2025 Booster Club Report – Week PO1 – Post-Canton…

2025 Booster Club Report – Week PO1 – Post-Canton McKinley

Massillon (7-3) defeated Canton McKinley (8-2), 21-14.  This week Massillon has a bye week during the first round of the Division II playoffs.

Link to the Canton McKinley Game Story

Link to the Canton McKinley Game Statistics

Link to the Division II Playoff Bracket

Other scores:

• 7th Grade (6-0): Season over.
• 8th Grade (2-7): Season over.
• Freshmen (2-5-1): Defeated Canton McKinley 29-14.  Season over.
• Junior Varsity (2-6-1): Defeated Warren Harding, 28-22.  Season over.

Review of the Canton McKinley Game

It was the 136th renewal of the rivalry game with Canton McKinley, held at Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.  The first half was played fairly evenly, with the two teams tied at 14-apiece at the break.  In the first quarter Massillon scored on its second possession when running back Savior Owens went over the goal line from four yards out.  The TD was set up when the Bulldog receiver was stripped of the ball by Braylon Gamble and Tra’Yon Williams dove over the pile to retrieve it at the four.  On the Tigers’ next possession they marched 68 yards in 8 plays, with Owens scoring his second touchdown, this one from the 14 yard line.  During the drive Manny Patterson completed a 22-yard pass to Jadyce Thigpen and Owens followed with a 12-yard run to advance the ball into four-down territory.  The Bulldogs regrouped in the second quarter when Massillon changed its defense in order to defend the the expected passes to follow.  Only, McKinley now found success with the ground game and tallied twice to tie the score.  After the break the Tigers returned to their original defense and a back-and-forth quarter and half of defensive football ensued.  That, until Deontay Malone returned the punt 50 yards for the winning points and a 21-14 victory.  The play goes in the  record book in that it was the first time in 136 games that a Massillon player had returned a punt for a touchdown against McKinley.  Throughout the half the defense was a major factor in maintaining field position as it held McKinley without a first down until after the punt return.  With the win, the Tigers’ 966th all-time, they they have now won ten consecutive times over the Bulldogs.  In addition, they now lead the overall series, 78-53-5.

Comments by Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore

Here is a snapshot of Moore’s remarks to the Booster Club members at the weekly meeting:

• The team had great coverage on kickoffs.
• In a game like that, with all the penalties, he immediately checked the field for a flag following the punt return.
• Braylon Gamble played great, lining up at both safety and outside linebacker.
• On McKinley’s second possession they lofted a long bomb was right on target.  Only, Deontay Malone had great coverage and knocked the ball away just at it reached the receivers hands.
• Chayce White had a pass interception and he is developing well.
• Gio Jackson Jr. made the best catch of a long pass that Moore has ever seen.  That, in spite of being initially shielded from the ball and then interfered with by being completely wrapped up, with one arm pinned to his side.
• Anthony McMullen Jr. played his best game of the season.  He runs really hard.
• Quarterback Manny Patterson did a good job running through his progressions on pass plays.
• Savior Owens had some nice runs.  He made a lot of people miss.
• Moore did not see a hold when McMullen scored the touchdown in the fourth quarter.  He also didn’t see a hold when the Tigers picked up a first down with 4th down pass on their first drive.  On account of the penalty they were then forced to punt.
• The coach is very grateful to have the bye week.  It’s good for both the players and the coaches.  The plan this week is to get well rested and dive back into the fundamentals.  Monday was an off day.  The players will have meetings on Tuesday, followed light practices on Wednesday and Thursday.  The coaches will then travel to North Canton on Friday to scout the Hoover vs. Columbus Northland game, aware that the Tigers will play the victor next week.

The guest players were senior defensive back Noah Jenkins and junior tight end Will Hymes.

• Jenkins – “I’m just so grateful to play McKinley.  Such an honor.  It was a great win.  The defense stepped up big time.”
• Hymes – “Growing up, it was all I ever dreamed about.  I can’t explain it.”

 

 

Massillon Downs Archrival Canton McKinley in Dramatic Fashion

Massillon Downs Archrival Canton McKinley in Dramatic Fashion

Statistics

Statistics provided by Matt Hersher

As the cliché goes, “big players make big plays in big games.”  And that cliche was ever so true in Saturdays 136^th renewal of this great rivalry in which Massillon defeated Canton McKinley, 21-14.  For it took just one big play, a 50-yard punt return for a touchdown, to tilt a tight contest that appeared headed for overtime in the Tigers’ favor.

