Author: <span>Don Engelhardt</span>

History

Ed Molinski – Wall of Champions

Ed Molinski – Wall of Champions

Written by Keith Jarvis

Ed Molinski wanted to be a boxer and ended up a medical doctor.  But in between, he played some pretty good football, for both Massillon and the University of Tennessee.  But that almost didn’t happen, as his father had different thoughts.

“Massillon is where it all started,” said the now Doctor Edward Molinski.  Talking with the great Massillon sports writer Luther Emery, Molinski went on to say, “If you guys hadn’t persuaded dad to let me play football, I probably would be walking the streets with holes in my shoes.”  (The Emery Wheel, Massillon Evening Independent, ——, 1963)

After attending Longfellow Jr. High, it is believed that his father thought him to be a future champion boxer.  That turned out to be true.  To protect Ed from serious injury, Mr. Molinski forbad Ed from playing football.  On the other hand, Paul Brown saw Ed as an integral part of his Tiger football team.  Considerable negotiation ensued between father and Coach Brown and it was finally agreed that Ed could play football, but Brown would allow Ed to box in the off season.  It was indeed a good negotiated settlement.

And play football he did.  Although he continued to box in the off season, he put together three years of exceptional football, from 1933 to 1935.  He stood 5’-10” and weighed 182 lbs. and he spent his first two years at guard and linebacker. In his senior year he was moved to quarterback, which at that time was the lead blocker for the running backs in Coach Brown’s system. During Molinski’s three years with the Tigers they were 27-3, with the 1935 team capturing both the Ohio and National championships. But he continued to box in the off-season and became the Ohio state heavyweight Golden Gloves champion.

Ed wanted to attend Notre Dame after high school as he ambitiously desired more education.  Only, he could not afford the tuition and ND Coach Leahy was unresponsive to several townspeople urging him to give him a scholarship.  But Tennessee’s legendary coach Bob Neyland saw it differently and did offer that coveted award.  Ed accepted it and went on to become a beloved man in Tennessee for his many accomplishments, football being at the forefront.

Molinski played for the Volunteers from 1938-1940 as a hard charging guard with both speed and strength.  During his time there, he teamed with Bob Suffridge, which made a lethal combination of future All-American linemen.  Molinski was steady and strong, while Suffridge played with emotion and speed.  Both also played stalwart defense.  But Ed also possessed a tough demeanor and temper, which was evident by his ejection in the 1939 Orange Bowl (Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, University of Tennessee Athletic Dept.).

During his time at Tennessee, the Vols went 31-2 and won three Southeast Conference Championships, while being invited to play in a bowl game each year.  In 1938 they finished 11-0, with a 17-0 bowl win over Oklahoma, and were named National Champions. Meanwhile, the 1939 team was unscored upon in the regular season before losing to Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl, 14-0.  In fact, they recorded fifteen consecutive shutouts from mid-1938 through 1939.

While all of this was taking place, Ed captained the university boxing team and again was a heavyweight Golden glove champion, this time in the state of Tennessee.

The combination of Molinski and Suffridge is renowned in Tennessee history and each went on to receive numerous awards.  In 1990 Molinski was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.  Suffridge gained that award at the same time and they were once again side by side as the great duo guards.  Molinski himself earned all of the following awards and inductions:

  • 1st Team All-American (1939)
  • Grantland Rice Football HOF
  • The Polish Football HOF
  • The National Football Foundation HOF
  • The Tennessee Football HOF
  • The College Football HOF
  • Massillon Tiger Hall of Fame (2016)
  • Massillon Wall of Champions (1994)
  • WHS Alumni Association Distinguished Citizens Award (2010)

But Ed Molinski was more than just about football.  From Longfellow Jr. High and afterward, he had many friends in Massillon including Augie Morningstar, Ducky Schroeder and Luther Emery. Interestingly, during the 1937 football season, since freshman were not allowed to play, Ed, with Coach Neyland’s approval, decided to return to Massillon as a student volunteer police officer.  He reported that a drive-by person fired a shot towards him and luckily missed.

After graduation from college Ed entered the Marine Corps and served as a 2nd Lieutenant until he received a medical honorable discharge. With World War II over, he then went on to coach football and teach history at Memphis State and Mississippi State.  In 1951 he began studying medicine at Tennessee, after having already received his Master’s Degree there.  After becoming a doctor of medicine, Ed maintained his attachment to sports life by serving as the team doctor for the Memphis State football team and was also the professional fight doctor for the city of Memphis. To top off this exceptional career, Ed spent 35 years as a revered general medical doctor serving underprivileged communities in Memphis.  He died in 1968 at the age of 68.

Dr. Edward Molinski is surely someone this city has much to be proud of.  To learn more about this remarkable son of Massillon, Ed’s own son has a conversation on YouTube detailing much of his father’s life.

History

Steve Luke – Wall of Champions

Steve Luke – Wall of Champions

Steve Luke played many positions on the football field and to him it didn’t matter where he lined up.  He just wanted to be in on the action.  But that versatility paid off in a big way as he parlayed that experience into a stellar career, first at Massillon, then at Ohio State and Green Bay.  “Back in high school, I was a center, linebacker and tight end,” he said.  “I didn’t care where I lined up.  I just loved to play football.”

Luke was born in Massillon on September 4, 1953, and it didn’t take long to get bitten by the football bug.  “Our Sunday school teacher told us the world was going to end.  I said a prayer to God, ‘Please don’t let it end until I get to play for Massillon.’  I was about 8 or 9 years old.” (Scott Shook’s “Massillon Memories”)

High School

Steve would get his chance to play for the Tigers in 1968 as a sophomore center under Head Coach Bob Seaman and by the time he was a senior had worked his way into the varsity lineup playing linebacker and tight end under Head Coach Bob Commings.  He also teamed with his brother, Bill, who manned split end.  Together, they helped Massillon field one of its best squads ever: the 1970 state championship team that won all ten games and outscored the opposition, 412-29.

