Author: <span>Don Engelhardt</span>

News

Massillon Battles St. Xavier to a Draw in Scrimmage…

Two of Ohio’s high school football powers knocked heads in Cincinnati on Thursday in the final tune-up before the start of the 2021 season.  It was an abbreviated affair, most likely due to the 95-degree weather, with each team running two series of 10 plays each.  But next week it gets serious, with the Tigers hosting 2020 Division 1 state finalist Pickerington Central and the Bombers facing Queen City contender Lakota West, a team Xavier beat last year in their regional finals, 10-7.

Massillon was the Division 2 state finalist in each of the past three years and currently holds a 31-game winning streak against public schools.  St. Xavier, on the other hand, captured the Division 1 state championship last year.  These two teams last met In 2005 at Fawcett Stadium to decide the D1 title, with X winning by a touchdown.

Willtrell Hartson breaks free on a 50-yard run against Cincinnati St. Xavier (Boxcast extract)

The Tiger offense took the field first, starting at their own 35 and advanced to their own 49 before being forced to punt.  But the second try started off with a bang.  Returning running back Willtrell Hartson, who showed flashes of brilliance throughout the second half of last year’s season, broke through the line on the first play for 50 yards and wasn’t caught on a shoestring tackle until he reached the Xavier 15.  The next play netted just two yards and a second down pass fell incomplete.  On third and eight the Tigers opted for a run, but gained just five yards.  So they settled for a 25-yard field goal by freshman Nolan Hendricks.

St. X came right back with a 9-play, 48-yard drive that ended in a 27 field goal.  The big play was a screen pass while the Tigers were in an all-out blitz that advanced the ball from the Massillon 32 to 12 yard line.  But the Tigers stiffened at that point to force the kick.

Massillon’s third series ended after six plays with a punt from their own 49 and the final series ended at the Xavier 41 when they ran out of plays.

Meanwhile, Xavier drove to the Massillon 26, but also used up their allotment of ten plays.

Statistics wise, Massillon’s running backs gained 67 yards in 7 carries (9.6 ave.).  Quarterback Darrius McElroy completed 2 of 6 passes for 27 yards and was sacked three times.  Total yardage was 94.

St. Xavier’s backs gained 43 yards in 9 carries (4.8 ave.).  Their quarterback completed 6 of 9 passes for 78 yards.  Total yardage was 121.

On offense, Massillon struggled to get the running game going against the Bomber 3-3 odd stack defense, except for on Hartson’s long run.  The passing game was a struggle with the receivers needing to fight through press coverage by the cornerbacks.  In addition, for the second week in a row, the offensive line was unable to keep the defensive linemen and blitzers at bay, which prevented the quarterback from settling in to make good throws.

Defensively, the Tigers played very vanilla, with a cover-4 secondary against what is perhaps the most potent offense in the state.  For example, last year St. X with their vaunted passing game put up 62 points on St. Ignatius the week after Massillon beat the Wildcats 21-14.  With eight returning starters, including their quarterback and entire line, they run a fast-pace offense with multiple formations and plays, and looked the part of a polished team all day.  Nevertheless, the Tigers held their own against this challenge.

Now Massillon must take what they have learned from these first two outings and improve on any obvious shortcomings.  They can also now game-plan for specific opponents, something that wasn’t the case for the scrimmages.

Following the first team work, Massillon had a chance to run several plays using the second team offense.  Freshmen quarterback Jalen Slaughter was one for four for 15 yards, including one sack.  The run game produced 16 yards in 7 attempts.

The junior varsity was bested 14-7, with both teams scoring on long drives and St. Xavier also scoring on a long pass play.

The freshmen continue to show great potential as they defeated the Bombers 28-0.

News

Massillon Opens the Preseason with the Annual Avon Scrimmage

It’s early, early in this new season and teams are just now learning what a football looks like.  But that didn’t stop Massillon and Avon from getting together to knock heads, something they’ve been doing for several years now in a first scrimmage venue. This time Avon was the host.

Both teams have achieved much success over the past few years, something that always bills this matchup as a good one.  The Tigers have played in the Division 2 state finals in each of the past three years and the Eagles have won four straight regional titles in the same division.  Therefore, this scrimmage gives head coaches Nate Moore and Mike Elder excellent first looks at their players against worthy opposition in order to figure out who their starters and backups will be.

