2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO1 – Post-Grove…

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO1 – Post-Grove City Central Crossing Game; Preview of the Westerville South Game

Massillon (11-0) defeated Grove City Central  Crossing (4-7), 41-6.  This week the Tigers host Westerville South (7-4) for a Friday, 7:00 pm kickoff in the second round of the playoffs.  The Tigers are No. 1 in Division 2, Region 7, while the Wildcats come in at No. 9.  Massillon leads the all-time series, 4-0, with the last game played in the 2021 playoffs.

Link to the Central Crossing Game Story

Link to the Central Crossing Game Statistics

Review of the Central Crossing game

It was win No. 943, which keeps Massillon in the No. 3 position nationally for all-time wins.

Massillon scored the first four times it had the ball in routing the Grove City Central Crossing, 41-6.  A running clock was in place for the entire fourth quarter. With the Comets blitzing on nearly every play to stop the run and pressure quarterback, the Tigers resorted to the passing game with great success.  Da’One Owens completed 20 of 27 passes for 341 yards and four touchdowns.  The 341 yards is ranked six all-time in the Tiger record book.  On the receiving end were Braylyn Toles with 8 receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns and Jacques Carter with 6 receptions for 100 yards and a TD. Dorian Pringle was in on nine tackles and recorded three tackles-for-loss.  The Comets’ only score came in the third quarter on a 5-yard drive following a blocked punt.

“Last week we struggled running the football,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore.  “Central Crossing went with the Warren Harding plan, loading the box.  You have only so many guys that can block that.  And they did a lot of UFO stuff.  So we threw it.  So, that’s the answer.  And it went really good.  But it doesn’t feel good (not being able to run the ball).”

Nevertheless, Moore thought the offense had a great day and the defense played “lights out”, holding the Comets to a net 47 yards of total offense.  But he also pointed out some miscues on special teams.  Some dumb mistakes that will get corrected.

Prior to the game Moore said that Central Crossing was fundamentally sound and well-coached, but lacked athletes in numbers.  All of that was true, but the Comets still came to play.  “I thought their kids played really hard,” he said.  “It was a good quality win.”

The guest players were linebacker Cody Fair and quarterback Da’One Owens.  “It wasn’t the cleanest game, but we will fix it,” said Fair.  “They played pretty physical, but we got on them,” added Owens.  “Westerville South will run the same defense.  The offense is a little undersized.  They have a good running back.  And the quarterback is OK.  Good size at receiver.”

Statistics leaders:

• Da’One Owens: 20 of 27 passing for 341 yards and 4 touchdown
• Mylen Lenix: 6 carries for 47 yards
• Braylyn Toles: 8 receptions for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns
• Jacques Carter: 6 receptions for 100 yards and 1 touchdown
• Emy Louis Jr.: 3 receptions for 48 yards and 1 touchdown
• Dorian Pringle: 7.0 (5-4) tackle points; 3 tackles -for-loss; 2 rushing touchdowns
• Cody Fair: 6.0 (5-2) tackle points; 1 tackle-for-loss
• Michael Wright Jr.: 3.5 (3-1) tackle points; 1 quarterback sack; 2.5 tackles for loss
• Chase Bond: 1.5 quarterback sacks; 1.5 tackles-for-loss

Westerville South Scouting Report

Westerville South plays in the Capital Division of the Ohio Capital Conference.  The Wildcats are currently 7-4 with a 5-2 conference record.  Their big win of the year came in Week 6 when they defeated previously undefeated Westerville North, 21-13.  Scores so far:

• Dublin Jerome (3-8): 15-20 L
• Westerville Central (2-9): 33-30 W
• Olenttangy (10-1): 14-31 L
• Dublin Scioto (2-9): 42-10 W
• Big Walnut (6-5): 22-7 W
• Westerville North (9-2): 21-13
• Delaware Hayes (8-3): 33-36 L
• Canal Winchester (10-1): 14-35 L
• Franklin Heights (2-8): 37-13 W
• Worthington Kilbourne (0-10): 26-0 W
• Columbus Briggs (7-4): 49-30 W

The Wildcats have good athletes at the skill positions in their spread offense, but the lines struggle a bit.  On offense they will mostly use 10 and 11 personnel, with occasional empty backfield.  They will pass as much as they run.

The quarterback is senior Dominic Birtha (5′-11″, 185), a 3-year starter.  As such, he has a good command of the offense.  Birtha has a strong arm, but has struggled with consistency.  He can scramble and his number will be called at times to run the ball.  Massillon faced Birtha as a sophomore two years ago in the playoffs.  In that 50-19 win he completed 17 of 27 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns.  Although, his favorite receiver at the time was Penn State-bound Kaden Saunders, who caught half the passes.

Running the ball is senior Nasire Phillips (5′-9″,190), a 3-year starter.  He is a fast and quick runner.  He tries to get vertical and can break tackles.  The Tigers will need to wrap up.  In the 2021 game he rushed 14 times for 98 yards and one touchdown.  He also caught a 26-yard pass.