The season included six defensive shutouts along with a 28-0 victory over previously undefeated Canton McKinley.  Following the McKinley game, Tiger assistant coach Dale Walterhouse remarked, “We’re claiming the best linebackers in the state.  Steve Luke and Tom Cardinal can move and hit. McKinley has been claiming to have the best linebackers in the state.  I guess we proved it today.” – Canton Repository, Ken Sherer

Luke had good size for the time at 6’-2”, 186 lbs. and was a team co-captain, along with Mike Mauger, Tim Ridgley and Dennis Franklin.  Defensive statistics are not available for that year, but on offense Luke caught five passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns, including a 68-yarder against Trotwood Madison and a 37-yarder against Steubenville.  He also grabbed a 13-yard pass against the Bulldogs.  All of the passes were thrown by Franklin, who Luke would later face as a foe when he was at Ohio State and Franklin at Michigan.

As a result of his outstanding performance for the Tigers, Steve was named 3rd Team All-Ohio and received a scholarship to play for the Buckeyes.

College

Luke spent four years at Ohio State, playing football for the legendary Woody Hayes and graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Athletics and Business.  While there, he experienced three Big 10 championships and started in three Rose Bowl games, one as an offensive center and two at defensive back.  His playing size was 6’-2”, 197 lbs.

In his sophomore year (freshmen weren’t eligible at that time), he was placed at center.  But that was about to change the following year.  “I missed my workout with the linemen one day and I came in and was working out with the defensive backs,” he recalled.  “A defensive backs coach saw me go through some drills and he came up and asked if I’d ever thought about playing defensive back.  I told him that I’d never played it before, but was willing to take a gamble and Coach Hayes was willing to let me go back and try it and it worked out.” – Independent.

Ohio State Results:

  • 1972 – Tied Michigan for the Big 10 championship; regular season record, 9-1; lost to Michigan State, 19-12; defeated Michigan, 14-11; lost to Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl, 42-17.
  • 1973 – Tied Michigan for the Big 10 championship; regular season record, 9-0-1; tied Michigan, 10-10; beat Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl, 42-21.
  • 1974 – Tied Michigan for the Big 10 championship; regular season record, 10-1; lost to Michigan State, 16-13; defeated Michigan 12-10; lost to Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl, 18-17.

Following his senior season, Luke was named UPI All Big Ten and Family Weekly All American.  He also started in the All-American Bowl all-star game.

Professional

Luke was a childhood fan of the Green Bay Packers ever since their victory over Dallas in the “ice bowl game” (-13 deg.) and their wins in the first two Super Bowls, led by HOF quarterback Bart Starr.  Surprise to him, he was drafted by the Packers in the 4th round (No. 88 overall), by whom other than newly hired head coach Bart Starr.  Although he played cornerback for the Buckeyes, his position changed to strong safety.  Luke would enjoy six years in Green Bay.

He initially reported to the Packer training camp weighing 215 lbs., thinking that he needed more muscle.  But they wanted him 195-200.  He was almost cut.  Soon he was back down to 197.

Special teams became his assignment for the first year, where returned six kickoffs for 91 yards.  But that was about to change during his second year when he was named a starter in the game against St. Louis.  “Steve has been improving all along and has impressed the coaches when he’s played,” Packer coach Bart Starr said.  “We thought this would be a good opportunity to start him.”  Starr called him one of the hardest workers in training camp and through preseason.  Luke would go on to start 75 consecutive games, while playing in 90 overall.

Steve Luke (46) – packers.com

Known around the league as a hard hitter, he led the team in tackles in 1978, while breaking the team’s single season tackling record (133 solos and 17 assists).  He also led the team in interceptions in 1977, accumulating four of his ten career picks for 149 yards.  His longest return was 63 yards against Chicago, which went for a touchdown.  Add to those feats six fumble recoveries and six quarterback sacks.  So it comes as no surprise that he was rated among the Top 4 safeties in the NFL from 1977-1980.  And so respected was he that he was the Packers’ team captain during the latter time he was there.

In Year 6 he was hampered by an injury that occurred against Cleveland.  So at the end of the season he was traded to Atlanta, but was released before the start of the 1981 season.  Thus, pro football came with a cost; i.e., a fused neck and two hip replacements.

Post Football

After Green Bay, Luke became Vice President/Director of Account Services for Russell, Luke, Mercier Advertising Inc.  He also founded USAthletes Sports Agency, 1987-1996, representing Chris Spielman plus several Packer players.  And he was an investor/partner in Buckeye III Custom Home Builders.

But most of his energy assuredly went into several civic programs, including the following:

  • Development Board of Children’s’ Hospital in Columbus
  • Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America
  • Board of Directors of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes
  • Telethon Chairman for the United Negro College Fund for Central Ohio
  • Worked with both the Worthington and Columbus Public Schools in their tutoring and mentoring programs
  • Started New Fun Learning (NFL) Math and Science Sports Camp, 1992

In 1982 he was named Outstanding Young American and in 2000 received the Ohio Award of Excellence.  He’s also listed as Who’s Who among Black Americans.

But it was Massillon that Luke credits for his achievements.  “Massillon made me who I am.  I’ve often said that Massillon taught me how to win.  Massillon taught me a good, strong work ethic and that never-say-die attitude.  If I didn’t have the success I had at Massillon, I would not have had the success I had at Ohio State or Green Bay.” – Independent

Luke was inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions in 1994 as a charter member and the Tiger Hall of Fame in 2016, also as a charter member.

 

History

Joe Sparma – Wall of Champions

Joe Sparma – Wall of Champions

Massillon’s Joe Sparma went all the way, from high school football to collegiate football and baseball and eventually to baseball at the professional level.  Sparma was the ultimate athlete and success followed him at every stop.

Joe was born in Massillon on February 4, 1942.  After a stint at Jones Junior High, he began his football career at the varsity level in 1957 as a third string sophomore quarterback under Head Coach Lee Tressel.  He wasn’t initially a starter but, due to his prowess as a fastballer in baseball, he was able to get on the field when a long pass was needed.