With the score tied at 14 apiece and neither team mounting any serious scoring threat throughout the second half, the Bulldogs were faced with a 4^th down and 14 at their own 16.  All day long the McKinley punter was lofting kicks high and deep, forcing fair catches by the Massillon return team.  But on this one the punter was under tremendous pressure and was forced to unload early.  So, Tiger junior Deontay Malone took full advantage by fielding the punt unopposed.  He then immediately headed to the left side of the field,  cleared two potential tacklers and raced untouched through the open green turf to the end zone, while being escorted by a host of Tiger teammates.  There was one Bulldog player at the 20 and another at the 5, but they were quickly brushed aside.  The score came with 5:05 left in the game.  The return marked the first time in 136 games that a Massillon player returned a punt for a touchdown against McKinley.  All Massillon need do after that was stave off the opponent one more time to secure the victory.  And that they did.

But let’s not forget the incredible effort of the Tiger defense in the second half.  Needless to say, they were simply overwhelming.  Although the stats were fairly even in the first half, Massillon completely dismantled the Bulldog offense after the break as evidenced by the following:

• Zero points, with no serious scoring threats.
• One first down, that occurring following the punt return.
• 28 rushing yards in 10 attempts (2.8 ave.).
• 3 of 12 passing for negative 2 yards.
• 22 total plays for just 26 yards (1.2 ave.).
• Four punts and one 4^th down pass interception.
• In addition, McKinley failed to get a first down on its last three possessions of the first half.

What an effort!

1^st Quarter

After receiving the opening kickoff, Massillon wasted no time getting the offense rolling.  On the fist play from scrimmage Savior Owens broke free and sped 25 yards for a first down.  On the next play Manny Patterson lofted a perfectly placed pass to a well-covered Gio Jackson Jr. to advance the ball to the Bulldog 25.  Only, the drive stalled on account of a holding penalty and the Tigers punted to the McKinley ten.

The Massillon defense aligned itself to stop the run and control the short passing game by using a single safety and all of the linebackers in the box.  The scheme was effective in that the Bulldogs lost a yard on the first play, gained it back on the second and lost a fumble after a zero-yard pass on the third, caused by Braylon Gamble and recovered by Tra’Yon Williams.  Then, on the first play Owens took the ball through the middle of the McKinley line and into the end zone for the TD.

Score: 7-0.

After Chayce White leaped high and intercepted a long, overthrown Bulldog pass, the Tigers were on the march again, starting at their own 32.   It took eight plays to cover the 68 yards to paydirt.  Included were a 22-yard pass from Patterson to Jaydce Thigpen, a 12-yard run by Owens and a 14-yard touchdown run around the left end by Owens.

Score: 14-0.

2^nd Quarter

With the 2-score lead, Massillon changed its defense to defend the downfield pass by inserting a fifth defensive back and removing some players from the box.  Only, that risked McKinley getting right back in the game with their ground attack.  And it did happen when sophomore running back Keyelin West broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run.

Score: 14-7.

Now concerned about Owens’ running ability and also that of Anthony Jr., McKinley abandoned their standard defensive alignment in favor of a bear defense.  In essence, they covered each wide receiver one-on-one, moved all of their linebackers to the line and re-positioned the two safeties as inside linebackers in an all-out attempt to both stop the run and put maximum pressure on Patterson.  The scheme worked quite well and they remained in that alignment for the remainder of the game, controlling the run and sacking Patterson four times.

Following a Massillon punt, the Bulldogs drove to the Massillon 16 for a first down.  Three plays later they faced a 4^th down at the 18 and attempted 35-yard field goal, which was missed short.  Only, one of the Tiger rushers interfered with the center and ensuing penalty gave McKinley new life with a 4^th and 1 at the ten.  From there, Shad Davis skirted the left side of the line for the TD.

Score: 14-14.

So, the half ended with Massillon controlling the first quarter and McKinley the second.  And the stats were relatively even, with 14 first downs apiece and the Tigers holding a slight edge in total yards, 189-152.

Second Half

After the break the Tigers returned to a run-stopping defense and the change paid off in a big way.  Not only did the Bulldogs fail to get a first down until after the big punt return, they were also hemmed in at their own end of the field throughout the entire half.  In fact, their average starting field position on their six possessions was their own 24 yard line.  Meanwhile, although Massillon was unable to score, they did have opportunities, with each of its four possessions ending in McKinley territory.  Unfortunately, on one of the series a 40-yard TD run by McMullen was called back due to a holding penalty.

But, as an example of the execution and physicality of both defenses, the Tigers were just 2 of 9 on third down conversions and the Bulldogs 1 of 9.

With neither reaching the red zone, it all came down to Malone returning the punt for the winning score.

