Don Engelhardt, Author at MassillonTigers.com

Is Deferring to the Second Half the Correct Strategy?

April 14, 2023December 23, 2023
by Don Engelhardt

Is Deferring to the Second Half the Correct Strategy?

We’ve seen it often enough. The co-captains of the two opponents meet at the center of the field to determine which one kicks off and which one receives the ball to start the game. The visiting team calls the toss. The referee flings the coin into the air and identifies the winner, which then has a choice to make. They either elect to receive the kick or defer until the second half. Invariably, they elect to defer. The loser of the toss is then left with one option: receive the ball. For, choosing to kick off would most likely result in also kicking off in the second half as well and thereby forfeiting a possession. The winner of the toss then selects the end of the field from which it will kick and the game begins. It’s a rare day when the winner of the toss chooses to receive the opening kickoff. But is deferring really the optimum strategy?

Background

In earlier days of football the winner of the coin toss had a choice of either receiving the ball or defending a particular end of the field. But this changed in 2008 when the NFL introduced the option for a team to defer their decision until the second half. College and high school, of course, followed suit shortly thereafter.

Both options, receiving and deferring, have inherent advantages. A team that receives the kick to start the game has an opportunity to score first. Once on top, that team can then stay with their planned offense, as long as the score remains in their favor. And, historically, a team that scores first wins the game about two-thirds of the time.

Conversely, a team that defers and kicks off subsequently starts the second half by receiving the ball. This strategy provides the potential to open the scoring gap if they are ahead or close the gap if behind. They might also receive an extra possession if they are the last team with the ball at the end of the game. It could also be a psychological ploy to intimidate the opponent if they have an overwhelming defense. Finally, there is the possibility of going back-to-back with scores if they tally right at the end of the first half and then again on their first possession of the second half.

Analysis

But let’s go back to the original question: is deferring to the second half the right strategy? Granted, the first two possessions of each half comprise a small segment of the overall game. But any advantage that can be gained in defeating the great teams is certainly worthy of consideration. To answer this question, a detailed analysis was performed, focusing specifically on Massillon and its game data from the last six seasons.

The study encompasses 84 games, but focuses specifically on those against the better opponents, since little trending knowledge can be gained from the games that were more one-sided, where the Tigers scored almost every time they had the ball. So, it focuses primarily on two groups of opponents:

16 great teams where Massillon was either evenly matched or considered an underdog. This group includes the larger parochial schools and those public schools they faced deep in the playoffs. The Tigers’ record against those teams was 6-10.
38 good teams where Massillon was considered a favorite, but not by a large margin. This group includes mid-sized parochial schools and those public schools that qualified for the playoffs, excluding a few mismatches. The Tigers’ record against those teams was 35-3.

Data was collected for both Massillon and its opponents, for each one’s initial possession of each half, regardless of whether they kicked off or received the ball to start the half. So, if Massillon kicked off to start the first half then they would have the second possession of the first half. Then in the second half, they would receive the kickoff and have the first possession. The opponent, of course, would have the opposite situation. The remaining game possessions following these first two are not considered relevant to the study and were not charted.

The data was then analyzed to determine whether it was advisable to either kick off or receive to open the game, while considering the combined effects of both Massillon and its opponents. In other words, the analysis searched for the situation where Massillon was maximizing its scoring potential, while at the same time minimizing the opponent’s scoring potential.

Results – vs. Great Teams

The charts below depict the chances of scoring for Massillon and the opponent based on the data compiled over the past six years relative to the 16 great teams. Two scenarios are displayed, the first if Massillon defers the decision and kicks off to start the game and the second if the other team defers and Massillon receives. For each scenario, the possessions are shown in the order in which they would occur during the game. In other words, if Massillon kicks off in the first half, then the opponent would receive the kick and have the first possession. In the second half, the opposite would occur.

In order to consider the effect of both Massillon’s and the opponent’s results, the average chances of a team scoring in either half are calculated and then the difference is taken between the two numbers. If the difference is positive, then Massillon has the advantage; if negative, then the advantage goes to the opponent.

Per the chart, since the overall advantage is negative when Massillon kicks off but zero when receiving, then the favorable decision would be to receive the ball to start the game. That would set the opponent up for a difficult first possession in the second half, where historically they have failed to score.

If Massillon desired to play the odds and follow this recommendation they fortunately would be nearly in full control of this decision. That’s because (1) they could elect to receive the ball if they won the toss, and (2) obviously receive the ball if the opponent won the toss and elected to defer, which it nearly always does.

Side note: In most cases, a team with a second possession of the half has a higher chance of scoring than with a first possession. One could argue that field position may be better with a second possession, since the team would often be receiving a punt, rather than starting deep in its own end following a kickoff. But the difference in starting field position within these 16 games turned out to not be significant enough (around five yards) to influence the results. But the key factor might just be, at least for the second half, that the players need some time to return to game mode following a grueling half of football followed by decompression in the locker room. Perhaps teams need to alter their routine after returning to the field, such as running a few simulated plays rather than focusing exclusively on stretching.

Results vs. Good Teams

The charts below depict the chances of scoring for Massillon and the opponent based on the data compiled over the past six years relative to the 36 good teams.

The Massillon advantage is positive in both scenarios, but favors Massillon kicking off to start the game. Therefore, it would make sense for Massillon to defer to the second half if they win the toss.

Summary

The analysis attempts to determine whether it is better to receive the ball or defer the decision to the second half following the pre-game coin toss. Six years of data encompassing 84 games were considered, with the opponents broken down into four categories.

Great teams – 16 teams where Massillon is at even odds or an underdog to win. Preferable for Massillon to receive the opening kickoff, thereby forcing the opponent to receive the second half kickoff, from which they have produced zero scores.
Good teams – 38 teams where Massillon is a moderate favorite to win. Slight advantage for Massillon to kick off to start the game.
Average to below average teams – 30 teams where Massillon is a clear favorite to win. Kick or receive? It doesn’t matter.

It should be noted that this same analysis was performed on Ohio State against against several of their great opponents and a similar result was obtained.

History

Football Hall of Fame is the Next Stop for…

April 10, 2023June 7, 2023
by Don Engelhardt

Football Hall of Fame is the Next Stop for Larry Larsuel

Larry Larsuel could have reminisced about some great Massillon wins that he was involved in during the 1964 season, but unfortunately he’s not around anymore for us to hear it first-hand. There was the 14-8 victory over Niles McKinley in the Rubber Bowl that broke the Red Dragons’ 48-game winning streak and solidified the Tigers as the best team in the state at that time. And there was the 38-14 shellacking of 8-2 Altoona, Pennsylvania. Finally, old timers will never forget the 20-14 come-back win over No. 2 Canton McKinley that punctuated the season and returned the crown to Massillon. But Larsuel was more than just a participant. He was one of the stalwarts on the offensive line that led a devastating ground attack under first-year Massillon and future Ohio State Head Coach Earl Bruce.

