (1st Team, 4-star).

Medina Highland (13-1) – Last year lost 28-20 in the regional finals to Avon.  Returns quarterback Casey Myaer (1st Team).

Others: Wadsworth, Anthony Wayne.

REGION 7

Massillon (11-3) – Last year lost 14-7 in the regional finals to Big Walnut.  Returns 2 starters on offense and 6 on defense, including senior inside linebacker Jay’Dyn Williams (3-star), senior cornerback Lenox Lemon (3-star), senior defensive lineman Zay-shawn Murray, junior wide receiver Deontay Malone, junior defensive lineman Joe Karder, junior offensive lineman Marcus Garner and junior backup running back Savior Owens.

Big Walnut (13-2) – Last year lost 28-24 in the state semifinals to Cincinnati Anderson.  Returns 7 starters on offense and 7 on defense, including running back Nolan Buirley (1st), linebacker Eli Helton (1st Team), defensive back Brody Hatfield (1st Team), offensive lineman Jake Wecker (1st Team), linebacker Clint Stover (4-star recruit) and Owen Pollock (3-star).

Others: Ashland, Columbus DeSales and New Albany.

REGION 8

Cincinnati Anderson (15-1) – Last year lost 20-13 in the state finals to Avon.  Returns 1 starter on offense and 2 on defense, including linebacker Antwoine Higgins (2nd Team, 4-star), defensive back Ace Alston (2nd Team, 4-star) and defensive back Ke’Maury Tye.

 Cincinnati LaSalle (11-3) – Last year lost 28-21 in the regional finals to Cincinnati Anderson.  Rerturns defensive lineman Naim Jackson and offensive lineman Mahmir Davis.

Others: Kings, Vandalia Butler, Harrison, Trotwood Madison.

 

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Massillon Poised to Overtake Valdosta as America’s Top Football…

Massillon Poised to Overtake Valdosta as America’s Top Football Wins Leader

It was in the movie “For Love of the Game” that Detroit Tigers’ player Billy Chapel was apprising a new girlfriend about his high number of losses as a pitcher.  He said to her, “We count everything In baseball.  That’s all we do.”  And so it goes for all sports, even high school football.  In fact, many publications go beyond the basic team and player statistics and attempt to list what they believe are the top teams in the entire nation.  Some rankings are based on seasonal game performance.  Others by the perception of historical dynasty.  And then there are those that are ranked more objectively, using simply the sum totals of wins acquired throughout teams’ lengthy timelines.

It is the third method that is the subject of this story.  Currently, the nation’s top team in total wins is Georgia’s Valdosta Wildcats, with Ohio’s Massillon Tigers just one game behind.  While neither may be considered as the current best team in the land, both have had their fair shares of great teams and dynastic periods.  But in the present, they have been in a battle to grasp and then maintain the Number 1 position in total historical wins.  They even met on the field at Massillon’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in a 2023 classic in order to determine if some level of bragging rights could be claimed.  In that one the Tigers came out on top, 28-17.

While Massillon previously led the nation in this category for many years thanks to the accomplishments of legendary coaches Paul Brown (Ohio State, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals), Chuck Mather (University of Kansas) and Leo Strang (Kent State University), they reluctantly surrendered the top spot to Valdosta in 1987.  What aided the Wildcats at the time was their opportunity to secure additional wins by taking advantage of Georgia’s extensive post-season playoff structure, whereas Ohio was late to the table and didn’t mirror Georgia’s format until much more recently.  Nevertheless, the Tigers have been pursuing the Wildcats ever since.  Only, that may be about to change.

For several years Valdosta has held a measurable lead in the race.  But they were recently forced to vacate some wins on account of employing ineligible players.  That, coupled with several forfeits from many years ago that have recently come to light, and suddenly the Tigers are just one game behind the Wildcats.  In addition, two Kentucky schools, Louisville Male and Mayfield, have also returned to the hunt, trailing Valdosta by just three and five games, respectively.  Here are the current standings:

  1. 960 – Valdosta, Georgia
  2. 959 – Massillon, Ohio
  3. 957 – Louisville Male, Kentucky
  4. 955 – Mayfield, Kentucky
  5. 943 – Fort Thomas Highlands, Kentucky
  6. 907 – Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania
  7. 903 – Muskegon, Michigan
  8. 900 – Highland Park, Texas
  9. 886 – Easton, Pennsylvania
  10. 882 – Canton McKinley, Ohio

One indicator that the dynamics are about to change are the win-loss trends over the past five years of the top four contenders, as shown below:

  • Valdosta – 67 games played, including 17 playoff games. 36-21 record (.632) (not counting the four forfeits in 2020).
  • Massillon – 70 games played, including 24 playoff games. 60-10 record (.857).
  • Louisville Male – 64 games, including 14 playoff games. 51-13 record (.797).
  • Mayfield – 64 games, including 14 playoff games. 55-9 record (.859).

The data shows that Valdosta has been clearly outshone by the other three teams over the past five years.  If these trends continue, then any one of the three could overtake the Wildcats as early as this year.  Ohio’s format for regional play now offers the prospect of winning four games and advancing to the state tournament, which entails another two games.  And Massillon has been simply dominating in a region that is stocked with more average programs, winning 18 of 20 games over this period of time.  Having these additional opportunities to increase the win count gives Massillon a decided advantage over the other three contenders.  This is something the Tigers didn’t have available to them during the playoff formats of earlier years.  And let’s not forget their consistent success in the regular season, where they own a 40-6 record during the five year period under the very successful Coach Nate Moore (110-25).

Another factor has also recently come to light.  A website that reports on Georgia high school football history has lowered Valdosta’s count by one win, which according to them now stands at 959.  If that number holds up it would mean that Massillon is in effect now tied for the lead, with both Louisville Male and Mayfield even closer to the top.

So, after a nearly 40-year drought, Massillon may once again stand above the rest of the country in total wins.  Then they, of course, would become the team that is being pursued.

News

2025 Lift-a-thon Results and Photos

2025 Lift-a-thon Results and Photos

The annual Steve Studer Memorial Lift-a-thon was held recently in the WHS gym .  It was surely an energetic and muscle-burning event, yet just one more step to the finish line as the Tigers prepare for the 2025 football season.  Once again, Strength Coach Dan Studer did a fantastic job of organizing and conducting the event.

