Massillon Opens Tournament Play with Rousing Victory

Massillon Opens Tournament Play with Rousing Victory

Statistics

Bracket

Statistics provided by Matt Hersher

Rodney Dangerfield’s classic stage line was “I don’t get no respect.” And that was the feeling in Massillon throughout the season, with area fans mocking the 7-3 record and a pair of losses to perceived mediocre out-of-state teams. It’s that they just didn’t realize how good these out-of-state teams are and just how good this Tiger team is. Well, North Canton Hoover got a taste of that after being blown away 62-7 in a second-round playoff match. It didn’t help the Vikings that the Tigers had ample time to prepare owing to a well-earned bye week.

Massillon was the favorite in this one, but not by much. That’s because the Vikings entered the fray as one of the top teams in the Federal League, with just two losses: one by a touchdown to Lake and another by a single point to Canton McKinley, a team that the Tigers defeated by just seven points. Plus, according to Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore, they had the best player in the county in the speedy and shifty Jack Andes, who excelled as both a runner and a pass receiver.

At the start it looked like the Tigers were in for a dog fight when Andes caught a pass uncovered at midfield while running a post pattern and outraced the Massillon secondary to the end zone. But that turned out to be North Canton’s only highlight of the night. For the rest of the game, it was all Massillon.

Following that touchdown, the Tigers made some tweaks in the secondary to the both the defensive alignment and the player matchups. That basically put a stop to any significant passing danger. By game’s end, aside from that one big play, Hoover ended up running the ball 29 times for 67 yards (2.3 ave.) and quarterback John Collins completed 8 of 15 passes for just 99 yards. He also ran the ball 16 times for 26 yards, but most of those attempts were made to avoid coverage sacks. Also, three of his passes were intercepted: two by Noah Jenkins and one by Isaac Maxheimer. Andes, aside from his TD, ran 7 times for 31 yards and caught 2 passes for 44 yards. Best player in the county? Perhaps Tiger fans have another opinion.

Massillon also welcomed first-time starter Zay-Shawn Murray, who regained eligibility for this game. The 295-pound nose tackle had an immediate and disruptive impact on the interior of the Viking line. For the night he recorded 7 total tackles and a sack, just behind Maxheimer, who had 9 tackles, a sack and an interception, and Christian Culler, who recorded 9 tackles.  Noah Jenkins had two pass interceptions.

For Massillon on offense, quarterback Manny Patterson had a performance that landed him in the Tiger record book once again by completing 12 of 13 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns. The 92% completion mark now ranks 3rd and the 340 efficiency rating ranks 2nd.

It was obvious that the Hoover defenders respected the abilities of the Massillon receivers, who were quicker and more athletic, as they were giving ample cushions on the edges in their alignments. And they did not blitz. So, they basically set the table and Patterson took full advantage. While he never went deep against the Vikings’ cover-4 group, most of the tosses were to the sidelines, with the receivers using their talents to avoid tackles on a few of them for long gains. Particularly involved was Giorgio Jackson Jr., who caught 7 passes for 109 and a touchdown. Adding to that was Jadyce Thigpen, who caught two for 37 yards and two TDs, and Deontay Malone, who grabbed a pair for 76 yards and a score.

As good as the passing attack was, the running attack was superb as well, in spite of Hoover at times adding players to bolster their front-4. The offensive line simply overpowered the Viking defenders, helping Savior Owens and Anthony McMullen Jr. to combine for 14 carries and 169 yards (12.1 ave.), with 3 touchdowns.

Behind by a touchdown early, the Tigers went right to work. First was an out-pass to Malone for a first down, followed by a second out-pass to Jackson for another first down. On the third play Owens broke through the right side of the line and he wouldn’t be caught, speeding 51 yards to tie the score.

Hoover went to ground on their second possession, with Collins picking up most of the yards while vacating the pocket. Only, the drive stalled when Maxheimer intercepted a fourth down pass at the Massillon 18. From there it took the Tigers just four plays to grab the lead, with Owens taking the ball around the left side of the line and scoring from eight yards out. The TD was set up by a 42-yard catch and run by Jackson.

On the third Viking possession they were hampered by penalties and faced a 3rd and 20 from their own ten. It didn’t go any farther when an errant pass was intercepted by a leaping Jenkins, who was subsequently escorted to the end zone, upping the score to 21-7. There was a sense then among fans that this game wasn’t going to be close. And, indeed it wasn’t. Massillon from that point on just poured on the points.