The format for most of the scrimmage was such that each team ran ten plays, commencing at their own 25 yard line.  If a fourth down play was called for, the team either punted or attempted a field goal and then returned to the 25 until the plays were exhausted.  Throughout the affair both coaches mixed up their first and second units.  The 3rd and 4th played later.  Here’s a breakdown of the series for each team:

Massillon

  • Darrius McElroy at quarterback.  Advanced to the Avon 12.  Field goal was wide.  Willtrell Hartson was running very effectively during this drive.
  • QB Jalen Slaughter connected with Austin Brawley in the corner of the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown pass.  Vinny Keller kicked the extra point.  The play was set up by fine end around run by Freddie Lenix, Jr.
  • Ran a couple more plays to end the series.
  • McElroy now at QB.  Advanced to their own 30 and punted.
  • Advanced to their own 39 and punted.
  • Threw a 60-yard pass interception.
  • Slaughter at QB.  Brawley ran an end around for 74 yards and touchdown, but it was called back for holding.  Punted from the 22.
  • Intercepted pass.
  • Advanced to their own 40 and ran out of plays.
  • McElroy at QB.  Advanced to their own 36 and punted.
  • Advanced to the Avon 8 and ran out of plays.  Keller kicked a 25-yard field goal.  However, Avon was called for offsides, which negated the play.  On the next try the same player was offsides, but the penalty was not called by the referee.  The kick was wide owing to the interference of the player who was now literally standing next to the holder as Keller kicked the ball.
  • Slaughter at QB.  Advanced to the Avon 49 and punted.
  • Slaughter threw a 76-yard touchdown pass to Riley Campbell, who had separated from the defender.  He gathered the ball at midfield and then outraced the Avon secondary to the end zone.  Keller kicked the PAT.
  • Total points scored: 14

Avon

  • Advanced to their own 33 and punted.
  • Advanced to the Massillon 40 and ran out of plays.
  • Advanced to the Massillon 19 and missed a field goal.  Lots of short passes underneath the coverage.  Had difficulty running the ball.
  • Advanced to their own 39 and punted.
  • No gain and ran out of plays.
  • Advanced to the Massillon 29 and kicked a 46-yard field goal.  Advanced to their own 31 and punted.
  • Advanced to the Massillon 45 and ran out of plays.
  • Total points scored: 3

Each team then ran one series starting at the opponent’s 40.

Massillon

  • McElroy hit Brawley on a 34-yard TD pass.

Avon

  • Kicked a 21-yard field goal.

Each team finished with a two series each starting at the opponent’s 20.

Massillon

  • Hartson scored on a 5-yard run, untouched as he sped through the line.  Keller’s PAT attempt was good.
  • McElroy tossed a 20-yard pass to wide open Campbell for a touchdown.  Keller again kicked the extra point.

Avon

  • Failed to move the ball.
  • Kicked a 29-yard field goal.

Observations:

  • Rushing offense – The backs used the most were Hartson, Camden Beasley and Ressieo Kirksey.  All ran hard and the line blocked for them very well given this early in the season.
  • Passing offense – Both McElroy and Slaughter had their moments, but pass completions were not the main contributors to the offensive production.  McElroy curtainly has the long arm, which bodes well down the road for quick touchdowns.  And the faster Slaughter, while only a freshman, showed a lot of poise and made a few big plays with his arm.  Brawley showed that he will give secondaries fits.  The 6’-4” Campbell also appears to be a good target.  Look for these two to dominate the stats, depending on whether someone else steps up.
  • Rushing defense – The middle was completely clogged up for Avon.  What little success they had came around the end, but only when a defensive back missed a tackle or two.
  • Passing defense – This area will take some time.  Granted most of the short passes are surrendered by design, the middle seemed to be a good target for Avon and this will need to be shored up.  Also, Avon dropped a couple of longer passes, which might have resulted in touchdowns.  Time will improve this, as the secondary certainly has the talent.
  • Kicking game – McElroy as a punter is not Magnus Haines in any way, but he is effective and did get one boomer off during the scrimmage.  Keller is consistent with his extra points and the sophomore will only get stronger with kickoffs and field goal attempts as he gets older.

Next up is a Thursday scrimmage at Cincinnati St. Xavier, the 2020 Division 1 state champions.  Start time is 2:00 pm.