The best wide receivers are senior Jeramiah McDuffie (6′-3″, 180) and sophomore Isaac Patterson (6′-1″, 175).  McDuffie appears to be the targeted receiver, while Patterson owns the best stats.  But also keep an eye on junior Tyler Kielmeyeer, a rangy player who goes 6′-7″, 230 lbs.

The offensive line averages just 6′-1″, 235 lbs., but does have a couple of good players in junior center Xavier Flemister (5′-11″, 250) and senior Manny Swaray (6′-1″, 255).

Defensively, South aligns in a 3-man odd front with four linebackers.  The backfield uses almost exclusively man-to-man coverage, with cover-0 or cover-1.  Expect the Wildcats to put eight in the box when the Tigers have three receivers in the game in an attempt to stop the run.  That will put the onus on the Massillon receivers to shed the coverage.

The strength of the defense is in the secondary.  Both safeties are good in Patterson, a 2-way player, and senior Jordan Wheeler (6′-0″, 175), also a 2-way player.  Patterson has decent speed and is a good tackler.  Wheeler has good size.  Senior cornerback Cam Garcia (5′-10″, 165) is the best corner and plays aggressively.

Should Massillon prevail in this one, they will then face the winner of the game between Uniontown Lake and Big Walnut.

Go Tigers!

A Look at the Teams in Massillon’s Region 7…

calpreps.A Look at the Teams in Massillon’s Region 7 Playoff Bracket

Division 2 Bracket

The 2023 OHSAA football playoffs gets underway this Friday with 448 teams having qualified, distributed among seven divisions, with four regions within each division.  That translates into sixteen teams in each region, which will compete during the next four weeks to determine the regional champion.  That will be followed by two more weeks of semi-final and final games to determine the ultimate champion in each division.  That’s a lot of teams and a lot of games.  A bit of overkill?  Perhaps.  But that’s the OHSAA world we live in right now.

Number 1, unbeaten Massillon will open with Number 16 Grove City Central Crossing (4-6) in a game that appears to be a mismatch on paper, not unlike the last three years when the OHSAA expanded the playoffs, first due to the Covid situation and then further to reap additional revenue through ticket sales.  In 2020 during the first round the Tigers defeated Perry, 48-7.  The next year they beat Columbus Independence, 76-22.  And last year Columbus Walnut Ridge, 56-0.  Expect more of the same this time around and the junior varsity team, which had their final two games canceled, may finally get some time on the field.

Below is a look at each of the teams in Massillon’s Region 7, with a look at their scoring, their results against notable opponents and the various computer ratings and rankings.  Please note that the number next to each team is their final position in the OHSAA computer regional ranking.  Also note that any rating shown within parentheses is negative.  The rankings are for the region only.

 1 – Massillon (10-0)

• Scoring offense – 40; Rank: No. 1
• Scoring defense – 8; Rank: No. 1
• Scoring differential – 32; Rank: No. 1
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: 49.2; Rank: No. 1
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: 73.1; Rank: No. 1
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 198.0; Rank: No. 1
• Notable wins – Valdosta, GA (7-2), Lakewood St. Edward (9-1), Middletown, DE (6-1), St. John’s College (4-4), Austintown Fitch (6-3), Canton McKinley (7-3)
• Notable losses – None

2 – Canal Winchester (9-1)

• Scoring offense – 28; Rank: No. 3
• Scoring defense – 11; Rank: No. 2
• Scoring differential – 17; Rank: No. 3
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: 13.8; Rank: No. 10
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: 35.4; Rank: No. 3
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 147.8; Rank: No. 3
• Notable wins – Westerville North (8-2), Delaware Hayes (8-2)
• Notable losses – Big Walnut (5-5)

3 – Green (7-3)

• Scoring offense – 27; Rank: No. 5
• Scoring defense – 16; Rank: No. 6
• Scoring differential – 11; Rank: No. 5
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: 23.8; Rank: No. 4
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: 35.5; Rank: No. 2
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 153.8; Rank: No. 2
• Notable wins – South Range (9-1), Lake (7-3)
• Notable losses – Canton McKinley (7-3); Perry (4-6)

4 – Lake (7-3)

• Scoring offense – 22; Rank: No. 14
• Scoring defense – 15; Rank: No. 5
• Scoring differential – 7; Rank: No. 7
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: 21.3; Rank: No. 6
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: 29.8; Rank: No. 4
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 145.7; Rank: No. 4
• Notable wins – None
• Notable losses – Canton McKinley (7-3); Green (7-3)

5 – Columbus Northland (9-1)

• Scoring offense – 38; Rank: No. 2
• Scoring defense – 11; Rank: No. 2
• Scoring differential – 27; Rank: No. 2
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: (20.5); Rank: No. 16
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: 5.8; Rank: No. 12
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 111.5; Rank: No. 12
• Notable wins – Columbus East (8-2)
• Notable losses – None

6 – Columbus DeSales (5-5)

• Scoring offense – 24; Rank: No. 11
• Scoring defense – 23; Rank: No. 12
• Scoring differential – 1; Rank: No. 13
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: 24.3; Rank: No. 3
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: 23.3; Rank: No. 6
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 141.5; Rank: No. 7
• Notable wins – Columbus Watterson (9-1)
• Notable losses – Hamilton Badin (10-0), Walsh Jesuit (9-1), Columbus Ready (9-1), Columbus Hartley (8-2)