That was certainly the case against Warren Harding in the infamous “clock game.”  Warren was ranked first in the state coming in, but the Tigers were able to open up a 14-0 halftime advantage.  Only, the Panthers stormed back in the second half to tie it up at 14 apiece in this evenly matched game.  There were just seconds left.  Massillon had the ball at midfield and the play called for a long desperation pass.  In comes Joe.  He dropped back and launched a 46-yard bomb toward the end zone, with Clyde Childers as the intended target.  Childers leaped high against the defender and tipped the ball into the air at the four yard line.  Then, after separating himself, he gathered the pigskin at the three and raced over the goal line for the win.  It was Sparma’s only pass of the game, but it put him on target for great things to come.

By season’s end Joe had passed for three touchdowns, the one against Warren and two against Canton McKinley in a 25-7 victory.  For the year, the Tigers finished 8-1, with a 2nd place ranking in the final A.P. Poll.  The lone loss was to champion Cleveland Benedictine, 13-7.

The following year, with new head coach Leo Strang taking over from Tressel, Sparma became a full-time starter on a team that finished 8-1-1.   The only blemishes were a 6-0 loss to Warren and an 8-8 tie with Alliance.  For the season Joe completed 33 of 74 passes for 556 yards and nine touchdowns.  He also ran for another two.  In a 38-16 win over McKinley he was 6 of 9 for 106 yards and two touchdowns.  But he was also was a bit flamboyant.  When asked by WHBC’s Jim Muzzy who he thought was the best team the Tigers had played that year, Joe responded, “Our second team.” (Scott Shook’s “Massillon Memories”).

With Joe again at the helm in 1959 it all came together.  Massillon fashioned an undefeated 10-0 season, outscoring the opposition 431-46.  The only competitive game was a 14-0 win over Alliance.  At season’s end, the Tigers were ranked first in both the state and the nation and Sparma was named First Team All-Ohio.  He completed 28 of 85 passes for 660 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushed 22 times for 54 yards and two TDs.  His best statistical game came against Canton Lincoln when he passed for 127 yards and four touchdowns.

Joe currently holds the Massillon record for 23.6 yards per completion over a complete season.  His 26 career touchdown passes ranks 7th at the time of this story.  Although Sparma was not considered a great passer compared to modern day quarterbacks, he had a strong arm and was accurate for the day.  He was also a decent punter, booting 36.9 yards per attempt.  He wrapped up his high school career by leading his team to victory in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game.

“He was one of the finest athletes we ever had in Massillon,” said Carl “Ducky” Schroeder, Sparma’s baseball coach.  “He was captain of the baseball, basketball and football teams.  He was a good student.  I can’t say enough about him.  He’s been a real good friend through all the years.” (Scott  Shook’s “Massillon Memories”)

For the next level, he accepted a scholarship offer from Ohio State University.  It was considered an odd choice at the time as the Buckeyes under Head Coach Woody Hayes rarely threw the ball.  But the opportunity to also play baseball for OSU may have influenced his decision.  Joe was considered a good long thrower and the best technician among the Buckeye quarterbacks.

“Joe Sparma was a pure passer.  Just an outstanding pure pro passer.  That’s the reason I wanted him to go to  school where he could pocket pass.  But Woody Hayes was a hell of a salesman.  Woody didn’t want him to go to a school in the Big 10 and pass against him.  I don’t think there’s any doubt about it that Sparma could have been a great pro football  player.” – Leo Strang (Scott  Shook’s “Massillon Memories”)

“Joe Sparma was a helluva nice kid.  Handsome, good looking kid.  Had a great arm.  A lot of moxie.” – Bo Schembechler (Scott  Shook’s “Massillon  Memories”)

Freshmen didn’t play varsity in those days, so Sparma suited up initially in 1961.   The Buckeyes finished 8-0-1 that year and were champions of the Big Ten.  Meanwhile, Joe was a 3rd string quarterback at 6’-1”, 194 lbs., but he did see some playing time.  For season, he completed 16 of 38 passes for 241 yards and six touchdowns, two each against Iowa, Indiana and Michigan.  Some of those passes went to leading receiver and future NFL Hall of Famer Paul Warfield.

In his junior year, Sparma was again a backup and completed 30 of 77 passes for 288 yards, with a score against UCLA and another against Wisconsin.  But he quit the team after the Indiana game and that would be the end of his football career.  Although in line to be the starter the following year, he apparently had differences with Hayes and left to pursue major league baseball.

Sparma initially had an opportunity to play for Cleveland, but selected Detroit owing to a higher paycheck and a $32,000 bonus.  He began with stints in 1963 for both the Knoxville Smokies of the old South Atlantic League and Duluth-Superior of the Northern League.  The following year, after returning for a short time with the Knoxville Smokies, now of the new Southern League, he was called up to pitch for the Tigers.  His numbers at Detroit and at his final stop Montreal were as follows:

  • 1964 – Detroit: 5-6 record; ERA 3.00; KO 71
  • 1965 – Detroit: 13-8 record; ERA 3.18; KO 127
  • 1966 – Detroit: 2-7 record; ERA 5.30; KO 61 (a pre-season accident curtailed most of the season)
  • 1967 – Detroit; 16-9 record; ERA 3.76; KO 153
  • 1968 – Detroit: 10-10 record; ERA 3.70; KO 110
  • 1969 – Detroit: 6-8 record; ERA 4.76; KO 41
  • 1970 – Montreal: 0-4 record; ERA 7.06; KO 23 (released after 27 innings

Joe was the starting pitcher vs. the New York Yankees in 1964 on “Mickey Mantle Day”.  He approached Mantle before the first pitch and said, “You know, I’ve never had a chance to meet you in person, and I’ve always admired you.”  They shook hands and then Sparma proceeded to strike him out. – Bill Freehan, “Behind the Mask”

Joe ended up pitching in 183 games, starting 142, recording a 52-52 record and an ERA of 3.94 to along with 586 strikeouts.  At the plate he batted .119 over 309 appearances.  He also pitched in relief in the 1968 World Series game against St. Louis.  Following limited action with Montreal he was released.  His playing career over, he was offered a job as a minor league coach but declined.

Later, he was inducted into the Stark County Baseball Hall of Fame (1978), the Massillon Tigers Wall of Champions (1994) and the Stark County Football Hall of Fame (2011).