Willtrell Hartson sprints into the Avon secondary.

Ardell Banks goes high for the long pass against the Avon defender.

Quarterback Darrius McElroy lets loose from the pocket.

Austin Brawley completes a 14-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Slaughter.

History

2021 Football Season is Fast Approaching

It seems like summer just got here and already we are nearing the start of the 2021 high school football season.  With the post-season playoffs being expanded this year, the date of the first regular season game has been pushed back yet another week, now at its earliest date in OHSAA history.  So what’s going on this year?  Here’s a quick look.

Massillon finished the regular season last year with a 5-1 record in a schedule that was shortened on account of the Covid-19 pandemic.  With all of Ohio’s teams invited to the playoffs, the Tigers marched through their slated games, defeating 2019 state champ Cincinnati LaSalle in the state semifinals, before losing to Akron Hoban in the finals.  It was Massillon’s third consecutive trip to the Division 2 state championship game.  During that 3-year span, the Tigers compiled a record of 34-4.  They also currently own a 31-game winning streak against their peers, the public schools.

Head Coach Nate Moore begins his 7th year at Massillon, following a brief stint at Cincinnati LaSalle, where he captured the Division 2 state championship.  His overall record in Tigertown is 60-17 (.779), which includes five trips to the playoffs and a post-season mark of 16-5.  His win total ranks third all-time behind Paul Brown (80) and Mike Currence (79).  After a 4-6 start in 2015 as he was installing a new program, his record since has been 54-11 (.831).

Per the OHSAA, the official mandatory start of practice is August 1, although every team has been working out in some form since school let out in May.  The OHSAA now sanctions team practices throughout the summer, replacing the previous 10-session limit.

A 5-day acclimatization period must be completed prior to contact, which consists of helmets only for two days, followed by helmets and shoulder pads for two days and finally all gear.  The first two days may be completed in July.  For Massillon, they have the week of July 26 off then begin in earnest on August 2 with shoulder pads on Monday and Tuesday, full gear on Wednesday and contact on Thursday.  Friday is shoulder pads only as they prepare for their first scrimmage the next day.

Scrimmages are used to prepare a team for the season, giving coaches a chance to select their starters and fine tune their offenses and defenses.  This year, teams are limited to two 3-hour scrimmages following the first day of full contact practice.  As the number of official practice days and scrimmages has been reduced, it seems like teams have less and less time to prepare for the opener.  That’s why a solid off-season program is so important now.

Coach Nate Moore’s charges will match up with a pair of top-notch programs that will give the Tigers excellent chances to expose their weaknesses and focus on correcting them before the season gets underway.  The goal, of course, is maintaining a constant road of improvement throughout the regular season and then navigating successfully through the playoffs for another opportunity to compete for a state championship.

Massillon will travel to Avon on August 7 for an 11:30 am varsity scrimmage.  The freshmen will compete against Avon at 9:00 am.  Avon has won the Division 2, Region 6 title in each of the last four years and Coach Mike Elder’s group always provides excellent competition in this venue.  On Thursday, August 12, the Tigers will be at Cincinnati St. Xavier.  The freshmen and JV will face off at noon and varsity action will get underway at 2:00 pm.  Last year the Bombers defeated Pickerington Central 44-3 in the Division 1 state finals and are expected to return a wealth of talent this year.

The regular season schedule is one of the better ones that Massillon has assembled, starting out with a bang against Pickerington Central, which is perhaps currently the best public school in Division 1.  Also called the Tigers, they captured the D1 state title in both 2017 and 2019 and lost in the finals last year.  Central currently owns a 21-game winning streak against public schools.  Other top games this year include:

  • Lakewood St. Edward – Edged Massillon the season opener last year, 24-23.
  • Canisius, NY – Returns to the schedule after having defeated the Tigers in 2017.
  • Canton McKinley – The annual rivalry; lost to Massillon last year 35-7.

Aside from Pickerington Central, first time opponents this year are:

  • Reynoldsburg – Plays in Pickerington’s division of the Ohio Capital Conference; lost head-to-head last year, 38-13.
  • Euclid – Competes in Mentor’s conference; expected to challenge this year for the conference title; always a formidable Division 1 playoff foe.
  • Wooster – Not really a first-timer, but it’s been about a hundred years since the last game; this begins a 2-year home-and-home series.