Larsuel began his varsity career in 1962 as a 5’-8”, 176 lb. sophomore when Head Coach Leo Strang named him a starter at offensive guard against Akron Garfield. Unlike today, sophomores didn’t dress for varsity games, let alone play. So, he must have made an early impression on the coach of his potential. Turns out, it was his only start that year and the team finished 6-5. But good things were yet to come.

Larsuel hit his growth spurt entering his junior year and became a full time starter at offensive guard, playing at 5’-11”, 197 lbs. The team finished 9-1, losing to 10-0-1 Akron Garfield 13-6, while finishing second in the state to 9-0-1 Niles. Ironically, Garfield was voted sixth. Since Canton McKinley was barred from playing football in 1962 on account of a recruiting violation, the team teams matched up twice in 1963. Massillon won both, by scores of 24-20 and 22-6. Strang then left for the top job at Kent State, opening the door for Bruce.

“Coach Leo Strang of Massillon was all smiles as he praised the Tigers’ team effort (against 8-2 Alliance). He especially patted senior wingback Bill (Rabbit) Blunt and junior lineman Larry Larsuel on their respective backs. “Didn’t Blunt run well,” he said, “and that Larsuel, he played guard, linebacker and middle guard and did a tremendous job at all three spots.” – Massillon Independent

For his outstanding play, Larsuel was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio at the guard position and 1^st Team All-Stark County by both the coaches and the Massillon Evening Independent.

It was during his senior season that the big games mentioned above were played. With those three wins plus seven more, Massillon finished the season 10-0 for the second straight year and retained the state championship trophy. The 5’-10”, 206 lb. Larsuel was again lauded by the opponents.

“THEY OWNED US down the middle in the second half,” said Altoona Coach Earl Strohm, headman of the Lions, now in his 11th year at the Pennsylvania football power house. The veteran coach was especially impressed with Larsuel, terming the senior all-county and all-state guard “a real good football player.” Based on the game movies, fullback Lawrence was named player of the week for his running and faking. Lineman of the week was guard Tom Whitfield with Larsuel the runner-up. — Massillon Evening Independent.

Larsuel also played a little defense and made a great play against Niles. Per the Massillon Evening Independent, “With second and 10, Infante went back to pass but found tackle Jim Binge looming in front of him and tried to run to the left where Larry Larsuel knifed through and dropped him for a 5-yard loss to the 18, with 1:28 left in the game. Niles tried 2 more passes, both of which were incomplete, and Massillon took over on its own 17 and ran out the clock for its second win of the season. Lineman honors went to guard Larry Larsuel who got his man 65 per cent of the time and who on defense freed Muhlbach by handling the Niles tackles. Backfield honors went to Bob Hewitt for his blocking and running.”

At the end of the season Larsuel was named 1^st Team All-Ohio at guard. He also grabbed 1^st Team All-Stark County from both the coaches and Massillon Evening Independent. And he received the Massillon Jaycees Sportsmanship Award. The following summer Larsuel participated in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game, lining up at offensive guard.

Now he is being inducted into the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

History

Part 2 – Pre-Spread Offense Quarterbacks in the Massillon…

April 2, 2023May 1, 2023
by Don Engelhardt

Part 2 – Pre-Spread Offense Quarterbacks in the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame

The Tiger Football Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals that have made contributions to the Tiger football experience, whether it be a player, coach, band director or just an individual who has influenced the program in a positive way. Inductees are honored in the WHS Sports Hall with plaques that display the inductees’ contributions. As of 2022, a total of 105 members have been inducted.

Complete List of Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame Inductees

This entry is Part 2 of a series that presents the inductees by playing position and features quarterbacks that competed prior to the period of the spread offense; i.e., before the late 1990s. During that time, teams characteristically stayed mostly to the ground with their offensive attacks, throwing the ball around 20% of the time. Using elementary passing concepts, the completion percentages were usually around 40% and total game passing yardages were minimal. But many times, the quarterbacks of this era were thrust into rushing modes.

Four Massillon quarterbacks have gained Hall of Fame distinction during this period, including Willie Spencer, Jr., Dennis Franklin, Dave Sheegog, Joe Sparma, George Slusser and Harry Stuhldreher. Paul Brown was also a quarterback then, but he was inducted based on his coaching skills, and so is not included in this story.

Willie Spencer (1992-94)

Spencer was one of the most athletic quarterbacks in Massillon history. Then again, he was playing on the heels of his father, Willie Sr., who was a sensational high school All-American running back for the Tigers in 1971.

In 1993 during his junior year Spencer became a varsity starter at defensive back and was part of a team that compiled a 10-2 record, while losing in the playoff regionals. With an uncanny ability quickly break for the ball, he had six pass interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns, including 87 yards against Grove City, PA, 54 yards against Austintown Fitch and 36 yards against Akron St. Vincent. He also recovered two fumbles, returning one for a score. In addition, he was the backup quarterback, where he scored one rushing touchdown.

Spencer became the full-time signal caller during his senior year, where he completed 58 of 124 passes for 941 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed 129 times for 775 yards and 18 touchdowns, scoring 108 points. His rushing yardage total leads all Massillon quarterbacks in that category. Memorable games include:

148 rushing yards against Mansfield
122 rushing yards against Fitch. His 89-yard jaunt in the fourth quarter tied the game at 7-7, after which Nick Pribich kicked the game-winning field goal.
Led Massillon to a 42-41 overtime win over Canton McKinley in the 100^th rivalry game.
Completed 7 of 11 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 66 yards and two touchdowns, in a 35-28 playoff victory over Fremont Ross, a team that led by future Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson.

For his performance he was named Repository 1^st Team All-County quarterback, WHBC Stark County MVP, Northeast Inland District Player of the Year and 1^st Team A.P. Division 1 All-Ohio quarterback.

After high school Spencer played for the University of Akron and then Tiffin Univrsity.

Dennis Franklin (1968-70)

As a Massillon junior in 1969, during Coach Bob Commings’ inaugural year, Franklin split time at quarterback with senior Gary Herring, completing 52% of his passes for 380 yards and three touchdowns. The Tigers finished 7-2-1 during that rebuilding season.

The following year it all came together and with just Franklin at the QB position the team exploded with an undefeated 10-0 season. Massillon led the All-American Conference in both rushing and passing and outscored its opposition 412-29. In a key Week 4 matchup with state-ranked Niles, Franklin led his team to a 22-3 comeback victory. He also scored all three touchdowns in a 22-0 win over Warren Harding and was involved in four TDs against Trotwood Madison. The magical season was then punctuated by a 28-0 victory over previously undefeated and state No. 3 Canton McKinley.

At season’s end, Massillon was voted as the best team in Ohio by the Associated Press, that campaign coming prior to the introduction of the state playoffs.