After baseball Joe worked in sales for Worthington Steel and made a home in Worthington, raising three children.  But he died young in 1986 at the age of 44 in Columbus after suffering a heart attack and undergoing heart bypass surgery.

Joe is remembered as the ultimate athlete and certainly made Massillon proud.

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2021 Football Season Wraps Up with Annual Banquet

It was a night of recognition at St. George’s Church for the 2021 football team banquet as several awards were presented to the players, officially wrapping up another successful campaign.  This year’s squad compiled an 11-3 record and a fifth consecutive trip to the playoff regional finals.  Only a controversial call at the end of the Green game derailed what might have been a chance to advance to a fourth straight state title game.  It was also a season marked by inexperience, key injuries, player interruptions and replacement starters.  But the team endured nevertheless and set the table for continued success.

Head Coach Nate Moore opened the event by thanking the many individuals and groups for their unending support.  “We have so much support,” he said, “and it allows us to keep doing this.”

Following dinner the assistant coaches presented the various participation awards, while expounding on each player’s individual achievements and effort.  Then the special awards, most of which were selected by the players themselves, were presented by various teammates to the winners.  They included:

  • Coach of the Year – Dan Hackenbracht (safeties)
  • Captain Awards – Darrius McElroy and Dominic Salvino
  • Brandon Burlsworth Character Award – Jaiden Woods
  • Thayer Munford ACT Award – Nick Hatheway
  • John Pizzino, Sr. Academic Football $1,000 Scholarship – Nick Hatheway
  • Paul David Memorial Academic Award – Jaiden Woods
  • Bob Smith / Bill Snyder Sportsmanship Award – Kurtis Miller
  • Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year – Anthony Hillard
  • Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year – Malachi Card
  • Lunch Pail Award – Jaiden Woods
  • Hardnose Award – Austin Brawley
  • Carl “Ducky” Schroeder Outstanding Lineman Award – Jaiden Woods
  • Offensive Player of the Year – Darrius McElroy
  • Defensive Player of the Year – Ryan Zentkovich
  • Special Teams Player of the Year – Austin Brawley
  • Lifters of the Year – Darrius McElroy and Dominic Salvino
  • Tom Harp Coaches’ Award – Dominic Salvino
  • Most Valuable Players – Darrius McElroy and Austin Brawley (the voting was too close to select just one)

“It was an unbelievable year,” said Moore.  “So much fun to be around.  An 11-5 record.  Five straight 10-win seasons.”  Four  particular games stood out to him:

Head Coach Nate Moore at the 2021 Football Banquet

Austintown Fitch – 31-21 win.  Down 14-10 late in the second quarter, Fitch’s quarterback connected on a 74-yard pass for a sure touchdown.  Only Ryan Zentkovich chased down the receiver and stripped him of the ball at the 2 yard line.  The ball then rolled out of the end zone for a touchback.  Three plays and 80 yards later Massillon took the lead and held on for the victory.  “Fitch, on the road, where they play good football,” said the coach.  “Facing adversity from every direction.  The table was set for an upset.  They had all the momentum.  But we kept fighting and made some big plays.  If we don’t get that game, who knows how the rest of the season would have gone.”

Wooster – 31-0 win.  Returned consecutive punts for touchdowns to take an early 14-0 lead. “Absolute domination by our defense and special teams,” said Moore.  The Tigers held the Generals to just 128 yards of offense.

Big Walnut – 38-0 win.  Regional semifinals.  Undefeated opponent, averaging 43 points per contest.  “Unbelievable game top to bottom,” remarked the coach.

2021 Victory Bell Repainted

Canton McKinley – 35-13 win.  Down 13-7 at the break, Massillon scored four second-half touchdowns in five possessions to put the game away, while holding the Bulldogs under 50 yards of total offense.  “No win sticks out like Week 10 against Canton McKinley.  We came out in the second half and really dominated the game, in all three phases.  Darrius McElroy completely dominated for a quarter and a half.”  It was the sixth straight victory over the Bulldogs.  McElroy would earn the Great American Rivalries MVP award.

“I’m not ready to leave this team,” summed up Moore.  “This football team was awesome.  I wanted to take them to the next round.  But we fell short.”

The underclass players will now look forward to January 3 when they resume workouts in preparation for the 2022 season.  Unlike this past campaign, the Tigers will have a wealth of experience returning, plus several outstanding players off last year’s 9-2 junior varsity team and 8-1 freshmen squad.  Massillon should be strong at quarterback, running back, defensive line, linebackers and special teams, with several rotation players ready for their turn at the other positions.  Based on this, look for Coach Moore to assemble another outstanding schedule that will challenge the team and help prepare them for a long post-season run.

Advanced Industrial Roofing in conjunction with ESPN990 presented the “I Went Through the Roof for the Tigers” award to the following players:

  • Offensive Player of the Year – Darrius McElroy
  • Defensive Player of the Year – Austin Brawley

Retiring Booster Club President Tim Boerner announced the 2022 president as Harry Haines.

All-County – Austin Brawley, Te’Jamere Nash, Marcus Moore, Riley Campbell, Dominic Salvino

All-District – 1st Team: Jaiden Woods, Marcus Moore, Riley Campbell, Nathan Depuy and Austin Brawley; 2nd Team: Freddie Lenix Jr., Te’Jamere Nash, Shane Rue, Camden Beasley and Ryan Zentkovich; Honorable Mention: Jalen Slaughter, Sam Snodgrass, Michael White, Ardell Banks and Nate Watkins (Austin Brawley was also named Co-Defensive Player of the Year)

All-State – 1st Team: Austin Brawley and Jaiden Woods; 2nd Team: Marcus Moore, Riley Campbell and Nathan Depuy

Several No. 1 performance records were set during the season, including:

  • Career rushing yards per game – Willtrell Hartson – 121.4
  • Single game punt return yards – Austin Brawley – 140 vs. Canton GlenOak
  • Single season punt return yards – Austin Brawley – 447
  • Single season punt return touchdowns – Austin Brawley – 3 (tied)
  • Career punt return touchdowns – Austin Brawley – 4
  • Single season kick returns – Austin Brawley – 20
  • Single season yards from tackles for loss – Nate Watkins – 70 (tied)
  • Single season fumbles recovered – Nathan Depuy – 6
  • Career fumbles recovered – Nathan Depuy – 6
  • Single season blocked kicks – Austin Brawley – 7
  • Career blocked kicks – Austin Brawley – 9
  • Single season PAT kick percentage – Nolan Hendricks – 100% (tied)
  • Career PAT kick percentage – Nolan Hendricks – 100% (tied)
  • Single season tackles for loss yards – Team – 382
  • Single season forced fumbles – Team – 15 (tied)
Darrius McElroy at the 2021 Football Banquet – Co-Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year
Austin Brawley at the 2021 Football Banquet – Co-Most Valuable Player, Special Teams Player of the Year
Ryan Zentkovich at the 2021 Football Banquet – Defensive Player of the Year
Dominic Salvino at the 2021 Football Banquet – Tom Harp Coaches Award
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Five Tigers Named All-Ohio for 2021

Five football players from Massillon’s 11-3 team have been named by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association to the Division II All-Star Team.  They include:

  • Jaiden Woods – Senior offensive lineman – 1st Team  All-Ohio,
  • Austin Brawley – Senior defensive back – 1st Team All-Ohio,
  • Marcus Moore – Junior defensive lineman – 2nd Team All-Ohio
  • Riley Campbell – Senior defensive lineman – 2nd Team All-Ohio
  • Nathan Depuy – Senior linebacker – 2nd Team All-Ohio

All five were previously named 1st Team Northeast Inland All-District.  And all except Depuy were earlier named All-Stark County.

The Co-Offensive Player of the Year is Green wide receiver Trey Martin.  The Co-Coach of the Year is Rob Page of Big Walnut.

All-Ohio players from Tiger opponents:

Pickerington Central – D1

  • CJ Doggette – defensive lineman – 1st Team
  • Tyler Gillison – defensive lineman – 1st Team
  • Alex “Sonny” Styles – defensive back – 2nd Team
  • Kyle Imboden – offensive lineman – Honorable Mention

Canton GlenOak – D1

  • None

Reynoldsburg – D1

  • Markez Gillam – wide receiver – 1st Team
  • Dijon Jennings – quarterback – 2nd Team

Warren Harding – D2

  • Dom Foster – wide receiver – Honorable Mention
  • Kinkade Tyson – defensive lineman – Honorable Mention

Lakewood St. Edward – D1

  • Christian Ramos – quarterback – 1st Team
  • Joe Lavelle – offensive lineman – 1st Team
  • Michael Kilbane – defensive lineman – 1st Team
  • Zyion Freer-Brown – linebacker – 1st Team
  • Danny Enovitch – running back – 3rd Team
  • Giovanni Kennedy – offensive lineman – 3rd Team
  • Wyatt Gedeon – defensive lineman – 3rd Team
  • Joel Castleberry – defensive back – 3rd Team
  • Ben Lavelle – punter – Honorable Mention

Austintown Fitch – D2

  • Devin Sherwood – quarterback – 1st Team
  • Josh Fitzgerald – offensive lineman – Honorable Mention
  • DeShawn Vaughn – defensive back Honorable Mention

Euclid – D1

  • Claishon Ivory – wide receiver – Honorable Mention
  • Aiden Turos – kicker – Honorable Mention
  • Chase Smith – defensive lineman – Honorable Mention
  • Ryan Merrill – linebacker – Honorable Mention

Wooster – D2

  • Micah McKee – wide receiver – 2nd Team
  • Drew Rader  – kicker – 3rd Team

Canton McKinley – D1

  • Harold Fannin – defensive back – 1st Team
  • Stefan Monahan – offensive lineman – 2nd Team
  • Nehemiah Saipaia – defensive lineman – 3rd Team
  • Khris Williams – running back – Honorable Mention

Columbus Independence – D2

  • Jalin Sample – Columbus Independence linebacker – Honorable Mention

Westerville South – D2

  • Kaden Saunders – wide receiver – 1st Team
  • Tyler O’Riley – offensive lineman – 2nd Team
  • Brandon Armstrong – defensive back – Honorable Mention

Big Walnut – D2

  • Nate Severs –  running back – 1st Team
  • Garrett Stover – defensive back – 1st Team
  • Aiden Hernandez – offensive lineman – 1st Team
  • Nicky Pentello – wide receiver – 2nd Team

Green – D2

  • Trey Martin – wide receiver – 1st Team
  • Trevor Van Horn – quarterback – 2nd Team
  • CJ Dawson – offensive lineman – 2nd Team
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All-County Team Announced

WHBC recently announced its all-county team, which is selected by the area coaches, and six Tigers received honors.   Darrius McElroy was named the Most Valuable Player for Massillon.  The senior quarterback and co-captain completed 47 of 83 passes for 448 yards and two touchdowns.  He also rushed 84 times for 431 yards and 11 TDs.  Darrius was instrumental in leading his team to a 35-13 victory over Canton McKinley for which he was named the Great American Rivalry Series Most Valuable Player.

Other honorees included:

  • Austin Brawley (senior wide receiver) – Second on the team in receptions, with 35 for 589 yards (16.8 yds/rec.) and 4 touchdowns, with a long of 72 yards.
  • Te’Jamere Nash (senior offensive lineman) –  Helped his team rush for 5.6 yards per carry, which is ranked 5th among all spread offense teams and 15th among Massillon teams all-time.
  • Marcus Moore (junior defensive lineman) – Recorded 31.5 tackle points, including 19 solos and 25 assists.  Also had 10.5 tackles for loss with 2.0 quarterback sacks.  Also intercepted a pass against Wooster and returned it 53 yards, nearly for a touchdown.
  • Riley Campbell (senior defensive lineman) – Recorded 46.0 tackle points, including 31 solos and 30 assists.  Also had 10.0 tackles for loss and a team leading 4.5 quarterback sacks.
  • Austin Brawley (senior defensive back) – Senior defensive back.  Second on the team with 72.5 tackle points, including 57 solos and 31 assists.  Also had 1.0 tackles for loss, two pass interceptions, four pass breakups and one fumble recovery.  Blocked 7 kicks and returned 4 kicks for touchdowns.  He also set or tied school season records for punt return yards, punt return touchdowns, kick returns and blocks.
  • Dominic Salvino (senior long snapper) – Co-Captain.  As a result of consistently excellent snaps, the kickers were able to convert 59 of 60 extra points and 9 of 14 field goals.