The playoffs will begin on October 29 and will be the first of six weeks of additional games, culminating in the state finals on December 2-4.  Sixteen teams in each region will qualify, meaning that nearly every team in Division 1 and two-thirds of the teams in the other divisions will participate.  Although football will last that much longer with the extended playoffs, the format does provide schools with opportunities to challenge themselves during the regular season with top-level opponents without jeopardizing playoff spots.  For the 2021 season, Massillon will remain in Division 2, Region 7, along with the Columbus-area schools and a few local ones.  In fact, there will be no regional assignment changes across the state this year as the OHSAA rebounds from last year’s Covid issues.

Expect to see many new faces in the Massillon lineup in 2021, as the Tigers graduated nearly every starter from last year’s team.  Although this group is expected to be somewhat lacking across the board on varsity experience, it may still be senior-dominated while very talented.  Look for more of a re-loading year than a re-building year as Moore’s charges become “program players.”  The key to success then is the development of these new starters over the course of the season with goal of peaking when the playoffs commence.  Below is a list of the more recognizable returnees and a couple new ones:

  • Austin Brawley (5′-10″, 170) – senior – safety  (36-23-47.5) / wide receiver (5-125, 1 TD) / return specialist – 2nd in total tackles – 4th leading receiver; started last year at safety
  • Toddrick Lee (6′-1″, 250) – senior – offensive lineman – returning starter
  • Jaiden Woods ( 6′-0″, 259) – senior – offensive lineman –  returning starter
  • Reece Turpin (6′-2″, 340) – senior – offensive lineman -backup
  • Te’Jamere Nash (6′-4″, 290) – senior – offensive lineman – backup
  • Michael Mercurio (6′-1″, 245) – junior – offensive lineman – backup
  • Willtrell Hartson (5′-10, 200) – junior – running back – leading rusher (138-1125, 13 TDs) – Honorable Mention All–Ohio in Division 2; became the starter in last year’s game against Canton McKinley follow an injury to Raekwon Venson – single game rushing leader (324 yards vs. Westerville South)
  • Camden Beasley ( 6′-2″, 205) – senior – running back (44-251, 2 TDs) / linebacker – 3rd leading rusher; last year’s No. 2 running back
  • Nathan DePuy (5′-11″, 205) – senior – inside linebacker – backup
  • Freddie Lenix (5′-10″, 180) – junior – defensive back – backup
  • Dominic Salvino (6′-175) – senior – long snapper – starter
  • Marcus Moore (6′-2″, 300) – junior – defensive lineman – transfer from Beachwood – 3rd Team All-Ohio at defensive lineman in Division 5 – relative of former Massillon All-Ohio defensive lineman Ellery Moore
  • Riley Campbell (6′-4, 205) – senior – wide receiver / linebacker – transfer from Canton Central – leading receiver last year – 2nd Team All-Ohio at linebacker in Division 6
  • Several other players with varsity experience, many starting on special teams

Look for the Tigers to attack much the same as the last few years.  That is, with a run-heavy offense, utilizing a massive line that features both zone and power blocking, opening interior holes for Hartson and Beasley.  Quarterback duties will be most likely be in the hands of senior Darrius McElroy, who has really developed in the off-season with both size and arm strength.  He spent most of his time last year on the defensive side of the ball and on special teams.  McElroy will be backed up by freshman Jalen Slaughter, who last year led his dominant 8th grade team to perfect 8-0 mark.  The wide receiver group will be speedy, with Brawley leading the way.

Defensively, Massillon returns just Brawley.  However, the coaches will not have any problem finding talented players to fill the open spots.  Marcus Moore will fit quite nicely on the line as will Nathan DePuy at linebacker.  Brawley will return to his safety position.  Also, watch for backup junior Freddie Lenix to fill in well at corner.  Kicking duties will fall to senior Shane Rue.

During the 2020 Covid-19 season, severe attendance restrictions were placed on the students and fans.  For Massillon, they were limited to just 1500 and most fans were forced to watch the games from home on internet broadcasts.  However, there will be no limit on spectators this year.  So come on out and support your Tigers.  It should be a great season and an exciting playoff run.

