Author: Don Engelhardt

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2022 Massillon vs. Cincinnati Moeller Game Statistics

MASSILLON WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

Cincinnati Moeller vs Massillon (Aug 19, 2022)


 

 

Scoring Summary

 

Scoring Summary (Final)
Massillon Washington High School
Cincinnati Moeller vs Massillon (Aug 19, 2022 at Massillon, OH)
Cincinnati Moeller (1-0) vs. Massillon (0-1)

Date: Aug 19, 2022 • Site: Massillon, OH  • Stadium: Paul Brown Tiger  •  Attendance:

Score by Quarters  Score 
Cincinnati Moeller   13  16  13  49 
Massillon   10  15  31 
SCORING SUMMARY   MOELLER -MASS  
1st  11:45  MOELLER   Tennel Bryant 20 yd pass from Luke Dunn (Thomas Stines rush failed) 
         1 play, 20 yards, TOP 0:07  6 – 0 
  02:56  MOELLER   Jordan Marshall 1 yd run (Drew Mitchell kick) 
         9 plays, 61 yards, TOP 4:47  13 – 0 
2nd  11:47  MASS   Willtrell Hartson 11 yd run (Nolan Hendricks kick) 
         8 plays, 36 yards, TOP 3:09  13 – 7 
  05:45  MASS   Landon Smith 27 yd field goal 
         8 plays, 60 yards, TOP 3:25  13 – 10 
  02:04  MOELLER   Jordan Marshall 2 yd run (Drew Mitchell kick) 
         8 plays, 65 yards, TOP 3:41  20 – 10 
3rd  09:00  MOELLER   TEAM safety 
           22 – 10 
  08:25  MOELLER   Tennel Bryant 66 yd pass from Luke Dunn (Drew Mitchell kick) 
         2 plays, 62 yards, TOP 0:35  29 – 10 
  06:48  MOELLER   Jordan Marshall 55 yd pass from Luke Dunn (Drew Mitchell kick) 
         1 play, 55 yards, TOP 0:10  36 – 10 
  03:55  MASS   Willtrell Hartson 1 yd run (Nolan Hendricks kick failed) 
         4 plays, 35 yards, TOP 2:53  36 – 16 
4th  11:14  MASS   Willtrell Hartson 1 yd run (Nolan Hendricks kick) 
         10 plays, 73 yards, TOP 3:05  36 – 23 
  10:55  MOELLER   Tennel Bryant 70 yd pass from Luke Dunn (Drew Mitchell kick blockd) 
         1 play, 70 yards, TOP 0:19  42 – 23 
  06:58  MASS   Willtrell Hartson 3 yd run (Willtrell Hartson rush) 
         12 plays, 69 yards, TOP 0:00  42 – 31 
  02:04  MOELLER   Jordan Marshall 6 yd run (Drew Mitchell kick) 
         10 plays, 56 yards, TOP 0:20  49 – 31 
Kickoff time: 7:00 PM  • End of Game: 9:55 PM  • Total elapsed time: 2:55
Referee: Mike Dame  •  Umpire: Rocky Neale  •  Linesman: Andy Okulovich  •  Line judge: Bill Pelka  •  Back judge: Josh Jameyson  •  Field judge: Tim Maddocks  •  Scorer: Jim Barkan Sr  •
Temperature: 81 F  • Wind: light  • Weather: clear sky

 

 

Team Statistics

 

Team Statistics (Final)
Massillon Washington High School
Cincinnati Moeller vs Massillon (Aug 19, 2022 at Massillon, OH)