Canton McKinley’s Harold Fannin was named Player of the Year.  Alliance’s Thomas Butt received the Jim Muzzy Scholastic Achievement Award.

Massillon finished the 2021 season with an 11-3 record and was runner-up in the playoff regional championship game.

 

 

 

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Austin Brawley Heads an All-Star Cast of District Honorees

The Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association (OPSWA) has released its Northeast Inland District All-Star Team for Division II.  Fifteen Massillon players are included, with special recognition going to Austin Brawley, who was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year.  Massillon finished the 2021 season with an 11-3 record and was runner-up in the playoff regional championship game.

The honorees are as follows:

First Team

  • Jaiden Woods – Senior offensive lineman.  Helped his team rush for 5.6 yards per carry, which is ranked 5th among all spread offense teams and 15th among all Massillon teams.
  • Marcus Moore – Junior defensive lineman.  Recorded 31.5 tackle points, including 19 solos and 25 assists.  Also had 10.5 tackles for loss with 2.0 quarterback sacks.  Also intercepted a pass against Wooster and returned it 53 yards, nearly for a touchdown.
  • Riley Campbell – Senior defensive lineman.  Recorded 46.0 tackle points, including 31 solos and 30 assists.  Also had 10.0 tackles for loss and a team leading 4.5 quarterback sacks.
  • Nate Depuy – Senior linebacker.  Third on the team with 65.5 tackle points, including 44 solos and 43 assists.  Also had a team leading 11.0 tackles for loss with 1.5 quarterback sacks.  Recovered 6 fumbles.
  • Austin Brawley – Senior defensive back.  Second on the team with 72.5 tackle points, including 57 solos and 31 assists.  Also had 1.0 tackles for loss, two pass interceptions, four pass breakups and one fumble recovery.  Blocked 7 kicks and returned 4 kicks for touchdowns.

Second Team

  • Freddie Lenix Jr. – Junior running back.  Assumed the starting job against Canton McKinley and ended up rushing 102 times for 778 yards (7.6/att.) and 9 touchdowns.  Longest run was 84 yards against Westerville South.
  • Te’Jamere Nash – Senior offensive lineman.  A primary backup in 2020, he became an immediate starter in 2022.
  • Shane Rue – Senior kicker.  Converted 46 of 47 extra points and 8 of 12 field goals, including a long of 42 yards.  Kicked off 70 times, averaging 53.9 yards per kick, with 17 touchbacks.  Punted 8 times, averaging 36.1 yards per punt with 5 inside the 20.
  • Camden Beasley – Senior linebacker.  Recorded 53.0 tackle points, including 41 solos and 24 assists.  Also had 6.0 tackles for loss and 42.0 quarterback sacks.  Intercepted two passes and broke up 14 others.
  • Ryan Zentkovich – Senior defensive back.   Led the team with 74.0 tackle points, including 58 solos and 32 assists.  Also had 3.0 tackles for loss and two pass interceptions.  Forced 3 fumbles.

Honorable Mention

  • Jalen Slaughter – Freshman quarterback.  Became the starting QB in Week 6.  Completed 89 of 152 passes for 1,384 yards and 16 touchdowns against 9 interceptions.  Efficiency rating was 157.9, ranked 8th all time.
  • Sam Snodgrass – Sophomore offensive lineman.  Became the starting center in Week 4.
  • Michael Wright, Jr. – Freshman defensive lineman.  Recorded 18.5 tackle points, including 11 solos and 15 assists.  Also had 4.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 quarterback sacks.  One fumble recovery.
  • Ardell Banks – Junior wide receiver.  Led the team with 44 pass receptions for 733 yards (16.7/rec.) and 8 touchdowns.  Longest catch was 64 yards against Big Walnut.
  • Nate Watkins – Senior linebacker.  Recorded 28.5 tackle points, including 24 solos and 9 assists.  Also had 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 quarterback sacks.
News

Austin Brawley Receives Touchdown Club Award

At the end of each season, the Touchdown Club honors one of the players with the “Bob Commings Memorial Hardnose Award.”  That player would have received the most votes from among weekly tallies taken by the club members.  Past players honored include John Mulbach (Ohio State), David Whitfield (Ohio State), Chris Spielman (Ohio State), Shawn Crable (Michigan) and Brian Gamble (Illinois/Ashland).

Bob Commings was a very successful coach for the Tigers from 1969 to 1973, compiling a record of 43-6-2, including Massillon’s last state championship (1970) and qualification for Ohio’s first ever state playoff games (1972).  Commings departed following the 1973 season to become head coach of the University of Iowa and later coached at GlenOak High School, for which their field was later named.

This year’s hardnose award winner is Austin Brawley, the Tigers’ all-purpose player that led his team to an 11-3 record and runner-up finish in the regional tournament.  Austin received the award from Ben Liebermann, this year’s president of the Touchdown Club.

The 2-year starter had a stellar career for Massillon, excelling on offense, defense and special teams.  He was also a member of the senior leadership group.  On offense this year he was the second leading receiver, catching 35 passes for 585 yards and four touchdowns.  On defense as a safety he was second on the team with 72.5 tackle points (57-31), intercepted 4 passes, broke up another 13, recorded 2 tackles for loss and forced 3 fumbles.  On special teams he returned 20 kickoffs for an average of 24.0 yards per return, returned 27 punts for an average of 16.6 yards per return and blocked 7 kicks, which is an all-time Massillon record.  In fact Austin made major plays in nearly every game, including:

  • Pickerington Central – 7.5 tackle points
  • Canton GlenOak – 79-yard punt return for a touchdown
  • Reynoldsburg – 39-yard pass interception return
  • Warren Harding – 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the game
  • Lakewood St. Edward – 49-yard pass return for a touchdown; 60-yard kickoff return; team-leading 8.0 tackle points
  • Austintown Fitch – team leading 6 pass receptions, including a long of 50 yards
  • Euclid – 47-yard pass reception for a touchdown; pass interception
  • Canisius, NY – team-leading 4 pass receptions for 109 yards, including a 72-yard pass reception for a touchdown; team-leading 9.0 tackle points
  • Wooster – 44-yard punt return for a touchdown; team-leading 5.0 tackle points
  • Canton McKinley – 28-yard pass interception return
  • Columbus Independence – 53-yard punt return for a touchdown
  • Westerville South – team-leading 6 pass receptions for 70 yards, including a 40-yard reception for a touchdown
  • Big Walnut – team-leading 3 pass receptions; team-leading 8.0 tackle points
  • Green – pass interception

And let’s not forget last year’s punt return against Perry in the playoffs, where he chased down the ball and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown to open a commanding 28-6 third quarter lead.