7 – Columbus Independence (5-5)

• Scoring offense – 26; Rank: No. 7
• Scoring defense – 22; Rank: No. 11
• Scoring differential – 4; Rank: No. 10
• com strength of schedule – Rating: (6.4); Rank: No. 14
• com ranking – Rating: (4.8); Rank: No. 15
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 103.4; Rank: No. 14
• Notable wins – Columbus Briggs (7-3)
• Notable losses – Grove City Central Crossing (4-6), Columbus East (8-2)

8 – Columbus Briggs (7-3)

• Scoring offense – 23; Rank: No. 12
• Scoring defense – 17; Rank: No. 8
• Scoring differential – 6; Rank: No. 8
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: (11.2); Rank: No. 15
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: (3.1); Rank: No. 14
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 96.5; Rank: No. 15
• Notable wins – None
• Notable losses – Columbus Africentric (7-3)

9 – Westerville South (6-4)

• Scoring offense – 26; Rank: No. 8
• Scoring defense – 21; Rank: No. 10
• Scoring differential – 5; Rank: No. 9
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: 18.1; Rank: No. 8
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: 24.0; Rank: No. 5
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 140.3; Rank: No. 8
• Notable wins – Westerville North (8-2)
• Notable losses – Delaware Hayes (8-2), Canal Winchester (9-1)

10 – Watkins Memorial (7-3)

• Scoring offense – 26; Rank: No. 7
• Scoring defense – 12; Rank: No. 4
• Scoring differential – 14; Rank: No. 4
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: 1.6; Rank: No. 12
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: 13.0; Rank: No. 10
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 124.0; Rank: No. 10
• Notable wins – None
• Notable losses – Sheridan (9-1), Licking Valley (7-3), Granville (10-0)

11 – North Canton (5-5)

• Scoring offense – 28; Rank: No. 3
• Scoring defense – 25; Rank: No. 11
• Scoring differential – 3; Rank: No. 11
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: 25.3; Rank: No. 2
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: 22.6; Rank: No. 7
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 141.7; Rank: No. 6
• Notable wins – None
• Notable losses – Hudson (7-2), Canton McKinley (7-3), Lake (7-3), Green (7-3)

12 – Big Walnut (5-5)

• Scoring offense – 27; Rank: No. 5
• Scoring defense – 17; Rank: No. 7
• Scoring differential – 10; Rank: No. 6
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: 21.1; Rank: No. 7
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: 21.1; Rank: No. 8
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 142.9; Rank: No. 5
• Notable wins – Canal Winchester (9-1)
• Notable losses – Columbus Hartley (8-2), Upper Arlington (7-3), Delaware Hayes (8-2), Westerville North (8-2)

13 – Perry (4-6)

• Scoring offense – 25; Rank: No. 10
• Scoring defense – 26; Rank: No. 14
• Scoring differential – (1); Rank: No. 14
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: 22.7; Rank: No. 5
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: 18.3; Rank: No. 9
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 137.4; Rank: No. 9
• Notable wins – Green (7-3)
• Notable losses – Akron St. Vincent (5-5), Canton McKinley (7-3), Lake (7-3)

14 – Columbus St. Charles (5-5)

• Scoring offense – 23; Rank: No. 12
• Scoring defense – 20; Rank: No. 9
• Scoring differential – 3; Rank: No. 11
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: 5.9; Rank: No. 11
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: 6.2; Rank: No. 11
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 113.8; Rank: No. 11
• Notable wins – None
• Notable losses – Columbus Academy (9-1), Columbus DeSales (5-5), Columbus Watterson (9-1), Columbus Hartley (8-2)

15 – Walnut Ridge (3-7)

• Scoring offense – 20; Rank: No. 15
• Scoring defense – 32; Rank: No. 15
• Scoring differential – (12); Rank: No. 15
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: (2.8); Rank: No. 13
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: (13.5); Rank: No. 16
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 86.2; Rank: No. 16
• Notable wins – Columbus Northland (9-1)
• Notable losses – Dayton Dunbar (7-3), Columbus Africentric (7-3), Columbus Briggs (7-3)

 16 – Grove City Central Crossing (4-6)

• Scoring offense – 15; Rank: No. 16
• Scoring defense – 32; Rank: No. 15
• Scoring differential – (17); Rank: No. 16
• calpreps.com strength of schedule – Rating: 15.4; Rank: No. 9
• calpreps.com ranking – Rating: 4.5; Rank: No. 13
• Drew Pasteur ranking – Rating: 111.2; Rank: No. 13
• Notable wins – None
• Notable losses – Westerville North (8-2), Olentangy (9-1), Pickerington Central (7-3)

2023 Booster Club Report – Week 10 – Post-Canton…

2023 Booster Club Report – Week 10 – Post-Canton McKinley; Preview of the Grove City Central Crossing Game

Massillon (10-0) defeated Canton McKinley (7-3), 35-0.  The Tigers now hold a 76-53-5 advantage in the series.  They have also won eight consecutive games and twelve of the last thirteen.  This week Massillon hosts Grove City Central Crossing (4-6) for a Friday, 7:00 pm kickoff in the first round of the playoffs.  The Tigers finished No. 1 in Division 2, Region 7, while the Comets come in at No. 16.  Massillon has never played Central Crossing.