Franklin had a consistent year throwing the ball, completing 33 of 78 passes (42%) for 699 yards and 13 touchdowns. But it was when he began to showcase his athletic running ability (79 carries for 363 yards, 4.6/att., and 9 TDs) that he became a complete quarterback. For his effort, Dennis was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio and invited to play in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game, where he was the starting quarterback for the North. Subsequently, he received a scholarship to play football for the University of Michigan, where he became a 3-year starter.

For his high school career he played in 19 games and completed 61 of 132 passes (46%) for 1,079 yards and 16 touchdowns. Modest statistics by today’s standards, but Franklin’s prowess was that he was truly a field general in leading his team to the state title.

Dave Sheegog (1963-65)

Dave Sheegog, as a junior backup quarterback, was the hero of the 1964 Canton McKinley game. With Massillon down 14-0 entering the fourth quarter, Sheegog replaced Steve Kanner, who left the game with an injury, and he led the Tigers to a 20-14 victory. During that memorable 12 minutes, Sheegog completed 3 of 4 passes for 41 yards and rushed six times for 39, scoring the winning touchdown off a 14-yard scramble with just 53 seconds left in the game. The win gave Massillon an undefeated record and a 22^nd state championship.

The following year, Sheegog was the starter and he help the Tigers to a consecutive unbeaten season and another state title. His key games included:

50 yards rushing against 9-1 Cleveland Benedictine in a 29-12 victory.
5 of 10 for 90 yards passing and two touchdowns, plus 32 yards rushing against Alliance in a 22-6 win.
77 yards rushing and 3 TDs against 6-2-2 Niles in a 22-8 victory.
61 yards rushing in a 16-12 win over unbeaten Warren Harding.
12 carries for 41 yards against 7-3 Canton McKinley in another come-from-behind victory, 18-14.

Sheegog finished the season completing 26 of 72 passes for 427 yards and 5 touchdowns and rushing 106 times for 405 yards and 9 touchdowns. He also returned 9 kickoffs for 215 yards and 19 punts for 120 yards, including one of 94 yards that went for a score. Also, as a 2-way player, he intercepted two passes on defense, which he returned for 11 yards. On top of that, he led the team in scoring with 59 points.

Following the season, he accepted a scholarship offer to play for Kent State University.

Joe Sparma (1957-59)

Joe had the long arm desired by most quarterbacks. It was so long that he eventually made a career of throwing fastballs for the Detroit Tigers. But he also made his mark in high school, including a big pass he threw in the infamous clock game against Warren Harding. With the game tied 14 apiece and Massillon sitting on the Panther 46 yard line with just seconds remaining, Head Coach Leo Strang inserted the young sophomore to try a desperation pass. Sparma did just that, launching the ball to the goal line and into the hands of Clyde Childers, who outjumped the defender for the winning score. Following the game, Warren claimed that Massillon had received an extra minute of play. But you can read the story yourself.

Sparma became the starter the following year, 1958, and led his team to the state championship (tied with Alliance). With the team finishing 8-1-1, he tossed 9 touchdowns and ran for two more.

His senior year was even better, with Massillon finishing 10-0 and capturing both the state and national championships. Sparma completed 28 of 85 passes form 660 yards and 14 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions. He also punted 17 times with a 35.9 average. Following the season, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio. He then accepted a scholarship offer to play for Ohio State under Woody Hayes.

Sparma’s record as a starter was 18-1-1 and currently holds the Massillon record for single season average yards per completion (23.6).

George Slusser (1937-39)

In an era when a pass in football was just an afterthought, Coach Paul Brown used quarterback George Slusser to shake things up a bit. And he did just that, starting at the position for two years. During that span, his team went 20-0 and captured two state championships.

In his junior year, Slusser passed for 7 touchdowns and rushing for 6. Meanwhile, the team outscored its opposition, 302-60.

As a senior, he passed for 10 touchdowns and rushing for 18 as a senior. Against Mansfield he passed for two and rushed for two in a 73-0 win. Then, against Steubenville, he passed for one and rushed for three in a 50-0 win. The team was simply dominant, outscoring their foes, 460-25.

Following his last season, Slusser was named 1^st Team All-Ohio and then played for Dartmouth College.

Harry Stuhldreher

Harry (known as Hessie and Stuhlie) played for Coach John Snavely on the Tiger teams of 1917, 1918 and 1919. He was not a regular on the 1917 team, which ended with a 7-2 record and beat Canton McKinley, 7-6.

But that changed the following year. The 1918 team was 2-2-2. This was a unique season, when several games were canceled due to the Spanish Flu epidemic, including the one against the Canton McKinley game. In addition, the New Philadelphia game was forfeited when Coach Snavely pulled his players from the field because of what he believed was a biased ruling against the Tigers. Final score: New Philadephia 1, Massillon 0.

The 1919 team finished 8-1. Playing at a paltry 5′-5″ and weighing just 137 lbs., Harry started the first eight games. The Tigers beat McKinley that year 21-0, but he was held out due to an injured arm in that one.

During his 3-year career at Massillon, Harry was described as a good, although not outstanding player. Unfortunately, Harry never got the chance to play in a Canton McKinley game.

After high school Harry played for Notre Dame, which was coached at the time by Knute Rockne. As a quarterback, he was considered in the media as one of the “four horsemen.” After college he had offers to play for three pro teams in the Connecticut area, but signed a contract to play for the Providence Steam Roller in the team’s inaugural NFL season. Later, he was the head coach of Villanova University and then the University of Wisconsin.

History

Part 1 – Spread Offense Quarterbacks in the Massillon…

March 23, 2023April 23, 2023
by Don Engelhardt

Part 1 – Spread Offense Quarterbacks in the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame

Complete List of Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame Inductees

This entry is Part 1 of a series that presents the inductees by playing position and features quarterbacks that competed during the period of the spread offense. The spread offense came into vogue in the late 1990s as teams with less skill talent or inadequate line size sought to improve their offenses by utilizing the passing game more than in previous years in an attempt score more points. For Massillon, this began in 1998 with the hiring of Head Coach Rick Shepas and the Tigers have utilized this concept ever since. The offense is characterized by aligning the quarterback in the shotgun position and utilizing one or more wide receivers on each side of the line. Characteristically, quarterbacks in this offense throw the ball around 40% of the time.

Three Massillon quarterbacks have gained Hall of Fame distinction during this period, including Kyle Kempt, Bobby Huth and Justin Zwick.

Kyle Kempt (2010-2012)

Kyle Kempt burst onto the scene during Week 3 of his sophomore year as a replacement in the game against Stow. Kempt then remained as the starter through the rest of his time at Massillon, winning 23 of his 32 starts, while playing under Head Coach Jason Hall.

As a sophomore he completed 111 of 205 (54%) passes for 1,643 yards and 14 touchdowns in helping his team to a 7-3 regular season mark and a birth in the state playoffs.

The next year Massillon again finished 7-3, with close losses to 9-2 Canton GlenOak and 9-3 Canton McKinley, only they failed to make the playoffs. Nevertheless, Kempt again put up some decent numbers, completing 84 of 168 passes (50%), with just 4 interceptions, for 1,335 yards and 16 touchdowns.