Score: 21-14

Post-game

Owens finished the game with 21 carries for 114 yards (5.4 ave.) and two touchdowns.  He was also named the Great American Rivalry Series MVP.  McMullen Jr. added 60 yards on 14 carries (4.3 ave.).  Patterson was 6 of 10 for 191 yards.  Thigpen and Malone caught two passes each.  Isaac Maxheimer had 8 total tackles and Ja’Dyn Williams had 6.

For McKinley, West had 19 carries for 113 yards (6.0 ave.) and a TD.  However, take away his two long runs of 45 and 27 yards, and his average was just 2.4 yards per attempt.  West also had 4 pass receptions.  Shad Davis and Antonio Stevens had 7 total tackles each.

Following the game, perhaps in response to the post-game incidents of two years ago, the players of each team headed immediately to opposing ends of the field, while the co-captains and coaches shook hands in the center.

Massillon has now defeated McKinley ten years in a row and 14 of the last 15.  They have also won all five games played at Tom Bensen Stadium.

With the win the Tigers (7-3) earn a bye week in the first round of the playoffs, after which they will host the winner of the North Canton vs. Columbus Northland game.  The Bulldogs (8-2) also have a bye week and will then face the winner of the Strongsville-Medina game.

Photos by Marlene Kanipe

The Massillon Tigers take the field

Tra’Yon Williams just prior to his fumble recovery, Chayce White (35), Sam Doussous (91)

Tra’Yon Williams celebrates the fumble recovery, Marcus Garmer (60), Sam Doussous (91)

Chayce White (35) with the interception

Manny Patterson (10) prepares to throw, Gio Jackson Jr. (21), Savior Owens (1)

Savior Owens (1)

Savior Owens (1) scores his second touchdown

Mateo Herrera (7) kicks the first of two PATs

Anthony Mullen Jr. (24) heads for clear fields, James Wallace Jr.(50), Will Hymes (34)

Anthony Mullen Jr. heads down the sideline

Christian Culler (2) with the tackle

Deontay Malone (6) returns the punt for the winning touchdown, Marcus Garner (60)

Deontay Malone (6) with the touchdown

Sam Doussous (91) with the sack, Isaac Maxheimer (20), Noah Jenkins (16), Deontay Malone (6)

The victory bell stays in Massillon.  De’vaughn Williams (30), Ja’Dyn Williams (9), Braylon Gamble (5), Joe Karder, Eli Moore (8)

Savior Owens (1) receives the Great American Rivalry Series MVP trophy

Ten wins in a row over McKinley!!!

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 10 – Post-Warren…

The Bulldogs play in the Federal League, which is comprised of teams located either in or near Stark County.  In the playoffs they compete in Division I.  Last year they finished with an 8-5 record, with a 31-0 loss to Mentor in the third round of the playoffs.  The record over the previous five years is 36-23, including a 24-5 mark in Federal League play and an 8-5 result in the post-season.  Last year McKinley lost a hard-fought battle to Massillon by the score of 16-7.  The Tigers lead the overall series, 77-53-5 and have won the last nine meetings and thirteen of the last fourteen.  Massillon Coach Nate Moore owns a 9-1 record in the game, while this will be the first experience for Bulldogs Head Coach Renard “Renzy” Parnell II.

The chart below provides some data on McKinley against Federal League competition during the reign of Coach Moore.  The data gives an indication that the Bulldogs this year are on par with the offense, but have one of their better defenses.

McKinley’s results to date:

• Warren Harding (3-5): 43-25 W
• St. Augustine, NJ (6-1): 14-24 L
• Cleveland Heights (4-5): 34-12 W
• Canton GlenOak (2-7): 38-0 W
• Massillon Perry (4-5): 28-18 W
• Green (4-5): 21-3 W
• North Canton (7-2): 21-20 W
• Uniontown Lake (7-2): 24-21 W
• Massillon Jackson (5-4): 40-9

The Bulldogs return four offensive and four defensive starters from last year.  The top players on offense are:

• Senior quarterback Trent Hayden: 122 of 191 passing for 1,455 yards (11.9 ave.), with 6 interceptions and 12 touchdowns.
• Junior running back Keyelin West (5′-8″, 175): 177 carries for 1,068 yards (6.0 ave.) and 10 touchdowns.
• Junior wide receiver Deejay Britt (6′-1″, 165): 36 receptions  for 577 yards (16.0 ave.) and 5 touchdowns.
• Junior wide receiver Darius Hill (5′-7″, 165): 44 receptions for 499 yards (11.3 ave.) and 6 touchdowns.