Link to the Canton McKinley Game Story

Link to the Canton McKinley Game Statistics

Other scores:

• 7th Grade (4-4): Season is over.
• 8th Grade (6-2): Season is over.
• Freshmen (9-2): Defeated Canton McKinley, 44-0.  Season is over.
• Junior Varsity (3-3-1): Season is over.

Review of the Canton McKinley game

It was win No. 942, which keeps Massillon in the No. 3 position nationally for all-time wins.

It’s not unusual for the game against Canton McKinley to be chippy, given the passion each team has to win in this great rivalry.  But, it was a little more than normal in this one and it unfortunately spilled over afterwards during the handshake.  Partly through, the two teams started to mix it up.  The Tiger players quickly retreated to their own bench at the urging of the coaches, but the Bulldog players followed them enmass to the Massillon side of the field, in spite of both coaches trying to separate the two groups.  Within a few minutes the teams separated and exited the field to their respective locker rooms, sans any victory celebration and award ceremony for Massillon winning the game.

“What happened at the end of the game was really sad,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore.  “I hope everyone learned a lesson.  It was disrespect to the rivalry.”

Then it was time to talk about the game.  “I couldn’t be more proud of our guys,” said Moore, who with the win became the all-time leader as a head coach in the series, ahead of Paul Brown, Mike Currence and McKinley’s Thom McDaniels.  “We played with speed.  We dominated in all three phases.  The defense had an historical performance (limiting the Bulldogs to 65 yards of total offense, sacking the quarterback five times and pitching a shutout).   “Big” Mike Wright Jr. just destroyed the center and sacked the quarterback three times.  The offense played really well.  We only punted once and we scored 35 points.”

After Massillon opened a 14-0 lead they perfectly executed an onside kick that led to a third score.  Moore credited Special Teams Coach Jason Jarvis for the call.  In film study, he saw that on kickoffs McKinley was back three yards from the fifty and immediately retreated as the kicker approached the ball.  The play called for the ball to be dribbled directly ahead by kicker Vinny Keller, with the player on either side of him tasked with blocking the two players from the receiving team that had the best chance of recovery.  The next two players provided protection for the kicker or recovered the ball themselves in the event the kicker was taken out.  Five plays later the Tigers were in the end zone with a 21-0 lead and the game was essentially over.

The guest players were quarterback Da’One Owens and offensive lineman Sam Snodgrass.  “It was exciting for my first rivalry win,” said Owens.”  Snodgrass added that “the offensive line did a great job.  Fired on all cylinders.  Pringle had a great game (running the ball).”

Statistics leaders:

• Da’One Owens: 9 of 13 passing for 108 yards and 2 touchdown; 8 carries for 52 yards
• Ma’Meir Gamble: 15 carries for 71 yards
• Dorian Pringle: 6 carries for 54 yards and 2 touchdowns; 2 (1-2) tackle points
• Braylyn Toles: 4 receptions for 61 yards and 1 touchdown
• Jacques Carter: 3 receptions for 14 yards
• Emy Louis Jr.: 30-yard touchdown reception
• Michael Wright Jr.: 4 (4-0) tackle points; 3 quarterback sacks; 3 tackles for loss; 2 carries for 11 yards and 1 touchdown
• Adonis Marshall: 5 (5-0) tackle points; pass interception
• Cody Fair: 4.5 (4-1) tackle points

Central Crossing Scouting Report

Central Crossing plays in the Buckeye Division of the Ohio Capital Conference.  The other teams in the division are Pickerington Central, Newark, Reynoldsburg, Groveport Madison and Lancaster.  The Comets this year finished 4-6 with a 2-3 conference record.  Their scores so far:

• Columbus Independence (5-5): 21-14 W
• Westerville North (8-2): 21-42 L
• Columbus Westland (1-9): 27-17 W
• Grove City (5-5) 63-0 L
• Olentangy (9-1): 35-0 L
• Lancaster (5-5): 21-24 L
• Pickerington Central (7-3): 0-48 L
• Newark (2-8): 33-27 W
• Reynoldsburg (1-9): 30-22 W
• Groveport (6-4): 0-31 L

Central Crossing Scouting Report

The comet offense operates out of the spread with a single running back and occasional tight end.  The best player is senior running back Malik Kamara (6′-1″, 190), a 2-star recruit who has committed to the U.S. Naval Academy.  He is a good, physical runner, a down hill runner, who can break tackles.  Malik also lines up at safety.

The defense lines up in an odd front with cover-3.  They will blitz often.  The two safeties are very good.  Central Crossing also has a good kicker.

According to Moore, they are well-coached and play a traditional brand of football; i.e., very fundamental, not a junk offense.  Five players go both ways, on a team with many underclass starters.

Central Crossing may not be the best team the Tigers have faced this year, but Moore emphasized the Massillon program “needs to focus on the prize.  Our goal is to win the state title.”

Go Tigers!