The breakout year came in 2012 with Kempt, now a co-captain and at 6’-5”, 200 lbs., leading his team to an 11-2 record and a runner-up finish in the playoff regional finals. He completed 194 of 292 passes (66%) for 2,056 yards and 32 touchdowns. His highlights were:

A 34-14 victory over 9-2 Austintown Fitch, completing 18 of 25 passes for 308 yard and 4 touchdowns.
A 44-23 win over 13-2 Akron St. Vincent. completing 14 of 22 passes for 216 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Irish went on to capture the Division 3 state championship.
A 37-29 regular season victory over 8-3 Canton McKinley, completing 16 of 32 passes for 285 yards and 3 touchdowns.
A 28-19 playoff win over the Bulldogs, completing 11 of 17 passes for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns.

At the end of the season Kempt was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio. He then accepted a scholarship offer to play for Oregon State and later transferred to Iowa State, where he finished his playing career and is now a Quality Control Assistant Coach.

At Massillon he completed 399 of 665 passes for 6,034 yards and 62 touchdowns. And he holds passing records for single game completions (29 vs. Canton GlenOak), season completion percentage (66.4%) and season average yards per game (235.1).

Bobby Huth (2004-06)

Huth was small in stature at 5’-9”, 160 lbs., but big in heart as a Massillon Tiger, leading his team for two years at the quarterback position. And at the end of his career, Bobby had his name all over the Massillon record book Top 10s. He played under Head Coach Tom Stacy.

After a modest beginning as a sophomore, Huth became the starter in 2005, completing 141 of 223 passes (63.2%) for 2,017 yards and 18 touchdowns in leading his team to the Division 1 state finals. Huth was a part of many significant victories that year, including the following:

A 34-31 win over Elder at Cincinnati’s Paul Brown Stadium.
A first-ever win over Cleveland St. Ignatius, by the score of 29-26.
A 21-3 playoff victory over 12-1 Canton McKinley, completing 9 of 11 passes and tossing a touchdown pass.
A 21-17 win over 12-1 Cleveland St. Edward in the Division 1 state semifinals. In that one he passed for 230 yards and two TDs and led his team to victory after falling behind by ten points. He also completed an inconceivable 3^rd and 30 for a first down during the winning drive.
A 27-20 playoff victory over 10-2 Findlay. In that one he completed 10 of 13 passes.
An appearance in the Division 1 state finals, where the Tigers were edged by unbeaten Cincinnati St. Xavier, 24-17.

The following season, as a team captain, Huth completed 151 of 260 passes (58%) for 1,955 yards and 21 touchdowns. His best performances came against Hamilton Chandler, Arizona, and Massillon Perry. In the Chandler game he completed 15 of 24 passes for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 35-26 win. Then, in a playoff game against Perry, he passed for 260 yards and three scores in a 41-20 win. For his effort that year he was named 2^nd Team A.P. Division 1 All-Ohio quarterback.

Overall, he played in 29 games and was 20-7 as a starter. He also completed 297 of 495 passes (59%) for 4,077 yards. His completion percentage mark is 2^nd all-time.

Justin Zwick (2000-01)

Justin Zwick transferred to Massillon after two years in Orrville, where he led his team to the Division 4 state championship as a freshman quarterback. He had all tools required of a big-time high school pocket quarterback, including size (6’-5”, 221 lbs.), arm strength and field vision. And he also fit nicely into Coach Rick Shepas’ spread offense.

In his junior year Zwick led the Tigers to an 8-3 record, including a spot in the playoffs. He also completed 191 of 346 passes (55%) for 2,455 yards and 23 touchdowns. His accomplishments included:

A 40-7 victory over 12-2 Akron Buchtel, completing 18 of 32 passes for 187 yards and 5 TDs. Buchtel finished 3^rd in Division 2.
A 51-26 win over 8-2 Akron Garfield, completing 29 of 43 for 375 yards and 2 TDs.
A 28-27 come-from-behind victory over Lakewood St. Edward, completing 16 of 29 passes for 243 yards and 1 TD.

At the end of the season he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.

As a senior co-captain he continued to be successful, with Massillon finishing 12-2 and capturing the playoff regional championship. Both of the losses that year came at the hands of eventual Division 1 state champ Cleveland St. Ignatius. During the season he completed 246 of 426 passes (58%) for 3,281 yards and 40 touchdowns. His highlights are as follows:

A 59-0 victory over 8-2 Akron Garfield, completing 16 of 23 passes for 233 yards and 3 TDs.
A 17-14 win over 8-3 Mansfield, completing 24 of 37 passes for 231 yards.
A 36-19 victory over 8-3 Canton McKinley in the regular season, completing 16 of 23 passes for 245 yards and 2 TDs.
A 35-19 win over Canton McKinley in the playoffs, completing 24 of 33 passes for 239 yards and 3 TDs
A 27-7 playoff victory over North Canton, completing 23 of 38 passes for 252 yards and 2 TDs.

He was again named 1^st Team All-Ohio. And, amid much media fanfare, he announced his acceptance of a scholarship offer to play for Ohio State. Following four years with the Buckeyes, he suited up with the Columbus Destroyers in the Arena Football League.

For his career, Zwick completed 437 of 772 passes (57%) for 6,736 yards, 63 TDs. As a starter he was 20-5. He also set Massillon records for total yards in a game (407 vs. Dayton Chaminade), pass attempts in a game (60 vs. Cleveland St. Ignatius), pass completions in a game (29 vs. Akron Garfield), touchdown passes in a game (6 vs. Fremont Ross), total passing yards in a season (3,281), pass attempts in a season (426), pass completions in a season (246), touchdowns in a season (40) and average yards per game in a career (229.4).

History

Ron Ertle is Headed to the Football Hall of…

March 7, 2023April 11, 2023
by Don Engelhardt

Ron Ertle is Headed to the Football Hall of Fame

The Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023 will be inducted this August during the Massillon Football Booster Club’s Reverse Raffle event. Included this year is new member Ron Ertle, who played linebacker for the Tigers in 1965-67. During the event he will receive a distinctive plaque commemorating his achievements. A second plaque will be mounted in the WHS sports hall in the space reserved for past Hall of Fame inductees. In addition, Ertle will be recognized on the field prior to the opening football game against Valdosta, Georgia.

“Ruby” Ertle played both linebacker and lineman under Head Coach Bob Seaman. As a starter during his junior year he instantly became a force on defense, giving a hundred percent on every play. One could describe him as just a “really tough player.” Against Canton McKinley he had a pass interception to quell a drive, and also during the season recovered two fumbles. Unfortunately, the Tigers’ record that year was 4-5-1.