Defensive Coordinator Jeff Kent spoke about the progress his group has made and a bit on the Bulldog offense.  “We’ve  greatly improved on defense in the last five weeks,” he said.  “It’s really starting to come together.  We’re playing our best football now.  We’re really working on correcting mistakes and then focusing on deeper understanding of the defense.  We’ve been adjusting to formations better.  The last two weeks I’ve been very pleased.  It took awhile to learn the defense.  We can be elite.  We have the  right guys.  And it’s coming together.

“We want to be physical.  Own the game.  Bring the same intensity to every snap.  We did that in practice today for the first time.  We want to be relentless and consistent so the opponents don’t want to play us in the fourth quarter.”

Regarding McKinley Kent said, “They do a really good job with outside zone blocking and RPO.  They try to one-on-one in the perimeter.”  He added that the Tigers need to stop the run and take away the easy throws, thereby forcing the quarterback into tough throws and potential turnovers.  I’m excited about Saturday.  We’re  spending every minute of this week trying to get an edge.  These guys will be ready to go.”

The top players on defense are:

• Junior linebacker Antonio Stevens (6′-0″, 218): 13.0 tackles for loss.
• Senior defensive lineman Collin Hinkle: 13.0 tackles for loss, including 5.0 quarterback sacks.
• Linebacker Amare Mitchell (6′-3″, 205): 11.0 tackles for loss, including 4.0 quarterback sacks.
• Inside linebacker Isaac Brooks (6′-0″, 205).
• Senior safety Demare McClellan (5′-11″, 173).

Offensive Coordinator Evan Berbari said that McKinley presents an even front on defense, similar to Akron Hoban’s scheme, with man-to-man on the corners and cover-1.  “The keys are “do your  job” and “win 3rd down,” he said.

The top player on special teams is:

• Punter Thomas Mankowski: 23  punts for 36.2 yards per punt.

Special Teams Coach Jason Jarvis said that the Bulldog kicker is above average and can reach the end zone.  But they also employ several non-standard schemes.  He added that the punter is decent and all of the return players have skill and speed.

The Book on Massillon

• Junior quarterback Manny Patterson: 85 of 131 passing  (65%) for 986 yards (11.6 ave.), with 6 interceptions and 15 touchdowns.
• Junior running back Savior  Owens: 140 carries for 860 yards (6.1 ave.) and 11 touchdowns.
• Senior running back Anthony McMullen Jr.: 96 carries for 468 yards (4.7 ave.) and 3 touchdowns.
• Junior wide receiver Giorgio Jackson Jr.: 31 receptions for 360 yards (10.9 ave.) and 7 touchdowns.
• Junior wide receiver Deonay Malone: 26 receptions for 369 yards (14.2 ave.) and 6 touchdowns.
• Senior linebacker Ja’Dyn Williams: 89 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 quarterback sacks, 1 pass interception, 4 fumble recoveries, 1 blocked kick
• Junior linebacker  Isaac  Maxheimer: 47 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss,  2.0 quarterback sacks, 2 pass interceptions, 1 fumble recovery
• Senior defensive lineman Sam Dossous: 31 total tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 quarterback sacks.
• Sophomore punter Rasmus Haines: 24 punts, 36.5 ave.
• Junior kicker Mateo Herrera: 36 of 36 PATs, 1 of 3 field goals

Go Tigers!

Massillon Wears Down Warren Harding in 42-10 Victory

Massillon Wears Down Warren Harding in 42-10 Victory

Statistics

They say that the most difficult football games In Massillon to prepare for are those just before Canton McKinley and the ones just after.  That was ever so true in the Week 9 match with Warren Harding, at least through most of the first half.  Fortunately, the Tigers found themselves thereafter and ended up running away with a 42-10 victory, with a running clock in effect through the better part of the second half.

While the defense kept the Raiders at bay for the most part, the offense seemed in a funk early, gaining just 15 yards on the ground in the first quarter.  The rest of the game, however, went well and the Tigers ended up with 132 yards rushing over the remainder of the game.  Leading the way for the second straight week behind some great blocking by the offensive line was running back Anthonny McMullen Jr., who carried the ball 22 times for 158 yards and a touchdown, while averaging 7.2 yards per attempt.  Some credit, however, must go to Warren’s defensive front-7, which received praise from Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore prior to the game.  Only, they seemed to tire later, with most of the players going both ways.

The other story was the number of turnovers.  Seven in total: two for Massillon and five for Warren.  While the Tigers’ turnovers were on interceptions of two long bombs and had minimal effect on the game, the Raiders’ gift-wrapped great field position to Massillon on four occasions, all of which resulted in scores.

It didn’t take long for the Tigers to get on the board.  On Warren’s second play from scrimmage Massillon’s Christian Culler knocked the ball out of the hands of Makhai Brogden and Ja’Dyn Williams immediately scooped it up, racing 18 yards for a touchdown.