Entering the McKinley Game Unbeaten is No Guarantee of…

Entering the McKinley Game Unbeaten is No Guarantee of a Victory

The Massillon Tigers have produced a stellar season this year while fashioning a perfect 9-0 mark, with only Division 1 front runner Lakewood St. Edward keeping the final score close.  And it’s not like the schedule was weak.  In fact, with the likes of Valdosta, St. John’s, Austintown Fitch and Middletown, and of course St. Eds, it ranks right up toward the top compared to other Massillon slates of the past thirty years.

This week is the annual rivalry game against Canton McKinley.  But entering the fray unbeaten is certainly no guarantee of a victory, as history has shown.

Including the time of Paul Brown, Massillon has been undefeated going into the finale thirty times.  Twenty-two of those games occurred in the 1930s through the 1970s, during which the Tigers have a record of 18-4-1.  The average margin of victory was 27-4, with ten shutouts recorded.  Eight times both teams were undefeated and the Bulldogs were able to win just two of those games.  It was a good trend.

But during the forty-some years since that time, Massillon has been undefeated just eight times.  So, it’s a much rarer situation today.  And the record against McKinley in these games is even, with four wins apiece.  The Tigers won on average by a 22-6 margin, while the Bulldogs won 24-7.  So, it has been quite balanced in the results of those games.

But those four setbacks also have their own stories:

• In 1980 Massillon lost 16-7 at home in a game that McKinley completely dominated, holding the Tigers to a total offense of just 86 yards. But it was also the first year of the playoffs that the number of qualifiers per region was increased from one to two.  Surprisingly, while the Bulldogs took first, Massillon was able to grab the second spot, which set up a rematch the following Saturday.  In one week’s time the Tiger coaches were able to make the necessary adjustments and then turned the tables on McKinley, coming away with a hard fought 14-6 victory at Faucett Stadium.  After getting by Willoughby South 21-6 the following week, Massillon advanced to the state championship game, where they faced Cincinnati Moeller.
• In 1993 the Tigers had one of their best rushing attacks in their long history, recording a season average of 6.5 yards per carry, although the passing attack wasn’t the greatest.  Unfortunately for Massillon, the Faucett Stadium grass turf that Saturday was a quagmire due to a week’s worth of rain and it neutralized the smaller Tiger running backs, who never got untracked in a 21-13 loss to an 8-1 Bulldog team.
• In 1996 Massillon lost 17-0 to 8-1 McKinley, which advanced in the playoffs to the state semifinals.
• In 2005 the Tigers suffered five turnovers and were dominated on the scoreboard by the undefeated Bulldogs, 38-8. Three weeks later these two teams would meet again in the playoff regional finals.  This time it was the Tigers that owed the day, coming away with a 21-3 victory.  The following week, Massillon defeated Lakewood St. Edward, the best team in the state, and punched their ticket to the state finals, where they lost to Cincinnati St. Xavier.

But there were also four really great wins.

• In 1982 Chris Spielman scored the only touchdown in the game to give the Tigers a 7-0 victory. That team would later face Cincinnati Moeller in the state championship game played at OSU Stadium.
• In 1999 the Tigers ran McKinley out of their own stadium, winning 34-7. Quarterback Dave Irwin passed for 130 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense held McKinley’s passing attack to just 32 yards.
• In 2018 Massillon won 24-17.  Jamir Thomas carried the ball 35 times for 269 yards and scored two touchdowns.  The Tigers would advance in the playoffs to the state finals, where they lost to Akron Hoban.
• The following year the Tigers bested the Bulldogs 24-14. Terrence Keyes rushed for 141 yards and scored a touchdown, while quarterback Aidan Longwell completed 17 of 26 passes for 206 yards and two scores.  Nine of the completions and both TDs went to OSU-bound Jayden Ballard.  Again, Massillon parlayed that success into a trip in the playoffs to the state finals, where they faced Cincinnati LaSalle.

Again, being undefeated and winning the game against that team to the east is certainly no sure thing, as history shows.  But with the proper preparation by our players and coaches and the overwhelming will to win these young Tigers should do just fine.  Former Massillon Coach Lee Owens captured it best at the Touchdown Club last Tuesday when he said there were three things the players need to focus on to win the game.  The first is to play physically, for the more physical team usually comes away with the win.  The second is to play smart and keep the penalties to a minimum.  And the third is to handle adversity.  Because there will be adversity.  No plan ever goes according to script.  Handle the adversity smartly and then move on.  If all that happens, then it should be a great afternoon of football.

Go Tigers!

2023 Booster Club Report – Week 9 – Post-Warren…

2023 Booster Club Report – Week 9 – Post-Warren Harding; Preview of the Canton McKinley Game

Massillon (9-0) defeated Warren Harding (4-5), 48-14.  This week the Tigers travel to Canton McKinley (7-2) for a Saturday, 2:00 pm kickoff.  Last year the Tigers defeated the Bulldogs, 23-13.  Massillon holds a 75-53-5 advantage in the long-time series.  they have also won the last seven games and eleven of the last twelve.