In his 1967 senior year Ertle was named a team co-captain along with Trevor Young and was once again a dominating force on the field. That led to a much more successful campaign than the previous year, with the team finishing 9-1 and earning 2^nd place in the Associated Press state sportswriters poll. Massillon’s only loss that year came at the hand of the eventual No. 1 team, Upper Arlington, by the score of 7-6. But the Tigers did defeat both McKinley 20-15 and undefeated Steubenville 26-16 on the way to a 4-0 mark in the All-American Conference.

Ertle finished the year as the leading tackler. He also scored four extra points from his tight end position. After that the awards flowed in. First, he received the Touchdown Club’s Hardnose Award, well-representing the attributes associated with this Bob Commings accolade, the Reese’s Raiders “E” Award for effort, efficiency and endeavor, and was named Massillon’s Most Valuable Player. After that came Massillon Independent All-County linebacker and WHBC Player of the Year. All of that culminated in him being named 1^st Team All-Ohio linebacker and Ohio Football News Magazine All-Ohio linebacker. The following summer he participated in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game.

Congratulations to Ron Ertle.

News

St. John’s College HS Makes Massillon’s Schedule That Much…

March 2, 2023June 17, 2023
by Don Engelhardt

St. John’s College HS Makes Massillon’s Schedule That Much Stronger

The last team added to the 2023 Massillon schedule was St. John’s College, located in the District of Columbia. This completed an already strong Tiger schedule that includes Valdosta, GA, Lakewood St. Edward, Middletown, DE, Austintown Fitch and Canton McKinley.

St. John’s, located in Chevy Chase, Washington D.C., was established in 1851 as the second oldest Christian Brothers school in the U.S. and is currently affiliated with the De La Salle Brothers. It is also the oldest Army Junior ROTC school in the country. With an enrollment of 1,100, it is a co-educational school with 100% of its students enrolled in college prep. Tuition is $22,950. In 2021, St. John’s graduates received $34 million in scholarship money.

In football, St. John’s is a member of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, which also includes three other schools: Our Lady of the Good Counsel (Olney, MD), Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) and DeMatha (Hyattsville, MD). At the end of the season the league holds its own 4-team playoff. Incidentally, Massillon played Gonzaga in 1982 and defeated them 23-0.

Last year the Cadets finished with a record of 8-4. In non-conference play they defeated Massillon opponent Middletown, DE (42-0), while losing to 12-1 Chaminade-Madonna, FL (35-28). In league play they beat rival Gonzaga as their only win. However, in the playoffs they upended Good Counsel in the semifinals (14-10) and then topped DeMatha (7-3) to win the league championship.

For many years football was an afterthought with three to five wins per year and an average Calpreps.com national computer rating of 33 (for comparison, Massillon’s rating last year was 53). However, in 2013 the school took a step upward into the ranks of the elite. From 2013 to 2015 they averaged eight wins per season and earned a Calpreps ranking of 56. Then, another step upward began in 2016 and they hold that level today. Over the past seven years their ranking has averaged 63, which places them closer to the 73 rating of Lakewood St. Edward, Ohio’s Division 1 state champion the last two years. They have also been ranked first in the D.C. area in eight of the past nine years and ranked in the National Top-50 three times in the last five years.

St. John’s plays mostly local opponents, but will occasionally venture out of their metro area or host a distant team. In 2017 they decided to test the waters by scheduling California power De La Salle and they were competitive in a 35-31 loss. Then, in 2018 they defeated 9-4 Hoover, AL (42-14) and 13-1 Christian Brothers, MO (50-49), finishing 9-1. Life was good, but not so much the following year when they appeared to over-schedule a bit, losing to Philadelphia St. Joseph Prep, PA (34-30), Duncanville, TX (35-14), perennial national champion Mater Dei, CA (53-24) and IMG Academy, FL (35-21), while slipping to 7-5. So, in 2021 following the Covid year, they scaled it back and achieved an 11-0 mark, their only unbeaten team in the past 20 years. Included in that was a win over 8-5 Don Bosco, NJ (27-6).

The Cadets return some good skill position talent from last year’s team, including:

Quarterback Isaiah French, who completed 76 of 117 passes (65%) for 827 yards (10.9) and 5 touchdowns.
Running back Da’Juan Riggs, who carried the ball 118 times for 962 yards (8.2) and scored 15 TDs.
Wide receiver Jason Woods, who caught 17 passes for 165 yards (9.7) and a pair of touchdowns.
Linebacker Jordan Seaton, a 4-star recruit.

Their offense operates out of the spread with a single running back and multiple wide receiver formations. But it is run-first. The quarterback is athletic and will run off of the read-option. All of the skill position players have great speed. The line has good size.

The defense aligns in a 3-4, cover-2 with the safeties pulled up to 10 yards off the ball. On occasion, they will walk a safety up toward the line. They are very stingy on the short pass and have the speed to go man-to-man on the deep routes. All of the players are very athletic.

History

Bill Edwards – Wall of Champions

February 23, 2023March 2, 2023
by Don Engelhardt

Bill Edwards – Wall of Champions

From player to coach to sports administrator, William M. “Bill” Edwards spent a lifetime in the sports arena, mostly with football. Along the way he posted some outstanding achievements. And he also rubbed elbows with some of Massillon’s greats. Here is his story.

Edwards was born in Massillon on June 21, 1905. Although he attended school in his formative years, he dropped out following the eighth grade at age 14 to work in the mines in East Greenville in order to help support his family. However, he did play three years of football for the semi-pro Massillon Maroons, which won the Ohio championship in 1921. Then, in 1922 he left the mines and decided to return to school, enrolling in Washington High School as a freshman.

High School

It’s unknown if football is what brought him back to school. It’s also unknown if it was Coach Dave Stewart that drew him back in. It might be that Paul Brown, his classmate, exerted some influence. But it also might have been Tink Ulrich. In any case, he made an immediate impact during his first year and held down a starting linebacker position throughout his time at Massillon. He was big and he was powerful and a thorn in the side for any opposing runner. Edwards was also adept at kicking extra points, punting and kicking off. By his third year he added fullback to the list. A local newspaper reported that as a ball carrier “he was never brought down by a lone defender.” He also hated wearing a football helmet, since it bothered his ears. So, many times he just didn’t.

In 1922 the Tigers finished 10-0, outscoring their opponents, 379-28. With popular acclaim in vogue at that time, Massillon declared itself state champion. During the season, Edwards kicked 13 PATs, just missed a drop-kick field goal, and against Warren recovered a fumbled punt snap in the end zone for a touchdown. He was also instrumental in helping his team to a 24-0 victory over Canton McKinley. But his big moment came against Cleveland Shaw when he drop-kicked an extra point with 27 seconds remaining in the game to give his team a 7-6 victory and keep the winning streak alive.

Edwards played left tackle on offense, blocking for stellar running back “Dutch” Hill, but he really excelled at linebacker on defense. “On the line the work of Salberg and Edwards stood out prominently. This pair of tacklers stopped many a Canton drive.” (Massillon Evening Independent).