Three lifts were performed by each participant: clean lift, bench press and squat. Each lifter selected his preferred weight for each lift and then attempted as many lifts as he could until his arms or legs gave out. A composite score was then used to determine the winner of each of eleven weight classes based on the total weight lifted and the number of reps (max. 10).  Achievement medals were then awarded to the top three lifters in each category. Here are the winners:

  • 140 lb. weight class – Trimble
  • 150 lb. weight class – Greg Corsale (Jr.)
  • 160 lb. weight class – Chayce White (Jr.)
  • 170 lb. weight class – Eli Moore (Sr.)
  • 180 lb. weight class – Boshop Cupp (Sr.)
  • 190 lb. weight class – Anthony Hoover (Jr.)
  • 200 lb. weight class – Savior Owens (Jr.)
  • 215 lb. weight class – Kavon Sankey (Jr.)
  • 230 lb. weight class – Allen
  • Heavy weight class – Owen Sirgo (Sr.)
  • Super heavyweight class – Marcus Garner (Jr.)

Photos by Rob Engelhardt

140 lb. weight class – (1) Trimble (    ), (2) William Sampsel (So.), (3) Orr (    )

150 lb. weight class – (1) Greg Corsale (Jr.), (2) TJ Menches (So.), (3) Joshua Patterson (So.)

160 lb. weight class – (1) Chayce White (Jr.), (2) Jett Riley (Jr.), (3) Joshua Henderson (Sr.)

170 lb. weight class – (1) Eli Moore (Sr.), (2) Rasmus Haines (So.), (3) Jaxson Perry (So.)

180 lb. weight class – (1) Bishop Cupp (Sr.), (2) Christian Culler (Jr.), (3) Logan Thornsberry (So)

190 lb. weight class – (1) Anthony Hoover (Jr.), (2) Tra’yon Williams (Sr.), (3) Devaughn Williams (So.)

200 lb. weight class – (1) Savior Owens (Jr.), (2) Ke’Aun Fowler (Jr.), (3) Sebastian Harper (Jr.)

215 lb. weight class – (1) Kavon Sankey (Jr.), (2) Ja’Dyn Williams (Sr.), (3) Worth Hirning (So.)

230 lb. weight class – (1) Adrian Allen (    )

Heavy weight class – (1) Owen Sirgo (Sr.), (2) Joe Karder (Jr.), (3) Robert Blakely (Sr.)

Super heavyweight class – (1) Marcus Garner (Jr.), (2) Davionne Floyd (Jr.), (3) Zay-shawn Murray (Sr.)

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Cy Rigler to be Inducted into the Massillon Wall…

Cy Rigler to be Inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions

 The Massillon Football Booster Club is proud to announce that Charles Cyrus “Cy” Rigler will be inducted this year into the “Massillon Wall of Champions.”  The formal ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Club’s Reverse Raffle event, which is scheduled for July 17, 2025, at the Eagles 190.

The Wall of Champions is reserved for Massillon grads who played a varsity sport and then went on to accomplish something remarkable later in life.  And no one meets that criterion better than Cy Rigler, who found his calling in professional baseball’s National League, where he spent thirty years umpiring games.

Rigler was born on May 16, 1882, in Massillon, Ohio, as the son a German immigrant fireman.  In 1899, now as a high school senior, he had an opportunity to join the Massillon High football team, which was re-forming after a 2-year hiatus.  Since he was one of the larger players in the team, his position was better suited for the offensive and defensive lines.  Massillon finished 3-3-1 that year with a squad comprised of just fourteen players.

1899 Massillon Football Team.  Rigler is shown at the far right of the second row.

After graduation, Rigler made his way into semipro baseball.  However, in 1903 he returned to the gridiron, this time playing right tackle for the Massillon Tigers professional team.  But a knee injury shortly into it curtailed that phase of his career.  Only, that was not the end of sports for Cy.

In 1905 Rigler was responsible for assembling the roster of the Massillon pro team for that year.  Then, due to his enormous size, now standing 6-foot tall and weighing 270 pounds, Rigler was asked to umpire industrial league baseball games in order to quell the frequent fights.  He enjoyed umpiring so much that in 1904 he parlayed that experience into a similar position in the Central League of minor league baseball.  It was there that he invented the call sign for a strike that is used by all umpires today; i.e., raising his right arm following the pitch.  It came in 1905 during a game in Evansville, Indiana.  The motion was apparently used to aid one of the players on the field who happened to be deaf.

His stint in the minor leagues lasted just two years, before he was promoted to the majors as a National League umpire.  He worked his first game (Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs) on September 27, 1906, at age 24, thereby becoming the youngest umpire in Major League history.  He remained there for thirty years (1906 thru 1935), umpiring 4,144 regular season games, a mark that was ranked fourth all-time when he retired.  He was also behind the plate for 2,468 of those games.  So well respected was Rigler, that he was also selected to umpire in ten different World Series, involving 65 games.  He also umpired in the first All-Star Game, in 1933.  Rigler’s last outing was on September 29, 1935.  Following the season. he was placed on the supervisory staff of the National League and named Chief of Umpires.  But unfortunately, he passed away before he could assume the role.

As an umpire, Rigler is remembered for calling a controversial catch in the 1925 World Series.  Earl Smith had hit a fly ball to the right field corner and Sam Rice caught the ball, but fell into the bleachers on the play.  Nevertheless, Rigler ruled that Rice had secured the ball and thus called Smith out.  But the debate of whether or not he really did catch the ball continued for the next fifty years, until Rice, upon his death bed, confirmed that he had in fact caught the ball.  So, Rigler had made the right call after all.

He was considered as a very fair umpire and rarely needed to argue with either a coach or a player.  But there was one particular exception in 1915 when he overruled another umpire’s call involving Reds’ Tommie Leach, who was caught off second base as the victim of a hidden-ball trick.  The field umpire called Leach safe.  Only Rigler, who from behind home plate had a better view of the play, called him out.  Reds’ manager Buck Herzog quickly left the bench and approached Rigler to argue, shoving Cy in his chest protector and spiking his foot.  So Rigler responded by putting Herzog on the ground with a single punch to the left eye.  That set off a riot involving both players and fans, necessitating a dozen policemen to restore order.  At the end of the day, both combatants found themselves in St. Louis Police Court and were fined $5.00 each.

In a few unusual feats:

  • He was once wired to the stadium microphones so that fans could hear his calls of balls and strikes.
  • In the initial days of major league baseball, the league commonly employed just a single umpire.
  • Rigler was behind the plate when Chicago beat Philadelphia 26-23, the highest-scoring game in major league history.
  • He was the umpire when the opposing pitchers in a Cincinnati vs. Chicago game pitched nine innings of no-hit baseball.

In the offseason Rigler would return home to North East, Pennsylvania, where he remained quite active.  Some of his gigs included the following:

  • Policeman
  • Fireman
  • Golf course maintenance worker
  • Machinist
  • Supervisor in the gas and oil fields for a subsidiary of Standard Oil Co.
  • Ballpark designer (including Cuba, Latin America and the one at the University of Virginia)
  • Assistant baseball coach at the University of Virginia
  • Athletic advisor to several colleges and universities

He also found time to work on a law degree and dabble in his vineyard.