Also presented at the Touchdown Club was the Lunchbox Award, which was given to Jaiden Woods, emblematic of his concerted day-to-day effort throughout the entire year.

Congratulations to both of these fine senior players.

Left to to right: 2021 Touchdown Club President Ben Liebermann, Hardnose Award Winner Austin Brawley; mom Libby Ginther and Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore.

Left to right: 2021 senior leadership group players Austin Brawley, Jaiden Woods, Darrius  McElroy, Dominic Salvino, Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore.

2021 Hardnose Award to Austin Brawley
2021 Lunchbox Award to Jaiden Woods

 

 

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2021 Booster Club Report – Week 14

In regional final playoff action No. 4 Massillon lost to No. 7 Green, 26-25, finishing the season with an 11-3 record.  The game was played at Mansfield’s Arlin Field Stadium.

The Tigers were favored in this one but lost with less than a minute remaining when Green’s Trevor Van Horn connected with Trey Martin for a 16-yard touchdown pass.  Green advances to the state semifinals where they will face Cincinnati Winton Woods.  The other semifinal pits defending champion Akron Hoban against Avon.

All-in-all it was a good game spoiled by some unfortunate referee calls.  Right from the start there were issues.  On Green’s second play from scrimmage, Van Horn threw a sideways screen pass that was dropped by the receiver.  The referee closest to the play ruled it incomplete, but the side judge on the far side of the field called it a backward pass and a fumble, which Massillon then recovered.  The Tigers would score the opening points a few plays later, but only after the Bulldog head coach was assessed a 15-yard penalty for disputing the call.  A review of the film shows that the pass was thrown parallel to the line of scrimmage and was thus incomplete.

In the second quarter Green had the ball at the Massillon ten facing a fourth down and a half yard to go.  Van Horn tried a quarterback sneak but was stopped dead in his tracks.  But the side judge ruled that he had advanced a full yard and awarded the Bulldogs a first down, overruling the ref on the opposite side of the field, who was closer to the play.  That led to Green’s first touchdown.

But the coup de gras came with 24 seconds left in the game.  Green was behind 25-19 on the scoreboard and was facing a 4th and 10 at the Massillon 25 .  It was undoubtedly the play that would decide the game.  Martin lined up near the right sideline and headed straight for the end zone looking to high top the ball and score.  Zahnii Berry was on defense but ended up trailing Martin by about a yard.  At the one yard line Martin stepped out of bounds with his right foot, which would have made him an ineligible receiver, unless he was pushed out, which he was not .  He stepped out again with his right foot after he had crossed the goal line.  Now in position to catch the ball at the corner of the end zone he was challenged by safety Austin Brawley, who had beat him to the spot, jumped straight up and intercepted the pass, as ruled by the back judge, who  was standing five yards from the catch.  It was a clean play as neither player interfered with the other.  But the side judge, who was some twenty yards away from the play ruled that one of the Tiger players had interfered.  Ironically, it was his fifth pass interference call against Massillon.  The side judge also failed to drop his hat at the spot where Martin had stepped out of bounds to indicate such.  The penalty gave Green new life and they scored the winning points two plays later.

In all, the two teams were flagged a combined 30 times, 20 against Massillon and 10 against Green.  Inexcusable, considering both teams were good enough this year to advance to a regional finals game and were not highly-penalized teams.  What ever happened to letting the kids sort it out on the field?  So it was indeed a good game spoiled by some bad referees.

As expected, Massillon was certainly a tough out in the playoffs.  It took a career effort from Van Horn to bring his team to victory.  He threw a whopping 57 passes and completed 31 for 276 yards and four touchdowns.  Ten of the passes went to Martin, for 129 yards and three scores.  Obviously, Green knew they wouldn’t be able to run the ball (26 carries for 54 yards), so they resorted to using an empty backfield formation (5 wide receivers) exclusively throughout the game.  The 57 passes were most ever thrown against Massillon in a single game.

The Tigers’ game plan was to run the ball and found success with quarterback Darrius McElroy, who carried 20 times for 136 yards and scored all three touchdowns.  Shane Rue also added a field goal, his eighth of the season.  But the base first down scheme, which involved 23 runs and just two passes, struggled since Green was blitzing their middle linebackers each time.  As a result, Massillon’s longest drive less penalties was just 37 yards.  But it wasn’t for lack of effort that they lost the game.  The Tigers gave it their all from start to finish.

“Congratulations to Green as they move forward in the state playoffs,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore in his opening remarks at the final Booster Club meeting.  “Unfortunately we couldn’t get it done in spite of a great effort.  It was a great play when Austin picked off the ball at the end.  But we didn’t make enough plays to overcome twenty penalties.”