Then, during returning the ensuing kickoff return, Kai Blutcher lost the ball from a tackle by Braylon Gamble and the Tigers were in business at the Warren 19.  An encroachment penalty advanced the ball to the 14, from where Tiger quarterback Manny Patterson lofted a beautiful pass to Gio Jackson Jr. in the back corner of the endzone.  It was a repeat of what Manny did last week with Deontay Malone.

Later in the first quarter, following the return of a pass interception, the Raiders advanced to the Massillon 23, only to be thwarted by a loss of three yards on a pass, a loss of four yards on a tackle by Gamble and Noah Jenkins and a loss of nine yards on a quarterback sack by Williams.  Owing to the reversed field position Harding ended up punting.

In the middle of the second quarter Warren was finally able to put together a scoring drive, of 55 yards in 8 plays.  However it ended, not in a touchdown, but with a 34-yard field goal by Jaron Edmonds, which made the score 14-3.  The drive was kick-started by a 39-yard pass from Ameire Cobb to Matt Richardson.

The Tigers at this point finally got their run game going, with McMullen doing most of the work.  First was a 14-yard burst up the middle.  Then on play No. 5, he raced around the right end and wasn’t caught until he stepped out of bounds at the Warren 3, after covering 51-yards of turf.  Culler finished it off on the next play.

Massillon’s final possession of the half began when Gamble intercepted a pass at the Tiger 40 and returned it 44 yards to the Harding 16.  Three plays later Sebastian Harper scored from the 3.

On Warren’s first possession of the third quarter they fumbled once again, this time at their own 20, and Malone was right there to pounce on the loose ball.  Following a holding penalty, Patterson tossed a tag screen pass to Malone, who with his great speed simply ran away from the Raider defensive backs and into the end zone.  Mateo Herrera’s fifth of six PATs on the night was true, making the score 35-3, and a running-clock was now in effect.

But it was short-lived when Richardson returned the kickoff 90 yards for a score.  Once again, special teams has had some issues.

Now it was time to chew up the clock.  And that they did.  Starting at their own 20, the Tigers drove 80 yards in 15 plays and scored in the fourth quarter on a 5-yard run by McMullen for the final points of the night.  Back to the running-clock.

Massillon displayed a balanced attack, with 147 yards rushing and 133 yards passing, for a total of 280 yards.  Patterson finished the night with 12 of 17 passing with two touchdowns.  Jackson  caught 5 ball for  61 yards and a TD, and Malone caught 3 for 52 yards and a TD. Defensively, Culler and Williams each had five total tackles.  Williams also had 3 tackles-for-loss, one sack and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown.  Gamble had the 44-yard return of a pass interception.

Warren, however, just could not run the ball against the Tigers’ stout front-7.  They ended up gaining just 32 on ground, including 26 during their final drive.  Brogden led the team with 8 carries for 27 yards.  In the air they managed 100 yards on 7 of 15 passing.  Rai’Twan led the defense with 10 total tackles.  Sophomore Asa Burch had 3 TFLs.

Next week Massillon (6-3) hits the road for the first time this year.  The host is Canton McKinley (8-1), which defeated Warren in Game 2, 43-25.  Harding (3-6) hosts Austintown Fitch (7-1).

Photos by Marlene Kanipe

Braylon Gamble (5), Christian Culler (2)

Deontay Malone (6)

Manny Patterson (10), Christian Culler (2)

Anthony McMullen Jr.  (24)

Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

Marcus Garner (60), Davionne Floyd (52), Kevin Elliot Jr. (74) James Wallace (50)

Braylon Gamble (5) on the return of a pass interception

Marcus Garner (60), Anthony McMullen Jr. (24), Christian Culler (2)

Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

Davionne Floyd (52), Anthony McMullen Jr. (24), Manny Patterson (10), Will Hymes (34)

Logan Allman (13), Manny Patterson (10), Anthony McMullen Jr. (24)

Owen Sirgo (53), Christian Culler (2)

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 9 – Post-Cornerstone…

Harding is a Division II school that plays in the All-American Conference along with Austintown Fitch and Boardman.  Last year they finished with a record of 8-4, with a 41-21 loss to Fitch in the second round of the playoffs, after defeating the Falcons 35-21 during the regular season.  They also lost to Massillon, 45-14.  Harding has compiled a 5-year record of 26-29, while qualifying for the playoffs each year, with eight wins and five losses in those games.  The Tigers own the edge in historical series, which stands at 61-25-3.  This one is the 90th renewal of the rivalry, which is Massillon’s second longest, behind that of Canton McKinley.