Rigler died on December 21, 1935, in Philadelphia at age 53, two weeks after surgery for a brain tumor, leaving his wife Nellie and two stepchildren from Nellie’s previous marriage.  But his body was subsequently returned to his roots to be buried in Massillon Cemetery.

Congratulations to Charles “Cy” Rigler and his later descendants.

Special thanks to Frank Cicchinelli for discovering Cy Rigler.

History

The Common Thread that Unites Ohio’s Football Dynasties

The Common Thread that Unites Ohio’s Football Dynasties

Throughout the history of Ohio high school football there have always been a select few teams that dominated the scene.  Many have had noteworthy periods of year-to-year success that sports fans like to refer to as “dynasties.”  Several good teams, like Massillon, Cincinnati Moeller and Cleveland St. Ignatius for example, have withstood the test of time and still dominate today, while the dynasties of many others have come and gone.

And it’s no secret that the one trait these dynastic schools have in common is long-term, highly successful head coaches.  The most notable of these are Massillon’s Paul Brown, Moeller’s Gerry Faust and St. Ignatius’ Chuck Kyle.  But there was also Cincinnati Colerain’s Kerry Coomb, Canton McKinley’s Bup Rearick and Upper Arlington’s Marvin Morehead.  Plus many others.

This story presents what is judged to be the best dynasties since the beginning of scholastic football in Ohio, covering a span of some 130+ years.  Also included is some background on each of the teams’ successful head coaches.

First off, a little clarification regarding the definition of the word “dynasty.”  A dynasty is considered to have been achieved when a school develops sustained success over a significant period of time; for this story it is a minimum of ten years, with an unbroken string of season records of 7-3 or better, while at times including the rare outlier.  There must have been dominance over most competitors.  The school must have brought something unique to the game that produced this success.  And finally, after the dynasty ends, it is documented in the history books and/or recalled by most football fans through common knowledge.

The list of dynasties shown below, ranked by duration, includes solely Division I and Division II schools.  With all due respect to the highly successful smaller schools, they aren’t necessarily playing the top competition in the state.  The exception is Division III Toledo Central Catholic, which plays mostly DI and DII schools.

Massillon – 33 years, from 1933 to 1965 (191-30-2; .861).   The winning tradition at Massillon has endured for nearly a hundred years.  But it really took off with the hiring of head coach Paul Brown in 1932.  Throughout his eight years at Massillon, he compiled a record of 80-8-2, winning six state championships and three national championships.  After leaving Massillon he went on to coach Ohio State, the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals.  Brown put a remarkably successful program together that has endured to this date.  While many coaches have the talent to win a vast majority of their games, often the successful performances diminished once they departed.  But the City of Massillon committed itself to retaining what Brown had built.  As a result, the consistent success of the Tigers has remained ever since, attesting to this endeavor.  Concurrent with that, a string of subsequent successful coaches was also a key to maintaining the program.  Two of these were Chuck Mather and Leo Strang.  Mather (1948-53) won 57 of 60 games and captured the sportswriters’ state title each year, in addition to three national championships.  Strang (1958- 63) also came up big, with a record of 54-8-1, including two state championships and three national championships.  The dynasty concluded with back-to-back unbeaten seasons by future Ohio State head coach Earl Bruce.

Massillon also enjoyed three other noteworthy periods.  Bob Commings (1969-73) had a 5-year record of 43-6-2, with a state championship in 1970 and a spot in Ohio’s first ever state playoffs game in 1972.  He left to become the head coach of the University of Iowa.  Mike Currence (1976-84) had a fine 8-year run from 1976 to 1983, compiling a record of 80-15-2, with two state finals appearances.  And current head coach Nate Moore (2015-24) has a record of 110-25, with a Division II state championship in 2023, six regional championships and five state finals appearances.

 Cincinnati Colerain – 30 years, from 1991 to 2020 (285-33; .843).  Colerain had two coaches during this period: Kerry Coombs (1991-2006) and Tom Bolden (2007-18).  Coombs had instant success with his program and compiled a record of 161-34, with a state title in 2004, along with five regional titles.   Subsequently, he coached at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio State and with the Tennessee Titans.  Bolden took over in 2007 and produced a fine record of 132-21.  During his time there the Cardinals captured three regional titles and reached the state finals once.   He left in 2018 to become the head of coach of Lakota West.

 Cincinnati Moeller – 21 years, from 1970 to 1990 (217-24; .900).  It took a while for inaugural Crusader coach Gerry Faust (1962-1980) to get it going, but once he did there was success after success.  Moeller’s record during his time there was 178-23-2 and during the dynasty he captured five state championships, seven regional championships and four national championships.  Faust left to become the head coach of Notre Dame and then the head coach at the University of Akron.  In 1982 Steve Klonne (1982-2000) became the head coach and during his 19 years he had a record of 169-48.  He won two state titles and three regional titles, plus a national title in 1982.

 Pickerington Central – 19 years, from 2006-24 (191-40; .827).  In 2003 Pickerington High School split into North and Central and Jay Sharett (2003-22) was hired to become Central’s first coach.  Once the program matured his squad became one of the most dominant teams in Ohio, something that has continued to this day.  He retired after last season with a record of 211-42, including two state titles, eight regional titles and two state runners-up.  In fact, Central captured the regional title each year from 2016 to 2020.

 Canton McKinley – 18 years, from 1933 to 1950 (148-25-10; .836).  Three different coaches were the major contributors at this time, including Jimmy Aiken (1932-35), John Reed (1936-40) and Bup Rearick (1942-49).  Aiken compiled a record of 34-7-1 and won a state title in 1934.  He went on to coach at Akron, Nevada and Oregon.  Reed succeeded Aiken and had a record of 39-7-2 over five years, but was stymied by Paul Brown’s Massillon teams, which wiped out four potential unbeaten seasons.  Rearick produced a record of 67-8-4, with state championships in 1942 and 1949.  He was also a long-time McKinley basketball coach.

14 years, from 1968-81 (125-25-3; .827).  Again, three different coaches contributed to the run, including Ron Chismar (1965-69), John Brideweser (1970-79) and Terry Forbes (1980-81).  Chismar coached for five years and was 37-13.   Five years later he was the head coach of Wichita State.  Brideweser coached for ten years, all within the dynasty, and was 77-21-3.  Finally, Forbes coached for the last two, with a record of 22-2.  His 1981 team went 13-0 and captured the Division I state title.  Later, Forbes was an assistant coach for both the University of Akron and Notre Dame University.

The Bulldogs also had a good 7-year run, from 1992 to 1998, with all except one year under head coach Thom McDaniels, who had an overall record there of 131-41.  During the run, the Bulldogs captured three regional titles and a state title, in 1997.  They also won the national title that year.  Kerry Hodakievic coached the final year of the 7-year run and also had a state title.