Link to the Warren Harding Game Story

Link to the Warren Harding Game Statistics

Other scores:

• 7th Grade (4-4): Defeated Western Crusaders, 14-12.  Season over.
• 8th Grade (6-2): Season is over.
• Freshmen (7-2): Defeated Warren Harding, 28-0.  Plays home to Canton McKinley on Wednesday, October 18 at 6:00 pm.
• Junior Varsity (3-3-1): Last week’s game against Warren Harding was canceled.  Season over.

Review of the Warren Harding game

Massillon effectively took care of business on senior recognition night, downing visiting Warren Harding, 48-14.  In fact, they built a large enough lead throughout the first half (42-7) that there was a running clock for nearly the rest of the game.  The Raiders overloaded the line to stop the run, so the Tigers went to the passing game with great success, with quarterback Da’One Owens completing 16 of 22 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns.  Two touchdown passes went to Jacques Carter.  Defensively, Massillon held Warren to a negative 26 yards on the ground on 21 attempts and controlled the pass sufficiently to limit the Raiders to a single touchdown while the first team was on the field.

It was win No. 941, which keeps Massillon in the No. 3 position nationally for all-time wins.

Statistics leaders:

• Da’One Owens: 16 of 22 passing for 277 yards and 3 touchdown; 11 carries for 134 yards and 3 touchdowns
• Bishop Cupp: 5 carries for 51 yards
• Jacques Carter: 5 receptions for 130 yards and 3 touchdowns
• Braylyn Toles: 4 receptions for 52 yards
• Emy Louis Jr.: 2 receptions for 62 yards and 1 touchdown; 92-yards kickoff return for a touchdown
• Lenix Lemmon: 4.5 (4-1) tackle points
• Dorian Pringle: 4.0 (4-0) tackle points; 1 sack; 3 tackles-for-loss
• Cody Fair: 3.5 (2-3) tackle point; 2 tackles-for-loss
• Ryan Page: 1 sack; 1 tackle-for-loss; 1 pass interception
• Mateo Herrera: 6 for 6 on extra point kicks

Canton McKinley Scouting Report

The Bulldogs are 7-2 and have achieved at least a tie for the Federal League championship, depending on the outcome of this week’s Lake vs. Green game.  Their scores so far:

• Warren Harding (4-5): 33-14 W
• Avon (9-0): 7-28 L
• Dublin Coffman (6-3): 24-14 W
• Perry (4-5): 44-6
• Green (6-3): 28-27 W
• North Canton (4-5): 37-28 W
• Lake (7-2): 29-22 W
• Jackson (5-4): 27-7 W
• Canton GlenOak (5-4): 3-7 L

“Canton McKinley is a very good football team,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore.  “They lost to an excellent Avon team and had an off night against Canton GlenOak.  But they are very talented.  They have good players at every position.  Great size on the lines.”

Offensively, McKinley features senior quarterback Keaton Rode (6′-0, 175), a 2-year starter, who is much improved from the previous season.  Last year against the Tigers he completed 11 of 24 passes for 173 and two touchdowns.  A 61% passer, he can also run the ball, both off of called plays and scrambles out of the backfield.  To date, Rode has completed 104 of 170 passes for 1,715 yards (16.5/rec.) and 13 touchdowns, with seven interceptions.  On the ground he is the second-leading rusher with 488 yards in 101 attempts (6.0 ave.) and five scores.  “The quarterback really makes their offense go,” said Moore.

On the receiving end are Keith Quincy (6′-2″, 180) (28 rec. for 556 yards and four TDs) and junior Dante McClellan (6′-2″, 190) (24 rec. for 406 yards and 1 TD).  Quincy has offer from Akron and is their best receiver.  He has good speed and a tall frame.  McClellan has an offer from Southern Cal.

Two running backs have carried the load, including returning junior starter and leading scorer Nino Hill (6′-0″, 200) and junior Stephon Thomas (5′-6″, 168).  Combined, they have gained just over 1,000 yards and average 6.2 yards per tote.  In last year’s game, Hill carried the ball 10 times for 27 yards.  He is a downhill runner and can break tackles.  Hill has an offer from Kent State.  Thomas has good speed and is a shifty runner.

The offensive line has good size, averaging 6′-4″, 273 lbs., with only one player weighing less than 280 lbs. and the shortest coming at 6′-3″.  Two are seniors.  The best two players are junior Dior Garner (6′-4″, 285), who is a 3-star recruit with an offer from Bowling Green, and senior Kaelub Edwards (6′-3″, 310).

The Bulldogs operate out of the spread, normally with 10 personnel, some 11.  Other times, Rode will be alone in an empty backfield with five wide receivers.  Against GlenOak Rode struggled to get the passing game going against a 3-man rush with eight players dropping into coverage.  The run game also found the going difficult and they managed just 69 yards in that area.

Defensively, the Bulldogs are very good across the board, especially in the front seven.  “They will create quite a challenge for us,” said Moore.  “We need a great week of practice.”  They utilize a 3-4 four in the box with cover-2.  All three defensive lineman are good.  Junior Ka’Voune McNeal (6′-3″, 210) is active and physical and has recorded ten tackles-for-loss and nine quarterback sacks.  Garner, a 2-way player, is physical and good a breaking through double-teams.  Senior Braylon Minor (6′-2″, 230) may be the best lineman.  He is very active and has ten tackles-for-loss and six sacks.