Results to date:

• Canton McKinley (7-1):  25-43 L
• Akron Buchtel (3-5): 25-6 W
• Massillon Perry (4-4): 15-25 L
• Akron St. Vincent (0-8): 42-6 W
• Erie McDowell, PA (3-5): 28-9 W
• Boardman (4-4): 10-14 L
• Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (6-2): 3-7 L

The top players on offense are:

• Junior quarterback James Jones (6′-4″, 200); returning backup; 27 of 49 (55%) for 335 yards and 3 TDs
• Senior quarterback Amiere Cobb (6′-0″, 210); 10 of 28 (36%) for 136 yards and 3 TDs; 20 carries for 208 yards (10.4 ave.) and 2 TDs
• Sophomore running back Makhai Brogden (5′-11″, 185); 27-259 (9.6 ave.) and 3 TDs
• Freshman running back Satavian Hill (6′-0″, 170); 30-158 (5.3 ave.) and 2 TDs
• Senior wide receiver Julius Ferrell (6′-2″, 170); 13-162 (12.5 ave.) and 2 TDs
• Junior wide receiver Matt Richardson (5′-10″, 175); 11-104 (9.5 ave.) and 0 TDs

The offense operates out of the spread, but the will run the ball 70% of the time, even on 3rd and long.  That’s because original starting quarterback James Jones has been out with an injury.  In his place is Amiere Cobb, a converted tight end, who does not have great passing stats.  He will call his own number at times, but seems to lumber and does not possess running back speed.

Warren has also experienced injuries at the running back position and has currently settled on sophomore Makhai Brogden, with Freshman Satavian Hill subbing in at times.  Brogden plays downhill and is a pretty good player.  The offensive line comes off the ball well and has very good size, averaging 6′-2″, 283 lbs.  Another week, another huge offensive line to contend with.  Moore says that the Tiger front seven will have its hand full against this group.  Harding will run some 2-back sets and some empty.

According to Moore, Harding is doing the best it can without a specialized quarterback.  But they will still present a lot of challenges.

The top players on defense are:

• Junior safety Elijah Phillips (5′-9″, 180): 43 total tackles
• Senior linebacker Raitwan Hill (5′-9″, 210): 42 total tackles
• Senior linebacker Tyler Smith (6′[-0″, 205): returning starter; 38 total tackles; 2 sacks

The strength of defense is the front-7, which aligns in a 3-4.  This group moves around a bit and has good size.  It is also here that Harding has seen the return of several injured players.  The line averages 6′-3″, 270 lbs.  In the secondary look for cover-0, cover-1 and cover-3.

Warren is hampered with playing several 2-way starters, including all three defensive linemen and both safeties.  In addition, three of the linebackers also sub in on offense.  Moore believes this could be a major factor in the game.  “They have a lot of 2-way  guys,” he said.  “That should work in our favor.  Wear them down in the second half.”

Special teams are good all-around.

Go Tigers!

Massillon Downs Texas Opponent Cornerstone Christian as Playoffs Loom…

Massillon Downs Texas Opponent Cornerstone Christian as Playoffs Loom in the Horizon

Statistics

Massillon defeated Cornerstone Christian from San Antonio, Texas, 45-20, thereby improving to 5-3 on the season and continuing the hunt for a Top 4 seed in the post-season tournament, which also carries a first-round bye.  Fortunately, after the events of last week, it was an evening of traditional high school football that is normally seen in Tigertown, devoid of chippiness during the game and unbecoming post-game behaviors.

It was a contest of two very good teams doing what they do best.  For Massillon it’s running the ball and controlling the clock.  For Cornerstone, it’s the aerial attack.

Tigers running back Savior Owens got the first carry of the night, but immediately left the game after apparently re-injuring his shoulder and did not return.  That provided opportunities for backups Anthony McMullen Jr. and Christian Culler to showcase their talents.  And that they did, producing outstanding breakout games.  McMullen carried the ball 23 times for 130 yards (5.7 ave.) and a touchdown, and Culler rushed 11 times for 102 yards (9.3 ave.) and two scores.  Both were capable of taking the ball either inside or breaking it to the outside with equal success.  It’s great to have depth at that position.

Meanwhile, Warriors’ quarterbacks Malcolm Carter and Mateo Rodriguez combined for 187 yards passing.  Carter was 11 of 14 for 101 yards and Rodriguez completed 13 of 17 for 86 yards and one TD.  However, it should be noted that the average yards per completion was just 7.8, well below a normal high school completion average of 12 to 15.  But in essence, they were mostly throwing screen passes beneath the Massillon coverage to their speedy ball catchers, featuring wide receiver Luke Smith (9-45, TD) and running back Jaylen McKane (6-61).  Both were very adept at defeating the initial tackler to keep many drives alive.