 Lakewood St. Edward – 17 years, from 1970 to 1986 (140-35-3; .795).  The Eagles were highly successful in the ‘70s and ‘80s, mostly under head coach Dan Flaherty (61-23-2), who accounted for approximately half of the seasons.  Other contributing coaches included Fred Orr, Denny Martin, Mike Currence and A. O’Neil.  St. Eds won three regional crowns during that time.

14 years, from 2010 to 2023 (161-25; .866).  This dynasty was led by two coaches: Rick Finotti (62-15) for the first five years and current coach Tom Lombardo (103-22) for the next nine.  During that time, the Eagles captured eight regional titles and seven state titles.  Finotti went on to become an assistant coach at Michigan and head coach at John Carroll.

Cleveland St. Ignatius – 15 years, from 1988-2002 (157-17; .902).  In 1988 St. Ignatius supplanted Cincinnati Moeller as the dominant team in Ohio.  And they went on to put together a string of fifteen very successful campaigns, all under head coach Chuck Kyle (1983-23).  Recently retired, Kyle’s teams went 379-117-1 during his career.  Throughout the stretch, Ignatius won twelve regional championships and nine state championships.  The school was also named national champion in 1989, 1993 and 1995.

 Avon – 15 years, from 2010 to 2024 (178-22; .890).  Avon owes their success to long-time and current coach Mike Elder (2001-24).  He has compiled a career record there of 232-52 and accounts for all fifteen years of the dynasty.  Eight times Avon has won the regional title, including seven times in the last eight years.  Finally, in 2024, the Eagle were able to take home the Division II state championship.

Hilliard Davidson – 13 years, from 2004 to 2016 (132-24; .846).  Head coach Brian White (199-58) spent 17 years at Davidson, from 1999 to 2016.  Under his leadership, the Wildcats were a dominating force in the Columbus area for a 13-year period of time.  Five times they captured the regional championship and twice were the state champions (2006 and 2009).

Toledo Central Catholic – 13 years, from 2012 to 2024 (177-25-2; .873).  Greg Dempsy (1000-24) has been the head coach of the Irish for the last 25 years, with an overall record of 266-55.  He has had an ongoing dynasty for the last thirteen, during which Central has won six regional titles and two state titles in Division III and three regional titles and two state titles in Division II.

Centerville – 12 years, from 1976 to 1986 (112-11; .911).  Bob Gregg coached at Centerville for 28 years, compiling a record of 219-62.  He had his best run from 1976 to 1986 during which time the Elks claimed a Division I regional title, in 1984.  Later, Gregg was the coach in 1991 when Centerville competed in the state finals.

 Upper Arlington – 11 years, from 1964 to 1974 (99-9-2; .909).  The Golden Bears burst onto the scene in 1966 when they scored a 21-6 victory over 2-time defending state champion Massillon.  The following year they also turned the trick with a 7-6 win, this time achieving a state title, a crown they again won in both 1968 and 1969.  Two coaches contributed to the 11-year run: Marvin Moorehead and Pete Corey.  Moorehead coached from 1955 to 1969, compiling a 57-1 record during the streak.  Cory took over from Moorehead and coached through 1986, with a record of 42-8-2 during the streak.  Although Corey left at that time, he returned from 1986 through 2021 as offensive coordinator.

 Akron Hoban – 10 years, from 2015 to 2024 (129-16; .890).  Current coach Tim Tyrell assumed the reigns of Hoban in 2016 and has been the primary contributor to the dynasty, with an overall record of 118-12.  During the 10-year span the Knights captured two state titles in Division III, along with seven regional titles and three state titles in Division II.

Huber Heights Wayne – 10 years, from 1981 to 1990 (85-17-3; .824).  Mike Schneider was the head coach for Wayne for 17 years, from 1981 to 1997, compiling a record of 128-43-3.  His dynasty spanned 1981 through 1990.

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Massillon’s Record-Setting Defenders

Massillon’s Record-Setting Defenders

 The MassillonTigers.com website maintains all of Massillon’s football records, which can be found at this link.  Below are the record setters for the defense category.  But first a couple of key items.

  1. Individual player defensive data was not recorded in detail until 1982. Therefore, the individual player records maintained by the football program are derived only from official game statistics gleaned from that date forward, unless discovered by some other means.
  2. Two different methods have been derived over time to calculate a player’s number of tackles. The first is total tackles, which is the sum of both solo tackles and assisted tackles.  The second is tackle points, which is the sum of solo tackles and one half of assisted tackles.  Both methods are prevalent throughout the sports world, so both are recognized in the official Massillon records.

Chris Spielman (1981-83): 5 records

  • Chris Spielman Ohio StateSingle season solo tackles, total tackles and tackle points – In 1982 Spielman in 13 games recorded 113 solo tackles and 43 assists, totaling 156 total tackles and 5 tackle points. He also had four pass interceptions and recovered two fumbles.  Following the season he was named 1st Team All-Ohio at linebacker.  The Tigers finished the year with a 12-1 record and advanced in the playoffs to the Division I state finals.  Although Spielman wasn’t the fastest player on the field, his ability to read the play prior to the snap based on the opponent’s formation and also anticipate of the flow of the play when it began was perhaps unmatched by any previous Massillon player.
  • Career unassisted tackles and tackle points – Spielman was a starter at inside linebacker for three years. Unfortunately, defensive statistics were recorded only during his second and third seasons, so his full career stats are not available.  Nevertheless, he was still able to set two records, including 190 solo tackles and 220.0 tackle points.  In 1983 Spielman was again named 1st team All-Ohio, but also All-American.  From there, he started four years at Ohio State and enjoyed a long career with the Detroit Lions.

Michael Wright Jr. (2021-24): 3 records

  • Michael Wright Jr

    Single season quarterback sacks – Wright was a 4-year starter on the defensive line and set a record with 10.5 quarterback sacks during his 2023 junior season. It was a year in which the Tigers captured the Division II state championship at the end of an unbeaten16-week campaign.  In a 35-7 victory over Canton McKinley, he recorded 3.0 quarterback sacks, setting a game record for that series.

  • Career quarterback sacks and tackles for loss – Wright finished his career with 23.0 quarterback sacks, 9.5 sacks ahead of the second place Dorian Pringle (2022-23). He also had 49 tackles for loss, eclipsing Pringle’s mark by 3 TFLs.  What is remarkable is that Wright played at 5’-10”, 280 lbs.  But he had tremendous strength and an uncanny quickness off the snap to enable this success.

Billy Relford (2001-03): 2 records

  • Single season pass interceptions – In 2002 Relford intercepted 12 passes to set the single-season record. Four of the picks came against North Canton Hoover during a 31-0 playoff game victory.  Included in that was returned 50-yard return for a score.  He also ran back an interception 80 yards for TD against Cleveland St. Ignatius.  The Tigers finished 12-3 that year and advanced in the playoffs to the Division I state semifinals.
  • Career pass interceptions – During his 3-year career Relford intercepted 16 passes. Three were returned for touchdowns.