Mark these dates on your calendar:

  • August 3 – Media Day (check out the team photos as they go up on the website)
  • August 5 – Sideliners Reverse Raffle
  • August 7 – Scrimmage at Avon, starting at 11:30 am
  • August 8 – Sideliners Picnic
  • August 12 – Scrimmage at Cincinnati St. Xavier, starting at 2:00 pm
  • August 14 – Alumni  Association Golf Scramble (tee times still available)
  • August 17 – First Touchdown Club Luncheon at 11:30 am
  • August 18 – Downtown  Kickoff Rally at 6:30 pm
  • August 20 – Season opener vs. Pickerington Central, starting at 7:30 pm

Note to season ticket holders: Season ticket passes will not be mailed this year.  They can be picked up at the Ticket Office starting August 3 or at the first game.  No information is available at this time regarding tickets for away games.

News

WHS Continues to Expand Its Sports Hall

Massillon residents are quite aware that athletics are a big deal at Washington High School, particularly when it comes to football, which owns 24 state and 9 national championships and is considered as an annual contender to win another.  The tradition of the sport is lengthy, encompassing a time span of over 120 years, and many Tiger fans are eager to protect and maintain it.  So what better place to demonstrate that to the public but in the athletic wing of the high school.  There fans will have an opportunity to witness the ever growing displays that honor the great players and coaches of Massillon’s past.

The recent additions to the sports hall are just the start of what is envisioned to become a massive exhibit.  It all started during the initial construction of the high school with traditional trophy cases.  Next came the Wall of Champions with the large painted portraits of their inductees, later to be replaced by commemorative plaques.  Then the Massillon Football Hall of Fame was born, with additional plaques for those honorees.  Now, during the past few months, there have been two new additions.  The first was display cases for a large collection of footballs that were actually used during some of Massillon’s big wins.  And just recently, there hangs a massive Tiger flag that has a unique history of its own.

The Massillon Football Museum has been home to around fifty special footballs from past games, many dating back to the 1940s and 1950s.  But until this year very few fans have had the opportunity to view them.  Now, with the addition of several display cases, many of the balls can be viewed.  And more balls will be included as display cases are added.  The display cases have been installed in the hallway that connects the high school to the indoor facility.

1938 Tiger Flag (Gift of Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club (2014.39.212) Collection of the Massillon Museum)

In 1938, during Paul Brown’s coaching tenure in Massillon, an avid fan constructed a 15’ x 8.5’ applique flag to celebrate Brown’s achievements.  On the flag was stitched a running tiger and the years in which Brown won state championships, later adding the same award earned under Coach Bud Houghton.  The last time the flag was seen was in 1942 when it flew from a flag pole during the Massillon-McKinley game, the day the Bulldogs snapped Massillon’s 52-game win streak.  It was alleged that two former Canton players snatched the flag after the game and hid it in an attic in Canton.  Later, Dr. David Leffler, a student at the time, informed police that after the flag was removed from the flag pole, it was ripped from his arms by a “Canton fan.”  When the thievery went public, the deviant panicked and moved the flag to Youngstown, where it was eventually hung on the wall of a local lawyer.  It took a long time to locate the flag, but in 1987 its whereabouts were finally discovered and the flag then promptly returned without penalty.  Until recently it in hung in the basement of the old Massillon Post Office, which serves as the home of the Football Museum.

Through a tremendous effort of many volunteers and commercial organizations, the flag has been preserved and is now on display to the public for the first time in 79 years.  Framed and behind a protective plexiglass cover, the flag can be viewed in the hallway that connects the high school to the indoor facility.  Below is a list of the project participants:

  • The Massillon Museum – Alex Nicholis Coon, Director of the Museum, and Bailey Yoder, Curator of Football Heritage, provided general management of the project as part of their relationship with the Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club and their ownership of the Paul Brown Museum.
  • Museum Acrylics of New Philadelphia – Breanna Skelton assisted the Massillon Museum with conservation and preservation.  Jointly, over 100 hours were invested in this effort.   Owner George Lawrence provided engineering design and production of the display case.  He also directed the installation, a process that involved dozens of steps and was executed flawlessly.
  • Massillon Plaque – Neal Hodgkiss conducted design consultation with both Gary Vogt (Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club and Massillon Football Museum) and long-time Massillon football supporter Dave Weaver.
  • Washington High School – Nate Moore and Brian Pachis approved the installation and determined the display location.
  • Massillon Tiger Football Team – The following players provided the heavy lifting during the installation:  Reece Turpin, Caden Edwards, Te’jamere Nash, Marcus Moore, Toddrick Lee, Nick Hathaway and Sam Snodgrass.