In his sophomore year Edwards was named team captain, a first at Massillon for an underclassman. Having been shifted to center and lining up alongside Carl “Ducky” Schroeder”, the team fashioned an 8-2 record. Edwards shared kicking duties that year and kicked eight PATs.

In 1924, his junior season, Edwards was again named team captain and played with quarterback Paul Brown. He was also a teammate of running back Elwood Kammer. Both of these players would later coach Massillon. In spite of outscoring their opponents 320-28, the Tigers finished 8-1, with the loss coming to Youngstown South 1-0 via forfeit when Stewart took his team off the field while challenging several referee calls. During the season Edwards kicked 38 PATs and caught a touchdown pass. He was also most likely the leading tackler (defensive records weren’t kept).

With his high school career over and the proud owner of a 26-3 team record and three wins over McKinley, Edwards looked forward to the next level. But he looked back at three outstanding years as a Tiger. In fact, the all-time Massillon High School football team, which was selected in 1958, noted that Edwards was the “Greatest Tiger of them all.”

He also played some basketball at Massillon, again teaming with his friend, Paul Brown.

Bill Edwards is pictured in the front row, third from the left. Elwood Kammer is to his right and Paul Brown (black shirt) is to his left. Coach Dave Stewart is in the second row, behind Brown.

By the time his senior year rolled around, Edwards was twenty years old, too old for Ohio high school football. So, he enrolled in Kiski Prep, located in Pennsylvania, as a scholarship player before returning to Massillon for the second half of the school year. There he received his diploma, and prepared for the collegiate level.

College

The first stop as a college player was Ohio State and the freshman team in 1927, where he roomed with Paul Brown. He was also named captain. But he left after the season for Wittenberg, joining six other former Massillon players, including Ducky Schroeder.

In his first year he kicked an extra point as time expired to help his team to a 7-6 victory over Ohio Wesleyan, which had beaten both Michigan and Syracuse. The next two years he was named team captain and excelled at center.

Grantland Rice wrote, “Edwards is the best center in the nation, but I can’t name him All-American because of his team’s schedule.” Walter Eckersall did not overlook Edwards playing at a small college and named him to his All-America team. He was also named to Sam Willaman’s All-American Team.

While at Wittenberg Edwards earned a bachelor’s degree (1931) and then attended a Master’s degree from Columbia University (1956) while coaching.

Coaching

With school behind him, Edwards chose a career path in the coaching world and had a laundry list of stops, including:

Springfield High School (1931) – Assistant coach and history teacher.
Fostoria High School (1932-33) – Head coach. Produced an 8-2 record in year two, the school’s best mark in ten years. His 1932 coaching offer from Fostoria was better than the offer he received from Massillon, which at the time was replacing Elmer McGrew. With Edwards now out of the picture, the Tigers decided to go with Paul Brown.
Western Reserve University (1934) – Assistant coach.
Western Reserve University (1935-40) – Head coach, replacing Sam Willaman, who died suddenly. Compiled a 49-6-2 record. Had three undefeated seasons. Won five Big Four Conference championships (1935-38, 40). Defeated Arizona State 26-13 in the 1941 Sun Bowl. Coached future Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
Detroit Lions (1941-42) – Head coach. Compiled a record of 4-9-1. Taking over early in the season, moved the team from last place that year to third the next, before enlisting in the Navy prior to season’s end. Bill Belichick was one of his players. Bill would later name his son after Edwards, young Bill’s godfather.
Saint Mary’s Pre-Flight (1943) – Assistant coach, lieutenant commander, World War II.
Cleveland Browns (1947-48) – Assistant coach, tackles. Coached under Paul Brown. Cleveland won the AAFC championship both years and was undefeated in 1948. Coached tackle Lou “The Toe” Groza.
Vanderbilt (1949-52) – Head coach and athletic director. Compiled a record of 21-19-2. Introduced the passing game to the passing game to the Southeast Conference. Was named National Coach of the Week six times.
North Carolina (1953-54) – Assistant coach.
Wittenberg (1955-68) – Returned to his alma mater as head coach and athletic director. Replaced the single-wing offense with a pro-style passing attack. Established Wittenberg as an annual contender for the Ohio Athletic Conference title. Compiled a record of 98-20-4. All-time Wittenberg winningest coach. Unbeaten in 1962, 63 and 64. NCAA College Division Poll Champion by the Washington Touchdown Club (1962 and 1964). Won or tied for the Ohio Athletic Conference Championship seven times. Coach of the Year (1963 and 1964). Coached future Oakland Raiders quarterback Charlie Green in 1962-64. The Tigers went 15-0-1 during that span. During his three years, Green passed for 5,575 yards and threw 61 touchdown passes. In 2002, Green was inducted into the College Hall of Fame.

During his career, Edwards received several coaching honors, including:

Ohio College Football Coach of the Year (1957 and 1962).
Two times American Football Coaches Associated College Division Coach of the Year (1962–1963).
National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors Hall of Fame (1974).
Case Western Reserve Hall of Fame (1979).
Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1979).
Wittenberg Athletics Hall of Honor (1985).
Vanderbilt Hall of Fame (1986).
College Football Hall of Fame (1986).
Football Writers Association of America award for contributions to the game.
Massillon Wall of Champions (1994).
Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame (2019).
Honorary member of the American Football Coaches Association.

“Wherever I’ve been, from playing for Massillon High School to coaching college squads at Western Reserve, Vanderbilt and Wittenberg, I’ve had some wonderful experiences that I will always remember,” said Edwards.

“If I had it to do over again, I’d still be a football coach,” he said. “You know, I got as much out of coaching the kids as some of them say they got out of playing for me. It’s a little tough sometimes to admit to yourself that one of your players has more humility than you do, or is a little more honest, but it happens. If you teach a boy to compete, he will compete for the rest of his life. Football coaches are educators who teach, among other things, discipline, loyalty, sacrifices for a common good, and cooperation to achieve a worthwhile goal.”

Paul Brown called him, “One of the greatest football players I have ever seen in high school or college. Later he joined me on the Cleveland Browns and did an outstanding job. The players admired, respected, and liked him. He has been my lifelong friend and I cherish my association with him. He has deserved every honor that has come to him.” Other top-level head coaches also had great respect for Edwards.

Edwards left the coaching world after the 1968 season with 38 years on his resume, while leaving his mark at nearly every stop along the way. He was simply a winner and rightly acknowledged throughout his career. His overall head coaching record was 168-45-8, which included a 1-0 record in bowl games. At time of retirement, he had the second-best winning percentage among active coaches with at least 100 wins and owned a commendation from President Richard Nixon for his achievements.

After coaching Edwards remained in Wittenberg as athletic director until 1973. Wittenberg’s football stadium is named Edwards-Maurer Field in honor of both head coaches. Also, the winner of the Wittenberg–Case Western Reserve football game receives the Bill Edwards Trophy.

Not bad for a former coal miner.

Post-Football

Edwards enjoyed hunting and fishing in retirement and spending time with wife Dorothy and their three children. He died in Springfield on June 12, 1987, at the age of 81.