Four touchdowns were tallied in the second quarter: a 46-yard run by McMullen, a 21-yard pass to Thigpen, a 66-yard catch-and-run pass to Malone and a 20-yard pass to Jackson in the corner of the end zone. That made the halftime score 42-7, with 350 yards of offense in the books.

The first team had one final series to start the second half, which ended in a 16-yard pass to a wide-open Thigpen. The backups then quickly finished it off under a running clock. Even this group scored.  At the end of a 9-play, 45-yard drive, quarterback Eli Moore vacated the pocket when he couldn’t find an open receiver and outraced the defense to the left edge of the goal line. It was the final touchdown of the ten games played at home this year, fittingly scored by the coach’s son.

Hoover closes out the season with a fine 9-3 record. Meanwhile, Massillon (8-3) will travel to Columbus next week to face No. 2 seeded St. Francis DeSales (9-2), which defeated Ashland 33-29 in the final seconds to remain alive. Had Ashland won that game, the Tigers would have been at home once again. Special thanks to Dave Wagner for displaying the end of the Ashland game on the big screen to the several hundred fans that stuck around, watching in anticipation.

Photos by Marlene Kanipe

Savior Owens (1) on his way to the end zone.

Isaac Maxheimer (20)

Deontay Malone (6)

Noah Jenkins (16) with the interception return for a touchdown, Isaac Maxheimer (20)

Manny Patterson (10)

Anthony McMullen Jr. breaks free

Anthony McMullen Jr. (24) scores

Deontay Malone  (6); Braylon Gamble (5)

Deontay Malone (6)

Eli Moore (8) hands to the ball to Sebastian Harper, Worth Hirning (62)

Noah Garner (66)

2025 Booster Club Report – Week PO2 – Preview…

The Vikings play in the Federal League, which is comprised of teams located either in or near Stark County.  Last year they finished with a 6-5 record, including a 28-0 loss to Uniontown Lake in the first round of the playoffs.  Their record over the previous five years is 35-21, including a 19-11 mark in Federal League play and 5-5 in the playoffs.  Their best season over that time span occurred in 2021 when they captured the Federal League title with a 6-0 record,while finishing 9-3 overall, including a 14-10 loss to Green in the second round of the playoffs.  In the previous year they finished 6-3, losing 48-23 to Masssillon in the second round of the playoffs.

This year’s regular season record was 8-2, with a 4-2 mark in the Federal League.  The losses were to Lake by a touchdown and Canton McKinley by a single point.  Last week, in the first round of the playoffs, the Vikings defeated inner-city team Columbus Northland, 50-6.  Below are their scores.

• Akron Buchtel (4-6): 30-0
• Medina (4-7): 42-17
• Akron North (1-9): 64-0
• Green (6-5): 27-21
• Louisville (6-5): 31-13
• Canton GlenOak (2-8): 28-21
• Canton McKinley (8-2): 20-21 L
• Massillon Perry (5-5): 35-21
• Uniontown Lake (7-3): 14-20 L
• Massillon Jackson (6-5): 35-14
• Columbus Northland (7-4): 50-6

With a bye last week as the playoffs got underway for most qualifying teams the Tigers had a chance to heal any wounds emanating from their 21-14 victory over Canton McKinley and regroup in preparation for a second-round match against visiting North Canton Hoover.  “It’s playoff  time,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore.  “It’s win or go home!”

The guest players were junior linebacker Isaac Maxheimer and junior offensive/defensive lineman Marcus Garner.

• Maxheimer – Last week was a really good week to get our technique right.  But now we need to play five championship games.
• Garner – We got back to the fundamentals, the basics.  Hoover has a good defense.

North Canton uses a spread offense, aligning mostly in an empty set.  Occasionally, they will include a running back in the mix.  The “go-to” guy is Jack Andes, who plays both running back and wide receiver.  Expect him to be involved in the majority of their play, either running the ball or catching it.  Moore said that he might be the best player in the county this year.  The quarterback, John Collins, manages the offense well.  He is very accurate and is a good scrambler.  His No. 2 target is Brycen Beyer.  Expect to see the ball to be in the air 60-65% of the time, more if the Vikings are unable to establish a running attack.  Then again, with rain and high winds in the forecast, it may be just the opposite.

The offensive line has good size, averaging 6′-3″, 270 lbs.  It is led by 3-star recruit Jack Ziarko.  He is an excellent football player.