 Spencer Leno (2007-09): 2 records

  • Career assisted tackles and total tackles – During his 3-year career Leno, playing at linebacker, recorded 123 solo tackles and 173 assisted tackles, for a total of 296 tackles. He also had 21 tackles for loss.  His most productive games came in 2009 against Steubenville (11 solos, 4 assists) and Cleveland St. Ignatius (6 solos, 7 assists).  Following the 2009 10-4 season Leno was named Special Mention All-Ohio.

 Chuck Vliet (1948-50): 1 record

  • Single game total tackles – In 1950 in a game against Warren Harding, Vliet recorded an unbelievable 42 tackles. Vliet’s asset was that he was incredibly adept at finding the ball carrier during the play, whether it was a running back or a receiver.  So for this game, Head Coach Chuck Mather told Vliet that he wanted him to make all of the tackles.  Meanwhile, the remaining ten players were instructed to prevent the Harding players from blocking Vliet.  The ploy worked and the Tigers went on to win 23-6.

 Paris McCall (2003-05): 1 record

  • Single game quarterback sacks – In the 2005 season opener against Dover, McCall set a single-game record with 5 quarterback sacks. He also had 8 solo tackles and one assist, with 2.0 tackles for loss.  Massillon won the game, 34-0.  By season’s end, McCall led the team in total tackles, tackles for loss and quarterback sacks.  He was also named 2nd Team All-Ohio.  As a team, the Tigers finished 13-2 and advanced in the playoffs to the Division I state finals.

Troy Ellis (2003-05): 1 record

  • Single game pass interceptions – In Game 2 of the 2005 season Massillon traveled south to face Cincinnati Elder in Paul Brown Stadium. Defensive back Troy Ellis had a career day against the Panthers by intercepting 5 passes.  He also returned a fumble 25 yards for a score.  Massillon led 35-7 at the end of the third quarter, but managed to hold on to win, 35-31.

 Ben Krichbaum (2016-18): 1 record

  • Single season assisted tackles – In 2018 Krichbaum recorded 78 assisted tackles in a 15-game season. He also led the team that year with 119 total tackles and 80.0 tackle points, with 10.5 tackles for loss.  As a team Massillon was perfect in the win-loss column until the Division II state finals.

Dorian Pringle (2022-23): 1 record

  • Single season tackles for loss – In 2023 Pringle recorded 24.5 tackles for loss, while also finishing second in total tackles and quarterback sacks. His 2023 record erased the previous mark of 21.5, which he also set in 2022.  His fortes were the abilities to find the ball in a crowd to make the tackle and also exhibit a ferocious pass blitz.  Simply put, he was a “player,” along the lines of a Chris Spielman.

 

 

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Massillon Releases 2025 Football Schedule

Massillon Releases 2025 Football Schedule

Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore has recently released the schedule for 2025 Tigers.  The squad should feel quite at home this year with nine games slated for the friendly confines of Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.  The only road game is the annual Week Ten rivalry against Canton McKinley, which is just a short eight miles to the east, at Tom Bensen Hall of Fame Stadium.  There, Massillon enjoys a 4-0 record against the Pups.

Jay’Dyn Williams sacks the Teays Valley quarterback (photo by Rob Engelhardt)

The slate features five non-Ohio teams, including newcomers Rabun Gap from Georgia, Bennet from New York, Cornerstone Christian from Texas and Cardinal Ritter College Prep from Missouri.  In addition, Football North from Ontario returns from last year’s schedule.  For the opener, Massillon has scheduled Cleveland Glenville, which is coached by Ted Ginn.  With two recent Division IV championships on the belt Ginn has been jumping up and down for the opportunity to face the Tigers.  The opponents last year compiled an overall record of 81-40.

  1. Cleveland Glenville – H
  2. Canton GlenOak – H
  3. Rabun Gap, GA – H
  4. Bennett, NY – H
  5. Lakewood St. Edward – H
  6. Cornerstone Christian, TX – H
  7. Football North (Clarkson), ONT – H
  8. Cardinal Ritter College Prep, MO – H
  9. Warren Harding – H
  10. Canton McKinley – A

Moore will begin his 11th year as head coach of the Tigers, where he has compiled an overall record of 110-25, broken down as follows:

  • Regular season: 78-17
  • Playoffs: 32-8
  • Playoff regional finals: 6-2
  • Playoff state finals: 1-3
  • Ohio Public: 81-22
  • Ohio Private: 15-9
  • Out of State: 14-3
  • Canton McKinley: 9-1
  • Last seven years: 88-12

Last year Massillon finished with a record of 11-3, while losing 14-7 to Big Walnut in the regional finals. The season began with a trip to Oregon to play NFL Academy-London in an event that was sponsored by Nike.  The Tigers won that encounter, 35-20.  Later, they defeated 3-time defending Division I state champion Lakewood St. Edward, 31-21.  It was Massillon’s third consecutive win over the Eagles.  The regular season wrapped up with a 16-7 victory over McKinley.  In 2023 the Tigers captured the Division II state championship with a 7-2 victory over Akron Hoban.  It was Massillon’s 25th state title overall.

For the 2025 season Massillon will rely on the defense to carry the team early, as the offense returns just two starters: an offense lineman and a wide receiver.  But the program is strong underneath and several good prospects are in position to step into the starting roles.  The defense, however, returns seven full-time and several part-time starters, including five of the front seven, a group that last year held opponents to a mere 2.8 yards per carry.  Fortunately, the schedule top-to-bottom does not appear as strong as last year’s, which was perhaps the stiffest slate of competition that the Tigers have ever faced.

Enjoy the following opponent breakdowns, plus an early preview of Massillon:

Week 1 – Cleveland Glenville – H

  • League: Cleveland Senate Athletic League
  • Playoff Division: DIV
  • 2024 Overall Record: 13-3
  • 2024 Playoff Results: 4-1; lost 13-11 in state semifinals to Sandusky Perkins
  • 2024 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 1 in Division IV; rated 44.0
  • 5-Year Record: 48-11
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 4 qualifications; 18-2; DIV state champions in 2022 and 2023
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: In 2009 Glenville defeated Massillon 31-17 in the D1 state semifinals
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. Glenville: 3-1
  • Bonus: Returns offensive lineman Marquis Whipple (6’-3”, 290), 1st Team All-Ohio, linebacker Cincere Johnson (6’-3”, 225), 1st Team All-Ohio, Defensive Player of the Year, defensive back Aaron Scales (5’-9”, 180), 2nd Team All-Ohio, and running back C.J. Newell (5’-10, 180) 3rd Team All-Ohio.