News

2023 Massillon Football Schedule Released

February 12, 2023June 17, 2023
by Don Engelhardt

2023 Massillon Football Schedule Released

Another great schedule awaits Massillon as they prepare face nine teams that last year qualified for the playoffs. While most Ohio teams continue to shy away from scheduling the Tigers, four out-of-state teams are up to the challenge. That includes Valdosta, Georgia, which will open the season as part of a 4-game Northeast Ohio classic to be held at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Lakewood St. Edward also returns to the slate.

The Massillon-Valdosta game presents an intriguing matchup of two schools highly recognized for their football prowess and is sure to grab national attention. There was a time when Massillon had accumulated more football victories than any other team in the country. At present, they occupy the fourth position. Meanwhile, Valdosta has enjoyed long-term success and has now replaced the Tigers in the No. 1 spot. Three other games will also be held that weekend at PBTS, involving St. Edward, Akron Hoban and Cleveland Glenville.

Other out-of-state opponents include Elkhart, Indiana (Week 4), Middletown, Delaware (Week 6), which returns from last year’s schedule, and St. John’s Collegiate, D.C. (Week 7).

Lakewood St. Edward travels to Massillon for a fourth consecutive year, this time seeking revenge for last season’s 31-28 loss. It was their only setback enroute to a repeat of the Division 1 state championship. The Eagle offense revolves around stellar All-Ohio quarterback Casey Bullock, who is extremely adept at running the read-option offense, especially on the “keep.”

Massillon returns 17 starters plus several oft-used backups from last year’s 12-2 team that finished as champion of Division 2, Region 7. With several of the returnees occupying key positions, the Tigers are expected to be particularly strong at quarterback, offensive line, defensive line and linebacker. Coach Moore, Massillon’s winningest coach, will enter his 9th season and currently owns an 83-22 mark, which includes three trips to the state finals. He also captured the D2 title at Cincinnati LaSalle prior to coming to Massillon.

Here is the full schedule along with some key data:

Valdosta, GA – H

League: n.a.
Playoff Division: 7A (highest division)
2022 Overall Record: 8-3
2022 Playoff Results: Lost to Westlake, GA, 28-13 in Round 1
2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 23 in GA, Rated 49.3
5-Year Record: 33-26 (.559)
5-Year Playoff History: 4 appearances; lost in 6A state semifinals in 2020
Last Time vs. Massillon: Did not play
Historical Series Massillon vs. Valdosta: 0-0
Bonus: Returns defensive lineman Eric Brantley (co-Region 7A-1 Defensive Player of the Year), offensive lineman Demauree Bennet (1^st Team All-Region), offensive lineman Jalen Burgess (1^st Team All-Region), inside linebacker Aman Tomblin (1^st Team All-Region) and outside linebacker Jaylen Bentley*** (1^st Team All-Region). All-time wins leader in the United States, with a record of 944-262-34. Will play the previous all-time wins leader Massillon, which has a record of 932-290-36. Featured on an ESPN special named, “Titletown USA.” Moody Air Force Base is nearby.

Canton GlenOak – H

League: Federal League
Playoff Division: 1
2022 Overall Record: 4-7
2022 Playoff Results: Lost 40-22 to Canton McKinley in Round 1
2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 49 in D1; Rated 20.4
5-Year Record: 9-40 (.184)
5-Year Playoff History: 3 appearances; lost in Round 1 both times
Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost 35-7 to Massillon in 2022
Historical Series Massillon vs. Canton GlenOak: 14-4
Bonus: Has continued to struggle in the win-loss column. Offense improved when quarterback Adrion Burt (returnee) was moved to wide receiver and replaced by sophomore Cole Anderson. Returns 7 starters on offense and 7 on defense, including running back Avantae Burt (3^rd Team All-Ohio) and offensive lineman Romeo Magueyal (Honorable Mention All-Ohio).

Mansfield Senior – H

League: Cardinal Conference
Playoff Division: 3
2022 Overall Record: 10-3
2022 Playoff Results: Lost 17-16 to Cleveland Holy Name in Round 3
2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 13 in D3; Rated 27.3
5-Year Record: 38-19 (.667)
5-Year Playoff History: 4 appearances; lost 14-7 in overtime to Trotwood Madison in 2019 state finals
Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost 33-0 in 2022
Historical Series Massillon vs. Mansfield: 44-4-5
Bonus: 19-6 record over the past two years, including a 13-2 league record. Returns 10 starters on offense and 6 on defense, including defensive back Amarr Davis (1^st Team All-Ohio) and quarterback Duke Reese (Honorable Mention All-Ohio).

Elkhart, IN – H

League: Northern Indiana
Playoff Division: 6A (largest)
2022 Overall Record: 7-3
2022 Playoff Results: Lost to Warsaw 14-9 in Round 1
2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 70 in IN; Rated 15.0
5-Year Record: 36-18 (.667)
5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 6-5 record; advanced to the playoff regional finals in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Last Time vs. Massillon: did not play
Historical Series Massillon vs. Elkhart, IN: 0-0
Bonus: Finished 9-1 in 2020.

Lakewood St. Edward – H

League: None
Playoff Division: 1
2022 Overall Record: 15-1
2022 Playoff Results: Defeated Springfield 28-14 to capture the state championship
2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 1 in D1; Rated 72.9
5-Year Record: 58-9 (.866)
5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 20-2 record); state titles in 2018, 2021 and 2022
Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost to Massillon 31-28 in 2022
Historical Series Massillon vs. St. Edward: 4-4
Bonus: 2-time defending Division 1 state champs. Finished No. 37 nationally in 2022. Returns 7 starters on offense and 4 on defense, including offensive lineman Ben Roebuck*** (1^st Team All-Ohio), quarterback Casey Bullock (3^rd Team All-Ohio), wide receiver Kyan Mason (3^rd Team All-Ohio), offensive lineman Devontae Armstrong*** (3^rd Team All-Ohio), Deonte Armstrong*** (3^rd Team All-Ohio) and linebacker Nate Gregory (3^rd Team All-Ohio).

Middletown, DE – H

League: Blue Hen
Playoff Division: 3 – largest
2022 Overall Record: 7-5
2022 Playoff Results: Lost to Smyrna 48-0 in Round 2
2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 3 in DE; Rated 35.3
5-Year Record: 42-12 (.778)
5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 6-4 record; 1 state championship, 2 state runners-up
Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost to Massillon 42-24 in 2022
Historical Series Massillon vs. Middletown, DE: 1-0
Bonus: Returns 9 starters on offense and 5 on defense, including quarterback Austin Troyer (1^st Team All-State), who was 20 of 35 for 274 yards and 3 touchdowns against Massillon last year, and defensive lineman Tristen Graham (2^nd Team All-State), who recorded 10.0 tackle points against the Tigers. Last year, beat state champion Smyrna 21-14 in the regular season, but lost to them 48-0 in the playoffs. Lost to IMG Academy, 58-0.