McClellan, a 2-way player, leads the linebacker corps.  He is big and physical and they like to move him around.  Senior Shaukeer Hatcher (5′-10″, 185) has recorded 13 tackles-for-loss and three interceptions.

Junior cornerback K’Vuone McNeal (6′-3″, 210) has ten TFLs and nine sacks.  Senior safety Alex Vazquez (6′-0″, 180) is a 2-star recruit with an offer from Akron.

Moore then addressed how they handle all of the distractions that occur during the week leading up to the game. “We’ve always focused on the game at hand and this week is no different, he said. “Our guys know that the distractions are for the fans and parents.  But, our job is to play the game and win.  We’re looking forward to a great week of preparation for the renewal of the greatest game in high school football.”

Go Tigers!

2023: Massillon 48, Warren Harding 14

Massillon Blasts Warren Harding to Remain Unbeaten Ahead of Rivalry Game

Game Statistics

Week 9 of the regular season is always a tough time for the Massillon program with the annual rivalry with Canton McKinley looming the following week.  But there would be no looking ahead for these Tigers as they effectively took care of business on senior recognition night, downing visiting Warren Harding, 48-14.  In fact, they built a large enough lead throughout the first half that there was a running clock for nearly the rest of the game.

Expect that Massillon will quickly put this outcome behind them and focus entirely on the task ahead; i.e., defeating the Bulldogs.  Unfortunately for that team to the east, they will enter the fray on the heels of a 7-3 last-second loss to Canton GlenOak, a team that the Tigers defeated in Game 2, 56-7.  But don’t think for one second that the difference in scores will have any affect on either the pre-game preparation or the intensity level these Massillon players will bring to the game.

Last week Ja’Meir Gamble rushed for 233 yards and scored two touchdowns, while the passing game produced a paltry 5 of 14 for 60 yards.  But, if anyone thinks that this Tiger offense is one-dimensional, they are entirely mistaken.  Warren, knowing that they had to stop the run to stay in this game, played man-to-man against the wide receivers, which permitted them to commit the remaining defenders to the run by stacking the box with up to eight players.  Of course, this pretty much negated the Massillon ground attack by clogging up all the running lanes.  Once this was evident, the Tigers went strictly to the air, with quarterback Da’One Owens putting up his best passing performance of the season.  Through three quarters, prior to being lifted in favor of the backups, he completed 16 of 22 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns, with a long of 54 yards.

On the receiving end, the stars shone greatly.  Jacques Carter caught five passes for 130 yards and two scores.  Braylyn Toles grabbed four for 52 yards, Kyler Wiggins snagged three for another 18 and Emy Louis Jr. caught a pair for 62 yards and a TD.

Defensively, the Tigers were again stifling on the ground.  And Dorian Pringle did pick up a sack to become the all-time single-season record holder for that mark.  Warren knew they would not be able to run the ball, and they didn’t, losing a net 26 yards on 21 attempts (with most of the carries coming when the game was out of reach in order to keep the clock running and end the game as quickly as possible).  So, they went strictly to the air and did achieve some modest success.  But not enough to keep pace with the Tiger scoring machine.  Three different quarterbacks spent some time behind center and they combined for 200 yards, while completing 14 of 34 passes.

The game began with a bang when Lewis returned the opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown.  He caught the ball at the eight yard line and then crossed the field to the right.  The pre-positioned blockers did a magnificent job of plowing the road and Lewis then blew through and outraced any challenger to paydirt.  It took 14 seconds.  Mateo Herrera converted his first of six PATs and the Tigers were on their way to their ninth win.

On Massillon’s first possession they were stalled due to Warren’s stacked defense and Gamble found little running room.  So, on the second possession the Tigers switch to an empty backfield formation and put together a 12-play, very methodical 83-yard drive that ended when Big Mike Wright plowed in from the one.

On their next possession they needed just five plays to cover 71 yards.  Short passes to Toles and Wiggins got the drive started and then Owens hit Toles for 22 yards to advance the ball to the Warren 42.  From there, Owens fired a dart to Louis on a skinny post and he did the rest, slipping by a potential tackler at the 15, to put the Tigers up 21-0 and essentially salt the game away.

There was no stopping Massillon at that point.  On the first play of the subsequent possession Owens connected with Carter on a 54-yard score, who caught a short pass, turned the corner and outraced the secondary down the sideline.  Two possessions later, the Tigers scored again following a fumbled punt snap.  Gamble scored from the five on the 1-play drive, making the score 35-0.

Warren finally responded with a touchdown off a screen pass when LeMarcus Provitt secured a pass from Drew McKowan, broke a tackle and raced 79 yards to the end zone.  But, Massillon responded 3-plays later with a 49-yard touchdown pass from Owens to Carter.  It was another skinny post.  The score placed the game in a running clock situation for the start of the second half.

In the latter stages Warren and Massillon’s backups each scored once.  For the Tigers it was a 4-yard run by freshman Savior Owens.  A 2-point PAT try failed, making the final score, 48-14.