Week 2 – Canton GlenOak – H

  • League: Federal League
  • Playoff Division: DI
  • 2024 Overall Record: 1-9
  • 2024 Playoff Results: Did not qualify
  • 2024 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 55 in D1; rated 5.0
  • 5-Year Record: 15-36
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 4 qualifications; 1-4 record
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost 45-0 to Massillon in 2024
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. Canton GlenOak: 16-4
  • Bonus: GlenOak has had only one winning season in the past eight years, that one coming in 2023 when they went 7-5.

Week 3 – Rabun Gap-Nacoochee, Rabun County, GA – H

  • League: NCISAA Western
  • Playoff Division: NCISAA IU
  • 2024 Overall Record: 12-1
  • 2024 Playoff Results: 3-1; state champion in North Carolina; defeated Providence Day, NC, 42-39
  • 2024 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 17 in Georgia; ranked No. 4 in North Carolina; rated 52.0
  • 5-Year Record: 48-11
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 4 qualifications; 7-3
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: n.a.
  • Historical Series Massillon vs: Rabun Gap: 0-0
  • Bonus: Returns senior quarterback Gavin Owens (6’-4”, 198) (198-289-2,815, 35 TDs), senior wide receiver Walker Bryson (5’-11”, 170) (47-593, 7 TDs), senior wide receiver Joshua Buckhalter (5’-8”,165) (40-652, 9 TDs), senior defensive end Ryan Hassett (6’-3”, 230) (37 tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 13 QB sacks) and senior safety Zeke Marshall (6’-5”,180) (6 interceptions).

 Week 4 –Bennett, Buffalo, New York – H

  • League: Section 6 AA
  • Playoff Division: AA
  • 2024 Overall Record: 7-2
  • 2024 Playoff Results: Lost 28-16 in first round to Jamestown
  • 2024 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 78 in New York; rated 0.7
  • 5-Year Record: 40-14
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 5 qualifications; 12-4; won championship in 2022
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: n.a.
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. Bennet: 0-0
  • Bonus: Lost 42-0 last year to St. John’s, D.C.  Returns Senior running back/safety Jimmy Valentine (5’-10”, 180) (rushed 51 times for 508 yards and 5 TDs; 44 tackles, 6 TFLs), senior wide receiver Jack Eskridge (5’-7”) (caught 26 passes for 281 yards and 8 TDs); senior linebacker Nyree Feaster (5’-8”, 206) (49 tackles, 4 TFLs); sophomore defensive end Jason Hargrove (5’-11, 210) (46 tackles, 8 TFLs).

Week 5 – Lakewood St. Edward – H

  • League: None
  • Playoff Division: DI
  • 2024 Overall Record: 9-6
  • 2024 Playoff Results: 4-1; lost 21-7 in the state semifinals to Olentangy Liberty
  • 2024 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 4 in D1; rated 49.8
  • 5-Year Record: 60-11
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 23-2 record; state titles in 2021, 2022 and 2023
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost to Massillon 31-21 in 2024
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. St. Edward: 6-4
  • Bonus: Returns wide receiver Zach Hackleman (6’-1”, 170), 1st Team All-Ohio, wide receiver Joseph Saffold (7’-0”, 170), HM All-Ohio, offensive lineman Mason Wilhelm (6’-4”, 290), HM All-Ohio and defensive back Brayden Thomas (6’-0”, 175), HM All-Ohio.

Week 6 – Corner Christian, San Antonio, TX – H

  • League: None
  • Playoff Division: None
  • 2024 Overall Record: 5-5
  • 2024 Playoff Results: n.a.
  • 2024 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 275 in Texas; rated 18.0
  • 5-Year Record: 26-22
  • 5-Year Playoff History: n.a.
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: n.a.
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. Corner Christian: 0-0
  • Bonus: Finished 8-1 in 2020 and 6-3 in 2021.  Lost 34-16 in 2024 to Legacy School of Sport Sciences.  Returns senior quarterback I Gaitan (6’-0”, 170) (132-217-2,015, 19 TDs), wide receiver/athlete Davis McCray (6’-2”, 200) (32-639, 10 TDs; 38 tackles) and junior defensive lineman Cole Clark (8.0 TFLs).

Week 7 – Football North, Clarkson Secondary School, Mississauga, Ontario – H

  • League: East Coast Power Prep League (plays exclusively teams from the USA)
  • Playoff Division: n/a (game does not count in Harbin System)
  • 2024 Overall Record: 8-3
  • 2024 Playoff Results: n/a
  • 2024 Calpreps.com: n/a
  • 5-Year Record: 17-24 (no games in 2020)
  • 5-Year Playoff History: n/a
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: Massillon won 45-6 in 21-24
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. North: 1-0
  • Bonus: Returns to the schedule for the second consecutive year; may become a regular opponent.

Week 8 – Cardinal Ritter College Prep, St. Louis, Missouri – H

  • League: AAA (Five parochial schools)
  • Playoff Division: D5
  • 2024 Overall Record: 10-2
  • 2024 Playoff Results: 2-1; lost 30-18 to Lafayette
  • 2024 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 6 in Missouri; rated 44.7
  • 5-Year Record: 49-13
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 13-2; state champions in 2022 and 2023
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: n.a.
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. Cardinal Ritter: 0-0
  • Bonus: Returns senior wide receiver De’shaun Stevenson (52-652, 3 TDs), junior linebacker Marshaun Ivy (6’-3”, 220) (71 tackles)

Week 9 – Warren Harding – H

  • League: All-American Conference
  • Playoff Division: DII
  • 2024 Overall Record: 8-4
  • 2024 Playoff Results: 1-1; lost 41-21 to Austintown Fitch
  • 2024 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 26 in DII; rated 23.8
  • 5-Year Record: 26-29
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 8-5 record
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost 45-14 to Massillon in 2024
  • Historical Series Massillon vs. Warren: 61-25-3 (second-longest series)
  • Bonus: Returns junior backup quarterback James Jones (6’-3”, 200) (39-65, 415, 5 TDs) and senior linebacker Tyler Smith (6’-0”, 195) (86 tackles).