St. John’s College HS, D.C. – H

League: Washington Catholic Athletic Conference
Playoff Division: Washington Catholic, Capital Division
2022 Overall Record: 8-4
2022 Playoff Results: Defeated DeMatha 7-3 in Round 2 (championship round)
2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 1 in D.C.; Rated 58.3
5-Year Record: 40-10 (.800)
5-Year Playoff History: 4 appearances (no playoffs during 2020, Covid); 5-2 record; 2 division championships
Last Time vs. Massillon: did not play
Historical Series Massillon vs. St. John’s, D.C.: 0-0
Bonus: Returns quarterback Isaiah French (76-117-827, 5 TDs), running back Da’Juan Riggs (118-962, 15 TDs), wide receiver Jason Woods (17-165, 2 TDs) and linebacker Jordan Seaton****. Finished 11-0 in 2021 and 9-1 in 2018. 3 times in the last 5 years ranked in the calpreps.com National Top-50. Last year defeated Middletown, DE (42-0) and Chaminade, FL (28-25). In 2019 defeated Miami Southridge, FL (48-0) and lost to Philadelphia St. Joseph Prep, PA (34-30), Duncanville, TX (14-35), Mater Dei, CA (53-24) and IMG Academy, FL (21-35); in 2018 defeated Hoover, AL (42-14), Miami Central, FL (37-34) and Christian Bros., MO (59-49).

Austintown Fitch – A

League: All-American Conference
Playoff Division: 2
2022 Overall Record: 10-2
2022 Playoff Results: Lost 21-14 to Akron St. Vincent in Round 2
2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 9 in D2; Rated 44.0
5-Year Record: 37-15 (.712)
5-Year Playoff History: 4 appearances; 3-4 record
Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost 49-28 to Massillon in 2022
Historical Series Massillon vs. Fitch: 20-8
Bonus: Returns 7 starters on offense and 7 on defense, including defensive back Davion Pritchard (2^nd Team All-Ohio) and quarterback DeShawn Vaughn (3^rd Team All-Ohio).

Warren Harding – H

League: All-American Conference
Playoff Division: 2
2022 Overall Record: 2-8
2022 Playoff Results: Did not qualify
2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 34 in D2; Rated 21.1
5-Year Record: 28-25 (.528)
5-Year Playoff History: 4 appearances; lost in regional finals in 2020
Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost 41-12 to Massillon in 2022
Historical Series Massillon vs. Warren: 59-25-3 (second-longest series)
Bonus: Returns 6 starters on offense and 7 on defense, including running back Ryan Powell***. Game was moved from Week 3. New contract in effect, with Massillon hosting the first game.

Canton McKinley – A

League: Federal League
Playoff Division: 1
2022 Overall Record: 6-6
2022 Playoff Results: Lost 19-14 to Mentor in Round 2
2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 22 in D1; Rated 36.5
5-Year Record: 37-20 (.649)
5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 6-5 playoff record
Last Time Massillon vs. Massillon: Lost 23-13 to Massillon in 2022
Historical Series vs. McKinley: 75-53-5; Massillon has won 11 of the last 12
Bonus: Returns 4 starters on offense and 3 on defense. Lost first four games last year and rebounded to win six of the last eight, including a 36-26 victory over Lake, to tie for the Federal League championship. Lost to Mentor in the playoffs in the final minute of the game.

The book on Massillon:

League: Independent
Playoff Division: 2
2022 Overall Record: 12-2
2022 Playoff Results: Lost 41-20 to Akron Hoban in the state semi-finals
2022 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 3 in D2; Rated 53.4
5-Year Record: 61-9 (.871)
5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; advanced to the state finals in 2018, 2019 and 2020; regional champion in 2022
Bonus: Returns 8 starters on offense and 9 on defense, including linebacker Dorian Pringle (1^st Team All-Ohio), offensive lineman Evan Sirgo (Honorable Mention All-Ohio) and linebacker Cody Fair (Honorable Mention All-Ohio). Last year, pulled a 31-28 upset over Lakewood St. Edward, the state’s Division 1 state champion. Defeated Federal League co-champion Lake 24-6 to claim the regional championship. Won 12 consecutive games.

* – 247sports.com rating

History

A Look Back at Ohio’s State Poll Titles –…

February 12, 2023March 2, 2023
by Don Engelhardt

A Look Back at Ohio’s State Poll Titles – 1947-1971

For as long as competitive athletics has been a part of civilized society, it has always been crucial for avid sports enthusiasts to identify which team commands a position above the rest. At any level, albeit at the league level, the state level or the national level, inherently there is always a best team. And this best team must by demand be named. But whatever process is used to determine that, it must be one that is formalized through an accepted institution and confirmed by those who matter the most, the sports fans.

In Ohio, state championships in football have been either claimed or awarded for well over one hundred years. They were first recognized through popular claim and later statewide voting polls. Recently, the procedure has evolved into the present-day post-season playoff system.

Presented here is a look back at the second method, sportswriters polling, which encompassed a timeframe from 1947 through 1971. The narrative below describes the polling process, the justifications behind the selections of the Number 1 teams and the claims of irregularity. But most important of all, it examines whether the polling process was a credible method for determining the state champion.

Click here for the story.

News

Signing Day for Massillon Class of 2023

February 1, 2023March 2, 2023
by Don Engelhardt

Signing Day for Massillon Class of 2023

February 1, 2023, marks official NCAA signing day, with Massillon Washington High School recognizing thirteen outstanding athletes across four sports and two military services who inked their intents to pursue their careers at the next level. “This is a really exciting day,” said Athletic Director Nate Moore. “A day to recognize the achievements of these great athletes.” Moore remarked that the players certainly excelled at their chosen sports, but there was a lot of work behind the scenes, from the players and their parents and the coaches. “We’re proud of everyone,” he said.

The group included:

Andrai Jones – Sienna Heights University- football
Ardell Banks – University of Kentucky – football
Chase Duplain – Heidelberg University – baseball
Damian Coram – United State Marines
De’Aire Pringle – Edinboro University – football
Freddie Lenix – Kent State University – football
Jewell Shaffer – University of Mount Union – swimming
Kendyl Wagner – Seton Hill University – volleyball
Matthew McGeorge – Mercyhurst University – baseball
Marcus Moore – University of Akron – football
Race Miller – United States Air Force
Xavier Hamid – Capital University
Willtrell Hartson – The Ohio State University – football (absent for the event; already enrolled at OSU)
Jaden Welch – Edinboro University – football (post-signing ceremony)

Enjoy the photos.

Front row (left to right): Kendyl Wagner, Jewell Shaffer, Freddie Lenix, De’Aire Pringle, Damian Coram and Matthew McGeorge; back row (left to right): Xavier Hamid, Marcus Moore, Ardell Banks, Chase Duplain, Coach Nate Moore, Andrai Jones and Race Miller.