All of this could not have been done without the backing of Mr. Dave Weaver, who has been instrumental through his vision and support throughout the construction of the sports hall.  The installation of the football cases and flag are a continuation of his plan over the next few years to fill the hallway with sports displays.  In fact he plans to expand next into the hall adjacent to the weight room.  It is within this latter area that the Wall of Champion photos will be rehung.  He also envisions a section honoring all Tiger football players that suited up professionally.

More good things to come.  Be sure to stop by the next time you are in the high school.

The crew in front of the finished product (Gift of Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club (2014.39.212) Collection of the Massillon Museum)

Mounting the flag onto the frame (Gift of Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club (2014.39.212) Collection of the Massillon Museum)
Securing the flag to the frame (Gift of Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club (2014.39.212) Collection of the Massillon Museum)
Hanging the flag onto the frame mounts (Gift of Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club (2014.39.212) Collection of the Massillon Museum)
Securing the frame to the frame mounts (Gift of Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club (2014.39.212) Collection of the Massillon Museum)
Transporting a section of the plexiglass cover (Gift of Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club (2014.39.212) Collection of the Massillon Museum)
Handling a section of the plexiglass cover (Gift of Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club (2014.39.212) Collection of the Massillon Museum)
Mounting a section of the plexiglass cover (Gift of Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club (2014.39.212) Collection of the Massillon Museum)
Football display cases
1980 Playoff Game Ball
Massillon Football Hall of Fame
Massillon Wall of Champions
Paul Brown mural
Carved tiger

History

Massillon Gearing Up For Another Successful Playoff Run

Massillon’s student enrollment of late has placed the football team into Division 2 for the past eight years and they have settled in quite nicely as one of the best among a group of 107 teams.  Only Akron Hoban and Cincinnati LaSalle have provided staunch competition.  And this year is expected to be no different, although there are always a few other teams that could make some noise.  Here is a detailed look at the recent history in this division.

Region 5

Akron Hoban – Since the Knights entered D2 in 2017 on account of the competitive advantage formula they have become the annual clear favorite to win Region 5, if not the state.  In those four years they have captured three state championships and had one other regional finals appearance.  Their only playoff loss during that time span was to Massillon in the 2019 regional finals.

Hudson – Regional finalist in 2020, losing to Hoban.

Maple Heights – Regional finalist in 2018, losing to Hoban.

Watch List – Walsh Jesuit, Austintown Fitch, Mayfield and Cleveland Benedictine.

Region 6

Avon – All the Eagles do is win.  Regular season and playoffs.  Except when they play Massillon or Akron Hoban.  They have captured the regional title in each of the past four years, then lost the following week in the state semifinals, three times to Hoban and once to Massillon.

Toledo Central – Another product of competitive advantage, the Irish lost to Avon in the 2018 regional finals and lost to Cincinnati LaSalle in the 2019 state semifinals.

Avon Lake – Advanced to the regional finals in each of the last two years, losing both times to Avon.

Watch List – Wadsworth, Barberton and Olmsted Falls.

Region 7

Massillon – It’s no secret that with the Tigers in this region, everyone else is playing for second place.  Massillon started slowly when Division 2 was reorganized in 2013, but they have come on strong in the past four years, winning the regional title each year.  In 2017 they lost in the state semifinals to Cincinnati Winton Woods.  But they broke the door down in 2018 by avenging the loss to Winton Woods and advancing to the state finals, losing to Akron Hoban.  In 2019 they turned the tables on Akron Hoban in the regionals and didn’t lose until the state finals, to Cincinnati LaSalle.  Year 2020 saw the revenge factor again with a win over LaSalle in the state semifinals, but another loss to Akron Hoban.  The only other teams in Division 2 with this much consistent playoff success are of course Hoban and LaSalle.

Perry – Regional finalist in 2020, losing to Massillon.

Olentangy – Regional finalist in 2019, losing to Toledo Central.

Watch List – Westerville South, Dublin Scioto, Worthington Kilbourne and North Canton.