Stats:

  • Jalen Slaughter – 5 for 11 passing for 41 yards
  • Darrius McElroy – 2 of 5 passing for 5 yards; 20 carries for 136 yards and 3 touchdowns; 4 punts for 34.5 ave.
  • Freddie Lenix Jr. – 14 carries for 67 yards
  • Austin Brawley – 3 receptions for 11 yards; 6 kick returns for 77 yards; pass interception
  • Camden Beasley – 8.5 (8-1) tackle points
  • Maverick Clark – 8.0 (5-6) tackle points
  • Ressieo Kirksey – 1.5 tackles for loss; 1 sack

Coach Moore brought all of his senior team leaders to the meeting.  They included:

  • Austin Brawley – wide receiver / safety
  • Riley Campbell – wide receiver / defensive lineman / outside linebacker
  • Nathan Depuy – inside linebacker
  • Darrius McElroy – quarterback
  • Kurtis Miller – wide receiver / cornerback
  • Angelo Salvino – long snapper
  • Nate Watkins – wide receiver / outside linebacker
  • Jaiden Woods – offensive lineman / defensive lineman

Each player addressed the attendees and thanked the Booster Club and community for the great support, saying he was sorry they couldn’t take it farther in the playoffs.

“What a tremendous career these guys had,” said Moore.  “They had a great senior year.  It didn’t end the way we wanted.  We lost to a team we should have beaten.  But they were part of a lot of wins.  A lot of people thought we wouldn’t be very good (just four returning starters and the loss of some key starters early in the season due to injury).  I couldn’t be prouder of these guys.  This is a great group of outstanding young men.  And they grew so much as leaders.  It was one of the most fun seasons I remember.  These guys raised the bar on effort and leadership.  I’m proud to stand with them today.”

Massillon ended the season with an 11-3 record, the fifth year in a row that they won at least ten games.  During past six seasons the Tigers have compiled a 67-14 mark, including four regional championships and three trips to the state finals.  And the future bodes well with the talent coming up  from the lower grades.

Next season’s schedule will see the return of Canton GlenOak (A), Warren Harding (H), Austintown Fitch (H) and Canton McKinley (H), games that cover Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 10, respectively.  That leaves six open dates for Moore to fill.  Look for another big name Ohio team for the opener and perhaps an out-of-state team or two.

Go Tigers!

 

 

 

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2021: Green 26, Massillon 25

GAME STATS

Chris Easterling, The Independent, Nov. 19, 2021

Trevor Van Horn, Trey Martin lift Green Bulldogs football to improbable regional title win over Massillon Tigers

MANSFIELD — Green’s hopes looked dashed on Friday night as it trailed Massillon by six with less than two minutes remaining in the Division II Region 7 championship football game. That is, until a fumble and flag gave them hope.

That hope ultimately turned into a regional championship for the Bulldogs when Trevor Van Horn hit Trey Martin for a game-tying 16-yard touchdown with 24 seconds remaining. Eli Noirot’s point-after kick provided the winning point, as Green toppled the Tigers 26-25 at Arlin Field.

“Trevor threw a back-shoulder,” Martin said of the TD catch, his third of the night. “I was like, I knew it. We have that connection. I knew he was going to throw the back-shoulder. Turned at the right second and, bam, ballgame.”

It almost seemed like it was going to be ballgame for the No. 7-seeded Bulldogs — who won the second regional title in school history, and first since 2001 — when Massillon’s Austin Brawley intercepted Van Horn with 2:15 remaining. That gave the Tigers, who had rallied from a 19-14 deficit to a 25-19 lead, a chance to ice the game.

However, facing third-and-10 from the Green 47, Massillon fumbled. The Bulldogs’ Garrett Dennis fell on it to give them life at the Tiger 49 with 1:51 remaining.

“Two minutes left in a regional championship game, there’s no point to give up there,” said Green senior linebacker Jack Schaal, who had an interception earlier in the fourth quarter. “I mean, we made it all the way here, there’s no point just to stop trying. I just told everybody, let’s pull it together and let’s see what we can do. We got that fumble and it turned out to be a game-changer.”

Green still needed to get into the end zone to truly change the game’s outcome. That’s where the flag came in to give the Bulldogs one more life.

Facing fourth-and-10 from the Tiger 25, Van Horn — who was 31-of-57 for 276 yards and four scores and the one pick — threw a pass into the end zone. There were two defenders around the receiver, who couldn’t pull in the catch.

However, the official threw the flag for pass interference, giving Green new life at the Massillon 12. Two plays later, Van Horn and Martin connected for the score, and Noirot provided the all-important extra point to send the Bulldogs into a state semifinal next week at a site to be determined against Cincinnati Winton Woods.

The pass interference was the 20th penalty on the night against Massillon, for 178 yards. The Tigers also were called for a facemask on a third-and-2 play earlier in the drive that moved the ball up to their 25.

“You just got to keep playing, keep swinging,” said Massillon coach Nate Moore, whose 11-3 team saw its run of four consecutive regional titles end. “You hope to be able to overcome all of the adversity that you’re going to face. We just couldn’t quite get over that mountain tonight.”

The Tigers, though, nearly did thanks in large part to senior quarterback Darrius McElroy. McElroy, in a reserve role, ran for 136 yards and all three Massillon touchdowns on 20 carries.

It was his third and final score that seemed to be the one to put the Tigers over the top. After a short Green punt set Massillon up at the Bulldog 33 with 9:11 remaining, McElroy took the opening snap of the possession and ran into the end zone to give his team a 22-19 lead after he added the two-point conversion run.

McElroy TD runs also provided Massillon with a 7-0 first-quarter lead and a 14-7 edge late in the second quarter.

“Darrius went through a lot of adversity this year,” Tiger senior lineman Jaiden Woods said. “He found his role. When he was playing quarterback and running the ball, he was almost unstoppable.”

Which allowed for Green’s offense to come up with the big plays when needed. The first one of those came when Van Horn and Martin hooked up for an 8-yard TD pass to cap a 13-play, 81-yard drive to tie the game at 7-7 with 8:31 left in the first half.

Van Horn threw a 3-yard TD to Zachary Baglia with 6 seconds left in the half to pull within 14-13. A bad snap on the PAT try kept the Tigers in the lead at the break.

Van Horn and Martin changed that with just over seven minutes remaining in the third quarter. That’s when the two hooked up for a 70-yard TD to give Green its first lead at 19-14 after a failed two-point try.

“It’s incredible,” Van Horn said. “We’re a team that all year gets doubted. Every team that we play is better competition than us. Everyone always says we’re going to lose, we’re too small. That just proved it wrong.”

Reach Chris at chris.easterling@indeonline.com.

On Twitter: @ceasterlingINDE