Week 10 – Canton McKinley – A

  • League: Federal League
  • Playoff Division: DI
  • 2024 Overall Record: 8-5
  • 2024 Playoff Results: Lost 31-0 to Mentor in Round 3
  • 2024 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 20 in DI; rated 34.1
  • 5-Year Record: 36-23
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 8-5 playoff record
  • Last Time Massillon vs. Massillon: Lost 16-7 to Massillon in 2024
  • Historical Series vs. McKinley: 77-53-5; Massillon has won 13 of the last 14 games
  • Bonus: Returns 4 starters on offense and 4 on defense.  The best player is 2-way senior starter Damere McClellan (5’-11, 173).  Against Massillon last year he recorded 6 tackles, including 2 TFLs.  Junior running back Isaac Brooks (5’-11”, 200) caught 3 passes for 18 yards and McKinley’s lone touchdown.
Savior Owens is off and running against Canal Winchester (photo by Rob Engelhardt)

The Book on Massillon

  • League: Independent
  • Playoff Division: DII
  • 2024 Overall Record: 11-3
  • 2024 Playoff Results: Lost in the regional finals to Big Walnut, 14-7
  • 2024 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 5 in DII; Rated 50.5
  • 5-Year Record: 61-10
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 22-4 record; advanced to the state finals in 2019, 2020 and 2023; won state championship in 2023; won regional championship in 2022
  • Bonus: Returns 2 full-time starters on offense; returns 7 full-time plus 4 part-time starters on defense.  Returnees include:
    • Junior offensive tackle Marcus Garner (6’-1”, 285)
    • Junior offensive lineman Kevin Elliott Jr. (6’-0”, 265)
    • Junior wide receiver Deontay Malone (5’-11, 175)
    • Junior defensive lineman Isaac Maxheimer (6’-0”, 200)
    • Junior defensive lineman Dayvionne Floyd (6’-1”, 260)
    • Junior defensive lineman Joseph Russ-Karder (6’-4”, 215)
    • Senior defensive lineman Anthony Neal (6’-3”, 310)
    • Senior defensive lineman Zey’shawn Murray (6’-1”, 290)
    • Senior inside linebacker Ja’Dyn Williams (6’-1”, 200)
    • Senior inside linebacker Logan Allman (6’-1”, 215)
    • Junior outside linebacker R’Celle Hill (6’-0”, 190)
    • Senior cornerback Lennox Lemon (6’-1”, 175)
    • Senior cornerback De’Mari Clemons (5’-10”, 165)
    • Senior safety Tra’Yon Williams (5’-10”, 190)
    • Junior safety Braylon Gamble (6’-0”, 185)
    • Senior long snapper Francesco Salvino (5’-10”, 190)
    • Junior place kicker Mateo Herrera (5’-5”, 140)
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Massillon’s Record-Setting Kickers and Punters

Massillon’s Record-Setting Kickers and Punters

 The MassillonTigers.com website maintains all of Massillon’s football records, which can be found at this link.  Below are the record setters for the kicking and punting categories.

KICKERS

Note: The website contains a host of kicking categories, but only the most significant ones are shown below. 

Alex Bauer (2018-20): 6 records

  • Single game PAT kicks made and points kicking – In a 2018 game against Sun Valley, PA, Bauer, just a sophomore at the time, converted on all 14 of his PAT attempts in a 101-7 victory.  He also kicked a 39-yard field goal to account for 17 scoring points.
  • Single season PAT kicks made and field goal percent – In his senior season, Bauer was good on 46 PAT attempts, missing only one that year. In 2018, he was good on 7 of 8 field goals attempts for a mark of 88%.  His most memorable field goal came in the playoff regional finals against Akron Hoban when he kicked a 31-yarder with just seven seconds remaining in the half to push the Tigers ahead on the scoreboard.  That margin held up for the remainder of the game in a 17-14 Massillon victory.
  • Career PAT kicks made and field goal percent (tie) – Bauer kicked three years for the Tigers. In his sophomore year he converted 76 of 83 PAT attempts and 7 of 8 field goal attempts.  In his junior year he converted 81 of 83 PAT attempts and 6 of 8 field goal attempts.  In his senior year he converted all 47 PAT attempts and 8 of 11 field goal attempts.  Thus, for his career Bauer converted 205 of 213 PAT attempts.  He was also good on 21 of 27 field goal attempts for a mark of 78%.

 Andrew David (2011-14): 2 records

  • Single game longest field goal – Andrew David had perhaps the longest range of any kicker to suit up for Massillon.  And that was put to the test in a 2014 game against St. John’s Collegiate of Ontario.  With the Tigers up 38-0 to the begin of the second quarter, they had just made a first down at the St. John’s 41 yard line.  To the surprise of all, Coach Jason Hall sent David onto the field in an attempt to stretch the kicking distance record.  That he did in booming a 58-yard monster.  It also ranks No. 5 in the OHSAA state record book, just three yards shy of the record-holder.  And it appeared long enough in the video to have beaten that mark.
  • Career field goals made – In his four years, David kicked 6 of 7 field goals in his freshmen year, 7 of 15 in his sophomore year, 7 of 14 in his junior year and 12 of 17 in his senior year for a total of 32 career field goals. David’s 50-yarder in the 2014 game against Canton GlenOak was the difference in a 17-14 victory.

Klay Moll (2015, 17): 2 records

  • Career PAT percent and career field goal percent – Moll kicked for the varsity in both 2015 and 2017. In 2015 he connected on all 19 PAT attempts and his lone field goal attempt.  In 2017 he converted 54 of 55 PAT attempts and 6 of 8 field goal attempts.  Thus, his career numbers were 73 of 74 PAT attempts for 98.6% and 7 of 9 field goal attempts for 77.8%.  Also, in 2017 Moll kicked a 21-yard field goal during the first quarter of a 16-15 victory over Canton McKinley.

David Abdul (2000-01): 1 record

  • Single season field goals made – In 2001 Abdul converted 15 field goals to establish the season record. He also had 14 during the previous year.   In the 2001 game against Mansfield Abdul kicked a 54-yard field in a 17-14 victory.

PUNTING

 Quentin Paulik (2004): 2 records

  • Single season average yards per punt – Paulik punted six times in 2004 with an average of 43.5 yards per punt with a long of 63 yards, two yards shy of the record.
  • Career average yards per punt – Since Paulik had at least three punts, having only punted during 2004 season, his 43.5 yards per punt average also qualifies for a career record.

 Horace Gillom (1940): 1 record

  • Single game longest punt – During the 1940 game against Canton McKinley, Gillom unloaded a 65-yard punt to set a record that stands today, some 85 years later.

Andrew David (2011-14): 1 record

  • Single game average yards per punt – David punted three times in the 2014 Warren Harding and averaged 50.0 yards per punt. His kicks went for 50, 49 and 51 yards.  He also connected on field goals of 38 and 21 yards in a 46-24 victory.   For the season, David averaged 37.5 yards per punt.

 

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Massillon’s Record-Setting Scorers

Massillon’s Record-Setting Scorers

 The MassillonTigers.com website maintains all of Massillon’s football records, which can be found at this link.  Below are the record setters for the scoring category.  This will be a short one, since there are just a couple of entries.