At the opposing end of the spectrum, the Tigers threw the ball sparingly owing to the success of the run game.  Nevertheless, quarterback Manny Patterson had a fine night running the offense and completed 5 of 8 passes for 71 yards (14.2 ave.) and two touchdowns, those going to Giorgio Jackson Jr. and Deontay Malone.   Patterson also ran for a score, his first of the year.  For Cornerstone, they never got their rushing attack going against a stout Massillon defense.  McCane gained just 48 yards in 13 attempts (3.7 ave.), while the Warriors picked up 32 additional yards on quarterback scrambles.

On special teams, Mateo kicked a 22-yard field goal.  Also, the Tigers never punted.

The Tigers received the opening kickoff and drove 62 yards in nine plays and scored on a Patterson run of nine yards off a 3^rd and 3 scramble.  Cornerstone started their first drive at their own 15, but on a third down pass wide receiver Josiah McNeil was stripped of the ball by Culler, giving Massillon great field position at the Warrior 25.  Three plays later Patterson connected with Jackson in the back of the end zone on a 12-yard pass for a second score.

The next time the Tigers had the ball they drove 77 yards to the five yard line, from where Mateo Herrera kicked a 22-yard field goal, giving his team a 17-0 advantage.  Mateo was also six for six on PAT kicks.

The Warriors finally got on the board with three minutes left in the half when McKane scored from five yards out.  But Massillon came right back with a 15-yard race to the end zone by Culler.  So, at the half the score was 24-7.

Cornerstone got back into the game with a 3-yard flare pass after driving 71 yards in 11 plays.  But it didn’t take long for the Tigers to counter.  It took 11 plays to cover 78 yards, with Culler scoring from the three.  Following an interception by Deontay Malone at the Warrior 30, Patterson threw a beautiful pass to the right corner of the end zone that was caught by Malone in stride just before he stepped out of bounds.  Score: 38-14.

Massillon tallied its final points of the night on the next possession with a 1-yard run by McMullen.  Then Cornerstone finished the remainder of the game under a running-clock situation, scoring as time ran out with a Carter 14-yard scramble.

The two teams then lined up in single file with the respective head coaches in the lead for the post-game handshake.  It came off in a friendly manner.

Jay’Dyn Williams led Massillon with 11 total tackles, 2.0 sacks and 2.0 TFLs.  Noah Jenkins and Isaac Maxheimer followed with nine total tackles.  For Cornerstone, Elijah Fayall recorded 11 total tackles.

Next week the Tigers (5-3) host Warren Harding (3-5) in the 90^th renewal of this long rivalry.  The Warriors (4-3) have an open date.

Photos by Marlene Kanipe

Landon Hose (22), Sebastian Harper (3), Noah Jenkins (16), Head Coach Nate Moore (pre-game)

Anthony McMullen Jr. (24)

Manny Patterson (10) enroute to the endzone

Giorgio Jackson Jr. (21) with the score

Christian Culler (2), Manny Patterson (10)

Deontay Malone (6)

Christian Culler (2)

Mateo Herrera (7), Isaac Maxheimer (20)

Sam Doussous (91), Joe Karder (94)

Christian Culler (2), Isaac Maxheimer (20)

Ke’Aun Fowler (43), Noah Jenkins (16)

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 8 – Post-Cardinal…

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 8 – Post-Cardinal Ritter; Preview of the Cornerstone Christian Game

Massillon (4-3) defeated Cardinal Ritter (2-3) from St. Louis, Missouri, 28-14.  This week Massillon hosts Cornerstone Christian (4-2) from San Antonio, Texas.

Link to the Football North Story

Link to the Football North Game Statistics

Other scores:

• 7th Grade (4-0): Defeated Massillon Perry, 21-6.  Plays at Canton on Tuesday, October 7, at 6:00 pm.
• 8th Grade (1-4): No score reported.  Plays at Canton on Wednesday, October 8, at 6:00 pm.
• Freshmen (1-5): Lost to Medina Highland, 32-24.  Plays at Akron Buchtel on Tuesday, October 7, at5:00 pm.
• Junior Varsity (0-6-1): Lost to Avon, 42-7.  Plays at Warren Harding on Saturday, October 11, at 11:00 am.

Review of the Cardinal Ritter Game

Massillon defeated a very good Cardinal Ritter team, 28-14.  The Tigers scored on the third play of their first possession when Savior Owens broke through the right side of the line and raced 45 yards to the end zone.  Owens then scored again from ten yards out to up the score to 14-0.  The points continued as Ritter had the their own long run of 70 yards for a score, followed by a 12-yard touchdown pass from Manny Patterson to Jadyce Thigpen.  Finally, the Lions connected on a Hail Mary pass of 46 yards as time expired, closing the margin to 21-14 at the half.  In the fourth quarter Christian Culler salted the game away with a 44-yard touchdown run.  It came on his first carry of the season.  Owens finished with 22 attempts for 168 yards and two TDs.  Isaac Maxheimer recorded nine total tackles and Ja’Dyn Williams had seven.  Chayce White was spectacular in intercepting a long sideline pass.