Now, it’s off the McKinley game, where the Tigers own 75-53-5 advantage.  They have also won the last seven games and eleven of the last twelve.  And Massillon is where it wants to be: undefeated heading into next Saturday’s big game.

Go Tigers!

2023 Booster Club Report – Week 8 – Post-Austintown…

2023 Booster Club Report – Week 8 – Post-Austintown Fitch; Preview of the Warren Harding Game

Massillon (8-0) defeated Austintown Fitch (4-3), 42-7.  This week the Tigers return home to host Warren  Harding (4-4).  Last year the Tigers defeated the Raiders, 41-12, and currently own a 7-game winning streak in the series, which they lead, 59-25-3.

Link to the Austintown Fitch Game Story

Link to the Austintown Fitch Game Statistics

Other scores:

• 7th Grade (3-3): Plays home to Western Crusaders on Tuesday, October 10 at 6:00 pm.
• 8th Grade (6-2): Canton Crenshaw, 8-6.  Season is over.
• Freshmen (7-2): Defeated Austintown Fitch, 58-15.  Plays at Warren Harding on Thursday, October 12 at 6:00 pm.
• Junior Varsity (3-3-1): Last week’s game against Austintown Fitch  was canceled.  Plays at Warren Harding on Saturday, October 14, at 10:00 am.

Review of the Austintown Fitch game

Massillon traveled to Austintown Fitch for their first road game of the season and came away with a convincing 42-7 victory. The Tigers rolled up 499 yards of total offense, while the defense held Fitch to just 12 yards on the ground. Junior running back Ja’Meir Gamble had a breakout game, rushing 17 times for 233 yards and two touchdowns. Near the end of the first half and with Massillon on top 21-7, the Falcons were driving for a margin-closing score, when defensive back Kyler Wiggins intercepted a pass and returned it 47 yards to the Fitch 33 with just 21 seconds remaining in the half. From there, the Tigers managed to get in six plays, with Braylyn Toles catching a 6-yard pass from Da’Owens for the touchdown as time expired. The TD improved the score to 28-7 and put the game out of reach for the Falcons.

It was win No. 940, which keeps Massillon in the No. 3 position nationally for all-time wins.  “I’m really proud of the guys,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore.  “They played well.  Offensively, defensively and special teams.  It was a breakout game for Ja’Meir Gamble.  He really lit up the field.  He’s got a gear most players don’t.  The offensive line also played well.”

The Scout Team Players of Week were Bishop Cupp, Francesco Salvino and Nolan Davenport.

The guest players were defensive safeties Ryan Page and Zach Liebler.  “Overall, we had a pretty good game,” said Page.  “The defense played really well,” added Liebler.  Both agreed that the offense petered out toward the end of the first quarter after opening a 21-0 lead, but picked up shortly thereafter and put the game away.

Statistics leaders:

• Ja’Meir Gamble: 17 carries for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns
• Da’One Owens: 4 of 15 passing for 60 yards and 1 touchdown; 11 carries for 134 yards and 1 touchdown
• Mylen Lenix: 6 carries for 23 yards and 1 touchdown
• Braylyn Toles: 1 touchdown receiving
• Kyler Wiggins: pass interception, returned for 47 yards
• Dorian Pringle: 8.0 (8-0) tackle points; 1.0 sacks; 2.0 tackles-for-loss; punted 3 times, averaging 40.7 yards per attempt
• Malachi Card, Adonis Marshall, Cody Fair, Vito McConnell: 1 tackle-for-loss each
• Mateo Herrera: 6 for 6 on extra point kicks

Warren Harding Scouting Report

The Raiders are 4-4, having won their last three games.  Their scores so far:

• Canton McKinley (7-1): 14-33 L
• Akron Buchtel (3-5): 20-16 W
• Farrell, PA (7-0): 17-24 L
• Akron St. Vincent (4-4): 28-42 L
• Youngstown Ursuline (8-0): 20-56 L
• Youngstown Chaney (4-3): 26-7 W
• Boardman (1-7): 38-20 W
• Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (4-4): 24-21 W

Moore emphasized that Warren’s greatest assets are their speed and the ability to make big plays.  “They are a bunch of guys that can really run,” he said.  Offensively, they operate out of the spread, with both five and six man lines.  Look for Warren to spend most of the night throwing passes from junior quarterback Chaz Coleman (6′-3″, 200).  He was the starter the last two games and has a good, long arm.  He is also a good runner and scrambler.  His targets are four very talented receivers, including senior Naugeat Jones, who last year caught four passes for 62 yards and a touchdown.  The running back is senior Antonio Smith (5′-10″, 170).  He is really fast and shifty.  Will also run some wildcat.  The offensive line is not the largest Massillon has faced, but they do get off the ball well.

Defensively, the Raiders line up exclusively in an odd front with a cover-2 secondary.  Their best overall player is senior linebacker Ryan Powell (6′-1″, 215), a 3-star recruit who has an offer from Boston College.  He is very good at the position and will often blitz.  The best lineman is senor Devonte Ellis (6′-0″, 230).  He has good speed and power and runs all over the field.  But, the best way to describe the defense is that they are really fast as a team.

Go Tigers!