The top players on offense are (regular season statistics shown):

• Senior quarterback John Collins  (6′-2″, 190): 79 of 164 passing (59%) for 1,434 yards (14.8 ave.), with 4 interceptions and 14 touchdowns.
• Senior running back/wide receiver Jack Andes (5′-11″, 175): 79 carries for 553 yards (7.0 ave.) and 7 touchdowns, 46 receptions for 744 yards (16.2 ave.) and 11 touchdowns.
• Senior wide receiver Brycen Beyer (6′-0″, 175).
• Senior offensive lineman Jack Ziarko (6′-4″, 295): Committed to Miami of Ohio.

The defense aligns almost exclusively in a 4-3, cover-3 zone.  However, they have shown some 3-man fronts.  They will blitz on a rare occasion.  Although it’s very basic, Moore said that Hoover is good at what they do.  The line averages 6′-2″, 243 lbs. and is led by Ziarko, a 2-way player.  Ziarko is really good on this side of the ball and gets off quickly.  The best linebacker is Carter Lukens, who leads the county in tackles.  Moore considers him to be a “really good player.”  The best corner is Teayn Ledwell, while Brycen Beyer, another 2-way player, can be found at safety.

The top players on defense are:

• Senior defensive lineman David Tully (6′-2″, 255): 20.0 TFLs, 7.0 sacks.
• Junior defensive lineman Owens Williams (6′-0″, 210): 12.0 TFLs, 7.0 sacks.
• Junior defensive lineman Aaron Brubaker (6′-3″, 210): 11.0 TFLs, 7.0 sacks.
• Senior linebacker Carter Lukens (5′-10″, 200): 146 total tackles 20.0 TFLs, 3 interceptions.
• Senior cornerback Carson Morris (6′-0″, 170): 5 interceptions.
• Junior cornerback Teayn Ledwell (6′-0″, 160).

Hoover is good in all areas of special teams.

In summary, the Vikings have some size, are athletic and run well.  They are well coached and display sound fundamentals.

Go Tiger!

Tigers Enjoy Bye Week in Round 1 of the…

Tigers Enjoy Bye Week in Round 1 of the Playoffs

 The Massillon Tigers have the week off following the big 21-14 victory over Canton McKinley, a record 10^th consecutive win in that long series.  Head Coach Nate Moore admits that it takes a lot of energy to come away with a positive outcome in that game.  In last Monday’s Booster Club meeting he said that the bye is good for both the players and the coaches.  The plan this week is to get well rested and dive back into the fundamentals.  Then, resume the following week with a schedule of normal game prep.

Next week Massillon will entertain the winner of this Friday’s contest between North Canton Hoover and Columbus Northland.  The host Vikings are currently 8-2, with a 1-point home loss to the Bulldogs, while Northland comes in at 7-3.

Division II Bracket

Here’s a brief look at all the teams in DivisIon II, Region 7.

No. 1 – Sunbury Big Walnut

• Record (season / league): 9-1 / 7-0
• Average Points Scored: 37-9
• Drew Pasteur Rank: 2
• Hsratings.com Rank: 1
• Hsratings.com Strength of Schedule Rank: 4
• Notable Victories: Westerville South (8-2) 28-7, Worthington Kilbourne (7-3) 35-20
• Losses: Columbus Watterson (9-0) 15-37
• Key Players: Tight end Owen Pollock, quarterback Eli Stumpf, running back Nolan Buirley, linebacker Eli Helton, defensive back Brody Hatfield, offensive lineman Jake Wecker
• Playoff History: 12 qualifications, state title in 2007, 3 regional titles; in 2024 lost 28-24 to Cincinnati Anderson in state semifinals

 Big Walnut has a bye week in Round 1.  Next week they will host the winner of No. 8 Columbus Walnut Ridge and No. 9 Worthington Kilbourne.

 No. 8 – Columbus Walnut Ridge

• Record (season / league): 7-3 / 7-0
• Average Points Scored: 32-8
• Drew Pasteur Rank: 10
• Hsratings.Hsratings.com Rank: 10
• com Strength of Schedule Rank: 11
• Notable Victories: Africentric Early College (7-3) 26-6
• Losses: Cleveland St. Joseph (8-1) 16-27, Canfield (9-1) 20-35, Columbus Hartley (5-5) 0-6 O.T.
• Key Players: quarterback Marquis Lucas, defensive back Lee’Sean Saunders
• Playoff History: 11 qualifications; in 2024 lost 29-26 to Worthington Kilbourne in Round 1