Region 8

Cincinnati LaSalle – Four state titles in the past eight years (2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019).  Enough said.  Lost to Winton Woods in the regional finals in 2017.  Failed to make the playoffs in 2018.  Defeated Massillon in the 2019 state finals.  And lost to Massillon in the 2020 state semifinals.

Cincinnati Winton Woods – Chief competition for LaSalle.  Lost to Hoban in the 2017 state finals.  Lost to Massillon in the 2018 state semifinals.  Lost to LaSalle in the 2020 regional finals.

Watch List – Kings, Piqua, Cincinnati Turpin, Cincinnati Anderson and Troy.

News

Massillon Will Remain in the Columbus Region for the…

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has released its preliminary regional post-season playoff assignments for the 2021 season.  Massillon will remain in Region 7, which is the region associated primarily with teams from the Columbus area.  Also, all teams across the state will stay in their respective divisions as assigned in 2020, which for Massillon is Division 2.  In 2022 the divisions will be reassessed.

Last season the Tigers captured their 14th regional crown, then defeated Cincinnati LaSalle in the state semifinals, while losing the Akron Hoban in the finals.  It was Massillon’s third consecutive trip the Division 2 state finals and 6th state finals historically.

There are 25 teams in Region 7, with 16 qualifying for post-season play.  The teams include the following:

From the Massillon area:

  • Massillon Washington
  • Massillon Perry
  • North Canton Hoover
  • Uniontown Lake
  • Green

From the Columbus area:

  • Westerville South
  • Worthington Kilbourne
  • Olentangy
  • Olentangy Berlin
  • Dublin Scioto
  • Big Walnut
  • Mount Vernon
  • Canal Winchester
  • Watkins Memorial
  • Columbus St. Charles
  • Columbus Independence
  • Columbus Mifflin
  • Columbus Northland
  • Columbus Walnut Ridge
  • Columbus Whetstone
  • Columbus Whitehall – Yearling

From other areas:

  • Wooster
  • Licking Heights
  • Marion Harding
  • Logan

Region 5 includes Akron Hoban, Cleveland Benedictine, Hudson, Mayfield, Austintown Fitch, Walsh Jesuit and Warren Harding.  Region 6 includes Avon, Avon Lake, Barberton, Wadsworth, Toledo Central Catholic, Toledo St. Francis and Toledo St. John’s.  Region 8 includes Cincinnati LaSalle, Cincinnati Winton Woods and Kings.

Massillon will once again feature a very competitive schedule, opening on Friday August 20 at home against Pickerington Central, the 2019 Division 1 state champs and 2020 Division 1 state finalist.  Other major opponents include 2018 Division 1 state champion Lakewood St. Edward, Austintown Fitch, Canisius from New York and Canton McKinley.

News

Linemen Have Their Way in Pittsburgh

It may still be several weeks until the official start of the practice for the 2021 football season, but the Massillon Tigers are not taking the summer off.  They are working hard in the weight room and improving their speed with a regimented training program.  Last Sunday (June 28) they had a chance to showcase their talent at the U. Pittsburgh Camp by participating in the 7-on-7 tournament for skill players and going head-to-head with other high schools in the Big Man contest.

“Big” is an understatement for these future offensive and defensive linemen, as the photo below can attest to.  And they literally walked away with first place, earning a sledge hammer with “Pitt” written on the head.  After showing their wares in the weight lifting and tractor tire events, Massillon won the final activity of the day by graciously dragging their opponent over the line in a tug of war that lasted all of five seconds.

Incidentally, Massillon had previously taken first at the camp in 2018 and second in 2019.  The camp was not held in 2020.

Although the skill players didn’t win their event, they did well enough in early competition to be recognized as the top seed going into the tournament portion.

Playing host was 2020 Tiger Terrence Rankl, who is a freshmen for the Panthers.

Front Row (L-R): Toddrick Lee, Te’Jamere Nash and Reece Turpin.  Standing (L-R): Donte Holloway, Michael Mercurio, Jaiden Woods, Marcus Moore, Coach J.P. Simon, Terrence Rankl, Dom Salvino and Landon Peteros.

History

Tiger Football Players Don’t Just Play Football

Last week it was the track team that drew the area’s attention by placing 3rd in the state meet in the 4 x 200 meter relay.  This week the focus is on Zach Catrone, Massillon’s 2020 quarterback, who was recently named Northeast Ohio Division 1 1st Team All-District for baseball.  The pitcher/infielder helped lead the Tigers to a 21-5 record and a spot in the district championship game against Mayfield.  Teammate Jaylen Leedy was also honored, as a 2nd Teamer.