Edwin “Dutch” Hlll (1922): 3 records

  • Edwin “Dutch” Hill

    Single game touchdowns and points – Against Akron North in 1922 Hill scored 8 touchdowns and 48 points in a 94-0 victory.  The fullback scored twice in the first quarter, three times in the second, once in the third and twice in the fourth.  Included were runs of 49, 43, 25, 15 and 10 yards.  I guess with a roster of just 24 players there really wasn’t a second string, so Hill naturally played the entire game.  In addition, given a halftime score of 45-0, the third and fourth quarters were reduced from 15 to 12 minutes, with the Tigers even threatening to score once again as the game ended.  The 94 points set a team scoring record that held up for 96 years, until the Tigers defeated Sun Valley, PA, in 2018 by the score of 101-6.

  • Single season touchdowns (tie) – In 1922 Hill scored 34 touchdowns and 204 points.  Included in that performance were eight TDs against Akron North, five against Cambridge and four each against Alliance and Warren.  Massillon, which outscored its opponents by an average of 38-3, went on to finish 10-0 and captured a third state title, by popular acclaim.

Willtrell Hartson (2020-22): 2 records

  • Willtrell Hartson heads for the end zone

    Single season touchdowns (tie) and points – In 2022 Hartson scored 34 touchdowns and recorded 208 points. Four scores were against both Cincinnati Moeller and Austintown Fitch, while three each were against six other teams.  In fact, Hartson tallied points in 13 of the 14 games in which he played.  His longest run was 79 yards, against Big Walnut, with a second longest of 63 yards, against Canisius, NY.  All of the TDs, except two, were on the ground.  Those two were on pass receptions of 43 and 20 yards.  Massillon that year finished with a 12-2 record and advanced in the playoffs to the state semifinals.   Hartson’s best game was in 2020 against Westerville South when he rushed 27 times for 324 yards and three touchdowns in a 45-36 victory.  The yardage stands today as Number One in the single game rushing category.

Jamir Thomas (2015-18): 2 records

  • Game action vs. Warren Harding

    Career touchdowns and points – Thomas played linebacker during his freshman season, but was moved to running back for the remainder of his career.  In his sophomore year he scored 10 touchdowns and 60 points, with the team finishing 8-3.  In his junior year he scored 21 touchdowns and 126 points, with the team finished 10-4, while advancing in the playoffs to the state semifinals.  In his senior year he scored 25 touchdowns and 152 points, with the team finishing 14-1, while advancing in the playoffs to the state finals.  Thus, Thomas finished his career with 57 touchdowns and 344 points.  All but one of the TDs were on the ground.  His best game came against Canton McKinley in 2018 when he rushed 35 times for 269 yards and two TDs in a 24-17 victory.

 

 

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Massillon’s Record-Setting Wide Receivers

Massillon’s Record-Setting Wide Receivers

 The MassillonTigers.com website maintains all of Massillon’s football records, which can be found at this link.  Below are the record setters for the receiving category.

Devin Jordan (2000-02): 6 records

  • Devin Jordan

    Single season receptions, yards, touchdowns (tie), average yards per game and average receptions per game – During his 2001 junior season Jordan caught 98 passes for 1,492 yards and scored 18 touchdowns. The quarterback that year was Justin Zwick and the team finished with a record of 12-2.  Jordan followed that up during his senior year with 45 receptions for 893 yards and 12 TDs, with an average of 19.8 yards per catch and 7.0 receptions per game.  The quarterback that year was Matt Martin and the team ended with a record of 11-3 and advanced in the playoffs to the state semifinals.

  • Career receptions – Over his 3-year career Jordan caught 152 passes for 2,503 yards and scored 31 touchdowns.

Jayden Ballard (2017-20): 4 records

  • Game Action vs. Canton Glenoak

    Longest reception – In 2019 Ballard was on the receiving end of a 95-yard pass for a touchdown. The score came against Monroeville Gateway of Pennsylvania and was thrown by quarterback Aidan Longwell.  Ballard caught five passes that day for 145 yards in a 48-12 victory.

  • Single season touchdowns (tie) – In 2019 Ballard caught 68 passes for 1,202 yards and 18 touchdowns. The quarterback that year was Aidan Longwell and the team finished with a record of 14-1, while advancing to the playoff state finals.
  • Career receiving yards and touchdowns – Ballard enjoyed a 4-year career at Massillon, catching 143 passes for 2,737 yards and scoring 39 touchdowns.

Austin Kutscher (2016-17): 3 records

  • Game Action vs. Canton Glenoak

    Single game receptions – In the 2017 game against Canisius, NY, Kutscher caught 17 passes for 208 yards in a 45-39 victory. His longest receptions went for 42, 26, 23 and 20 yards.  Ironically, he did not score a touchdown during that game.

  • Career average yards per game, receptions per game – For his 2-year career, Kutscher caught 109 passes for 1,593 yards and scored 19 TDs, with an average of 69.3 yards per game and 4.74 receptions per game.

Wendell Lohr (1932-34): 1 record

  • Single game touchdowns – In 1934 Lohr caught five touchdown passes against Barberton in a 54-0 victory. The TDs were of 16, 44, 10, 29 and 20 yards.  The first three gave the Tigers a 20-0 lead.  On the passing end of the touchdowns were Bob Shertzer (2 TDs) and Mike Byelene (3 TDs), who were tossing the ball in place of the injured Howard Dutton.  Lohr also returned a punt for a 50-yard score.  Massillon finished 9-1 that year under head coach Paul Brown.

Jim Wood (1957-59): 1 record

  • Single season average yards per reception – In 1959 Wood caught 12 passes for 373 yards and five touchdowns, with an average of 31.1 yards per reception. The quarterback that year was Joe Sparma, who also set a record for yards per completion.  The team finished with a record of 10-0 and captured both the state and national championships.

 Austin Jasinski (2014-16): 1 record

  • Single game average yards per reception – In 2016 Jasinski caught three passes for 140 yards and scored a TD off of each catch in a 75-7 win over Toledo Bowsher. The receptions went for 74, 14 and 52 yards, with an average of 46.7 yards per catch.  The quarterback was Seth Blankenship.  Jasinski also returned a punt 80 yards for a score.  The team finished with a record of 8-3.

 Andrew Wilson-Lamp (2018-19): 1 record

  • Single game receiving yards – Wilson-Lamp had a career day to open the 2019 season by catching 11 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown in a 44-14 win over Akron St. Vincent. The TD went for 45 yards on a pass from quarterback Aidan Longwell.  Wilson-Lamp also had receptions of 51, 40 and 24 yards.

Emy Louis Jr. (2023): 1 record

  • Career average yards per reception – During 2023 Louis caught 14 passes for 364 yards and 7 touchdowns, with an average of 26.0 yards per reception. The team that year finished 16-0 and captured the Division II state championship.

Top Tens

 Five players have dominated the single game, single season and career receiving records book.  Below are the number of spots each holds throughout the various Top Tens:

  • Austin Jasinski – 17
  • Devin Jordan – 16
  • Jayden Ballard – 15
  • Devon Smith – 14
  • Austin Kutscher – 13