 No. 9 – Worthington Kilbourne

• Record (season / league): 7-3 / 5-2
• Average Points Scored: 33-22
• Drew Pasteur Rank: 7
• Hsratings.Hsratings.com Rank: 8
• com Strength of Schedule Rank: 5
• Notable Victories: None
• Losses: Canal Winchester (9-1) 28-48, Big Walnut (9-1) 20-35, Westerville South (8-2), 19-21
• Key Players: Quarterback Jackson Szabo, punter Ben Davis, running back L Page, wide receiver Shion Jamshidi, wide receiver Alex Meek, linebacker Mason Cost
• Playoff History: 13 qualifications, 2 regional titles; in 2024 lost 10-7 to Teays Valley in Round 2

 No. 4 – Canal Winchester

• Record (season / league): 9-1 / 6-1
• Average Points Scored: 44-23
• Drew Pasteur Rank: 4
• Hsratings.com Rank: 3
• Hsratings.com Strength of Schedule Rank: 7
• Notable Victories: Worthington Kilbourne (7-3) 48-28
• Losses: Pickerington Central (9-1) 30-43
• Key Players: Defensive back/wide receiver Dre Jackson, quarterback Quinton McGhee, running back Jamari Snow
• Playoff History: 13 qualifications; in 2024 lost 37-3 to Massillon in Round 2

Canal Winchester has a bye week in Round 1.  Next week they will host the winner of No. 5 Westerville South and No. 12 Louisville.

 No. 5 – Westerville South

• Record (season / league): 8-2 / 6-1
• Average Points Scored: 20-16
• Drew Pasteur Rank: 8
• Hsratings.com Rank: 5
• Hsratings.com Strength of Schedule Rank: 2
• Notable Victories: Worthington Kilbourne (7-3) 21-19
• Losses: Dublin Jerome (5-5) 13-23, Big Walnut (9-1) 7-28
• Key Players: Safety Isaac Patterson, edge rusher London Vickroy, defensive back Isaac Patterson, quarterback E Andrews, defensive player Manny Norwood
• Playoff History: 15 qualifications, 1 regional title; in 2024 lost 17-7 to Canal Winchester in Round 1

 No. 12 – Louisville

• Record (season / league): 6-4 / none
• Average Points Scored: 25-15
• Drew Pasteur Rank: 8
• Hsratings.com Rank: 9
• Hsratings.com Strength of Schedule Rank: 8
• Notable Victories: Alliance (8-2) 30-13, Northwest (6-4), 10-3
• Losses: North Canton (8-2) 13-31, Canfield (9-1) 21-23, Green (5-5) 14-27, Cincinnati LaSalle (7-3) 24-35
• Key Players: Running back Owen DiMarzio, quarterback Gabe Stoffer, wide receiver Quin Burick, linebacker Owen Wilson
• Playoff History: 17 qualifications, 1 state runner-up, 2 regional titles; in 2024 did not qualify

 No. 2 – Columbus DeSales

• Record (season / league): 8-2 / 2-1
• Average Points Scored: 33-15
• Drew Pasteur Rank: 3
• Hsratings.com Rank: 6
• Hsratings.com Strength of Schedule Rank: 6
• Notable Victories: Columbus Northland (7-3) 34-0, Columbus Africentric (7-3) 35-18, Harrison (7-3) 23-21
• Losses: Hamilton Badin (9-1) 21-38, Columbus Watterson (9-0) 7-42
• Key Players: Running back Jonathan Brown, tight end Jordan Karhoff, wide receiver Blake Donnelly
• Playoff History: 31 qualifications, state titles in 1975, 1997 and 1998, 12 regional titles; in 2024 lost 27-14 to Ashland in Round 2

 Columbus DeSales has a bye week in Round 1.  Next week they will host the winner of No. 7 Ashland and No. 10 Mount Vernon.

 No. 7 – Ashland

• Record (season / league): 9-1 / 6-1
• Average Points Scored: 40-13
• Drew Pasteur Rank: 5
• Hsratings.com Rank: 7
• Hsratings.com Strength of Schedule Rank: 10
• Notable Victories: None
• Losses: Lexington (9-1) 35-43
• Key Players: Quarterback Nathan Bernhard
• Playoff History: 15 qualifications, 1 regional title; in 2024 lost 28-10 to Big Walnut in Round 3

 No. 10 – Mount Vernon

• Record (season / league): 6-4 / 5-2
• Average Points Scored: 28-26
• Drew Pasteur Rank: 11
• Hsratings.com Rank: 11
• Hsratings.com Strength of Schedule Rank: 9
• Notable Victories: Johnstown (7-3) 35-34 O.T.
• Losses: Marion Harding (3-7) 14-21, Delaware Hayes (2-8) 34-41, Licking Valley (10-0) 13-58, Granville (7-3) 13-35
• Key Players: Quarterback Mason Richards, defensive lineman Landon Dawson, linebacker Luke Mullins
• Playoff History: 2 qualifications; in 2024 did not qualify