As good as the Tigers were this year, Zach was the one batter capable of causing major headaches for opposing pitchers.  He hit hard according to Coach Spike Ridgley and his statistics reflected that, with a .412 batting average and 35 RBIs in just 101 plate appearances.  He also recorded five doubles and struck out just 14 times.  Ridgley said that his strike out stat is one of the major reasons he was named to the All-District team.

On the mound, he became the No. 1 pitcher and was called upon to face several of Massillon’s best foes.  He finished with a 6-3 record, but his ERA was outstanding at 2.01.  Zach also struck out 65 batters during his 47-2/3 innings of work.

As a quarterback last year in football, Catrone helped lead Massillon to a 10-2 record and a runner-up finish in the Division 2 state championship game.  For the season he passed for 1,574 yards and 12 touchdowns.  Next year he plans to play football for Marietta.

Rager Els placed at the state wrestling meet in the 285 pound weight class and finished the year with an outstanding 32-5 record.  At state, he lost in the first round, picked up a win in the first consolation round and then was eliminated in the second consolation.

In football, Rager was part of a dominant offensive line, but was felled in by injury in the first game against Lakewood St. Edward and missed the remainder of the season.  Fortunately, he recovered in time to wrestle.  Next year he will compete with Cleveland State.

Good luck to both of these outstanding Tigers.

 

 

News

Tiger Relay Team Places 3rd at State Meet

The Massillon 4 x 200 meter relay team didn’t disappoint at the state level, placing 3rd in Division 1 in the final 8-team group and setting a new Massillon High School record in the process.  It was a blistering pace throughout the race and the Tigers had the lead with but a 100 yards left.  But they were overtaken in the final few yards by the 1st and 2nd place teams.  They ended up finishing a mere half second from first.

In the Friday preliminaries, Massillon turned in the second fastest time with a mark of 1:27:65, which they bettered in the Saturday finals by more than a second.  Incidentally, the state record for this event is 1:24:42, set by Pickerington Central last year.

Here are the final results:

  • 1st – Pickerington North – 1:25.96
  • 2nd – Gahanna Lincoln – 1:26:38
  • 3rd – Massillon – 1:26:43
  • 4th – Canal Winchester – 1:27:03
  • 5th – Granville – 1:27:63
  • 6th – Centerville – 1:28:63
  • 7th – Thomas Worthington – 1:29:23
  • 8th – Solon – 1:29:24

Freddie Lenix competed in both the 100 and 200 meter dashes, but didn’t qualify for the finals in either event.  His time in the 100 was a very respectable 10.93 seconds (the leader posted 10.46).  Just a sophomore, his day will come.

But hard work certainly paid off for these fine athletes.  All underclassmen, the team includes freshman Ta’Shaun Smith, sophomores Ardell Banks and Lenix, and junior Austin Brawley.  We’ll see all of you on the football field come August.

News

Four Tiger Speedsters Advance to State Track Meet

Massillon will participate in three events at next week’s state track meet following continued success at the Austintown Regionals.  The events include the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash and 4 x 200 meter relay.  The 4 x 100 meter relay was disqualified in the finals due to a lane violation, in spite of turning in the field’s fastest time during the preliminaries.

  • 100 meter dash – Freddie Lenix placed first with a time of 11.22 seconds, edging out runners from Stow and Boardman.  During the preliminaries he posted a time of 10.98.
  • 200 meter dash – Lenix took third in the event with a time of 22.76.  The winning time was 22.62.  He also took third in the prelims.
  • 4 x 200 meter relay – Massillon took first with a time of 1:30.05.  The next two spots were captured by Nordonia and Stow.  The Tiger runners included freshman Ta’Shaun Smith, sophomores Ardell Banks and Lenix, and junior Austin Brawley.
  • 4 x 100 meter relay –  Massillon had the fastest time in the preliminaries, 42.89, a quarter of a second ahead of second place University School.

Overall, Massillon placed 7th as a team among a field of 44 schools that recorded points.

The state meet will be held on June 4-5 at Hilliard Darby High School.  In addition to the four players mentioned above, Angelo Salvino and Javontez Bradford will be available as alternates.