“It was a great win last week against a big, physical team,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore.  “We had a lot of guys play really hard against a great opponent.  The Tigers outplayed them.  I’m really proud of them for responding (following last week’s loss to Football North).”

Moore also cited the play of the defensive, particularly linemen Marcus Garner and Joe Karder.  “There was lots of great execution and hustle by the defense.  Marcus makes a big difference in the middle of the defensive line.  Joe had his best game of the year.”

Coach also said it was sad how it ended when the two teams had difficulty shaking hands.  He was glad that the Massillon Police Department was there to restore order.

The guest players were senior quarterback Eli Moore and junior wide receiver/defensive back Deontay Malone.

Moore – We had to keep our heads on.  We did the little things right.

Malone – I’m  very excited to head into this week.  I can’t wait to get after it.  They (Cornerstone Christian) have a couple of good players.  But the wide receiver -to-defensive back matchups are in our favor.

Results to date:

• Dallas Christian (2-3): 43-22 W
• Fort Bend Christian Academy (2-4): 37-7 W
• Parish Episcopal (5-1): 38-43 L
• Midland Christian (3-2): 14-17 L
• LBJ Austin Early College (3-2): 37-21 W
• Stanton (1-5): 58-0 W

Moore said that Cornerstone is a good opponent, similar to teams the Tigers have played the past few weeks.  They have good size, but are not as physical up front as last week.  They also have good skill players, but not as fast as Cardinal Ritter.  Inspite of having good players across the board, Moore did not see any matchup problems.  Nevertheless, the team will need to play their best.

The top players on offense are:

• Sophomore quarterback Mateo Rodriguez (5′-10″, 180); 64 of 113 (57%) for 904 yards and 13 TDs; 44.7 punt ave; accurate passer; keeps eyes downfield.
• Senior wide receiver Davis McCray (6′-2″, 200); 16 receptions for 293 yards and 5 TDs; 3-star recruit; Kentucky commit.
• Junior wide receiver Luke Smith (6′-0″, 187); 25 receptions for 321 yards (12.8 ave.) and 4 TDs.
• Sophomore running back Jaylen McKane (5′-8″, 165); 85 attempts for 706 yards (8.3 ave.) and 11 TDs; good player with good speed.

The the largest player on the Warrior offensive line is junior Brandon Stewart (6′-5″, 365), although he is not the most mobile football player.  However, the rest of the line is still big, averaging 6′-1″, 280 lbs.  The have good height in their 4-man the receiver corps, with McCray and junior Jaaaden Johnson standing 6′-2″ and 6′-3″, respectively.  Cornerstone will operate mostly in 10-personnel, but will show some empty backfield.  The scheme is heavy pass.

The top defensive players are:

• Senior linebacker Angel Hernandez (6′-0″, 210); 49 total tackles, 15.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks; best linebacker.
• Junior defensive lineman Ahzan Bacote (6′-3″, 270); best defensive lineman.

The Warriors utilize a 4-3-4 alignment, but will occasionally pull a linebacker and insert a fifth defensive back.  The front-7 is considered the strength of the unit, while all of the defensive backs are good players.

Massillon Notes

The Tigers continue to shuffle the starting lineup, even this far into the season.  On offense, 20 different players have been listed as starters for various games, including 11 seniors and 9 juniors.  Some for more than one position.  They are distributed as follows:

• Quarterback (3)
• Running back (2)
• Tight end (3)
• Fullback (1)
• Offensive line (7)
• Wide receiver (7)

On defense, there have been 19 different starters, including 9 seniors and 10 juniors.  Again, some for more than one position.  They are as follows:

• Defensive line (6)
• Inside linebacker (5)
• Outside linebacker (4)
• Cornerback (4)
• Safety (3)

Even this week there are two new starters listed: Marcus Garner Jr. at nose tackle and Ke’Aun Fowler at inside linebacker.

When comparing Week 1 to Week 8 there is just one different starter on offense, senior lineman James Wallace Jr., in spite of all the shuffling that has occurred.  However, the defense continues to be a work in progress, as there are now six different starters from Week 1 to now.  In addition, there are several players that never started, but have seen significant action early in the game.  It is certainly building depth and bodes well for the future, as it attests to the youth of this team.  And the strength.

Go Tigers!