 No. 3 – Massillon

• Record (season / league): 7-3 / none
• Average Points Scored: 30-20
• Drew Pasteur Rank: 1
• Hsratings.com Rank: 2
• Hsratings.com Strength of Schedule Rank: 1
• Notable Victories: Lakewood St. Edward (8-2) 21-14, Cardinal Ritter, MO (4-3) 28-14, Canton McKinley (8-2) 21-14
• Losses: Cleveland Glenville (7-3) 27-33 O.T., Rabun Gap, GA (5-4) 35-50, Football North, ONT (5-4) 2-34
• Key Players: Running back Savior Owens, wide receiver Gio Jackson Jr., wide receiver/cornerback back Deontay Malone, offensive/defensive lineman Marcus Garner, offensive lineman Davionne Floyd, linebacker Ja’Dyn Williams, defensive lineman Sam Doussous, safety Brian Gamble, cornerback Lennox Lemon
• Playoff History: 31 qualifications, state title in 2023, 6 state runners-up, 16 regional titles; in 2024 lost 14-7 to Big Walnut in regional finals

 Massillon has a bye week in Round 1.  Next week they will host the winner of No. 6 North Canton Hoover and No. 11 Columbus Northland.

 No. 6 – North Canton Hoover

• Record (season / league): 8-2 / 4-2
• Average Points Scored: 33-15
• Drew Pasteur Rank: 3
• com Rank: 6
• com Strength of Schedule Rank: 6
• Notable Victories: Louisville (6-4) 31-13
• Losses: Canton McKinley (8-2) 20-21, Uniontown Lake (7-3) 14-20
• Key Players: Offensive lineman Jack Ziarko, quarterback John Collins, RB Jack Andes, linebacker Carter Lukens, defensive lineman David Tully, defensive lineman Owen Williams, Aaron Brubaker, cornerback Carson Morris
• Playoff History: 22 qualifications, 1 state runner-up, 3 regional titles; in 2024 lost 28-0 to Uniontown Lake in Round 1

 No. 11 – Columbus Northland

• Record (season / league): 7-3 / 6-1
• Average Points Scored: 22-13
• Drew Pasteur Rank: 12
• com Rank: 12
• com Strength of Schedule Rank: 12
• Notable Victories: Columbus Linden-McKinley (8-2) 20-14 O.T.
• Losses: Columbus Academy (8-2) 7-14, Columbus DeSales (8-2) 0-34, Columbus East (9-1) 0-26
• Key Players: Quarterback Akeilles Harrison, linebacker Amari Mallory, linebacker Mahari Bowles, defender Quinez Walker, defensive back Tejuan Barbour
• Playoff History: 6 qualifications; in 2024 lost 34-6 to Massillon Perry in Round 1

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

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

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

Link to the Canton McKinley Game Story

Link to the Canton McKinley Game Statistics

Link to the Division II Playoff Bracket

Other scores:

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

Review of the Canton McKinley Game

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

Comments by Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore

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

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

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

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

 

 

Massillon Downs Archrival Canton McKinley in Dramatic Fashion

Massillon Downs Archrival Canton McKinley in Dramatic Fashion

Statistics

Statistics provided by Matt Hersher

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

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

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

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

What an effort!

1^st Quarter

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

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

Score: 7-0.

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

Score: 14-0.

2^nd Quarter

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

Score: 14-7.

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

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

Score: 14-14.

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

Second Half

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

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

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

Score: 21-14

Post-game

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Marlene Kanipe

The Massillon Tigers take the field

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

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

Chayce White (35) with the interception

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

Savior Owens (1)

Savior Owens (1) scores his second touchdown

Mateo Herrera (7) kicks the first of two PATs

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

Anthony Mullen Jr. heads down the sideline

Christian Culler (2) with the tackle

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

Deontay Malone (6) with the touchdown

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

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

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

Ten wins in a row over McKinley!!!

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

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

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

McKinley’s results to date:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The top players on defense are:

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

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

The top player on special teams is:

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

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

The Book on Massillon

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

Go Tigers!

Massillon Wears Down Warren Harding in 42-10 Victory

Massillon Wears Down Warren Harding in 42-10 Victory

Statistics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Marlene Kanipe

Braylon Gamble (5), Christian Culler (2)

Deontay Malone (6)

Manny Patterson (10), Christian Culler (2)

Anthony McMullen Jr.  (24)

Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

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

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

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

Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

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

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

Owen Sirgo (53), Christian Culler (2)