 Team Totals  MOELLER  MASS 
FIRST DOWNS  16  21 
   Rushing 
   Passing 
   Penalty 
NET YARDS RUSHING  168  142 
   Rushing Attempts  35  36 
   Average Per Rush  4.8  3.9 
   Rushing Touchdowns 
   Yards Gained Rushing  176  170 
   Yards Lost Rushing  28 
NET YARDS PASSING  332  165 
   Completions-Attempts-Int  15-21-0  13-35-1 
   Average Per Attempt  15.8  4.7 
   Average Per Completion  22.1  12.7 
   Passing Touchdowns 
TOTAL OFFENSE YARDS  500  307 
   Total offense plays  56  71 
   Average Gain Per Play  8.9  4.3 
Fumbles: Number-Lost  0-0  1-1 
Penalties: Number-Yards  14-129  2-40 
PUNTS-YARDS  3-95  4-88 
   Average Yards Per Punt  31.7  22.0 
   Net Yards Per Punt  30.0  21.2 
   Inside 20 
   50+ Yards 
   Touchbacks 
   Fair catch 
KICKOFFS-YARDS  8-380  4-218 
   Average Yards Per Kickoff  47.5  54.5 
   Net Yards Per Kickoff  25.8  31.8 
   Touchbacks 
Punt returns: Number-Yards-TD  1-3-0  1–15-0 
   Average Per Return  3.0  -15.0 
Kickoff returns: Number-Yds-TD  4-91-0  6-154-0 
   Average Per Return  22.8  25.7 
Interceptions: Number-Yds-TD  1-0-0  0-0-0 
Fumble Returns: Number-Yds-TD  0-0-0  0-0-0 
Miscellaneous Yards  42 
Possession Time  20:12  23:38 
   1st Quarter  6:49  5:11 
   2nd Quarter  6:32  5:28 
   3rd Quarter  4:17  7:43 
   4th Quarter  2:34  5:16 
Third-Down Conversions  7 of 13  8 of 15 
Fourth-Down Conversions  0 of 1  0 of 1 
Red-Zone Scores-Chances  3-4  5-6 
Sacks By: Number-Yards  1-23  0-0 
PAT Kicks  5-6  2-3 
Field Goals  0-0  1-2 

 

 

Individual Statistics

 

Individual Statistics (Final)
Massillon Washington High School
Cincinnati Moeller vs Massillon (Aug 19, 2022 at Massillon, OH)

Cincinnati Moeller
Massillon
RUSHING  No.  Gain  Loss  Net  TD  Lg  Avg. 
Jordan Marshall  17  139  139  39  8.2 
Alec Weeder   14  37  32  2.3 
Andrew Robinson  0.0 
Luke Dunn   -1  -1.0 
TEAM   -2  -1.0 
Totals…  35  176  168  39  4.8 
RUSHING  No.  Gain  Loss  Net  TD  Lg  Avg. 
Willtrell Hartson  26  127  126  30  4.8 
Jalen Slaughter  41  27  14  17  1.8 
Kyler Wiggins   1.0 
Freddie Leniz Jr  1.0 
Totals…  36  170  28  142  30  3.9 
  
PASSING  Cmp-Att-Int  Yds  TD  Long  Sack 
Luke Dunn   10-15-0  259  70 
Andrew Robinson  5-6-0  73  42 
Totals…  15-21-0  332  70 
PASSING  Cmp-Att-Int  Yds  TD  Long  Sack 
Jalen Slaughter  13-34-0  165  44 
Willtrell Hartson  0-1-1 
Totals…  13-35-1  165  44 
RECEIVING  No.  Yds  TD  Lg 
Tennel Bryant   230  70 
Alec Weeder   20  16 
Ryan Mechley   18  15 
Jordan Marshall  55  55 
Benjamin Gruber 
Totals…  15  332  70 
RECEIVING  No.  Yds  TD  Lg 
Ardell Banks   84  44 
Kyler Wiggins   48  20 
Freddie Leniz Jr  16  11 
Zachary Liebler  11 
Willtrell Hartson 
Totals…  13  165  44 
PUNTING  No.  Yds  Avg  Long  In20  TB 
Ethan Page   95  31.7  45 
Totals…  95  31.7  45 
  
PUNTING  No.  Yds  Avg  Long  In20  TB 
Nolan Hendricks  88  29.3  33 
TEAM   0.0 
Totals…  88  22.0  33 
   Punts  Kickoffs  Intercept 
ALL RETURNS  No  Yds  Lg  No  Yds  Lg  No  Yds  Lg 
Alec Weeder   21  21 
Karson Hobbs   70  34 
Conlin Daniel  
TEAM  
Totals…  91  34 
  
   Punts  Kickoffs  Intercept 
ALL RETURNS  No  Yds  Lg  No  Yds  Lg  No  Yds  Lg 
Zachary Liebler  93  62 
Ja’Meir Gamble   19  21 
Mylen Lenix   37  37 
Dorian Pringle  
Zahnil Berry   -15 
Totals…  -15  154  62 
ALL PURPOSE  Rush  Rcv  KR  PR  IR  Total 
Tennel Bryant   230  230 
Jordan Marshall  139  55  194 
Alec Weeder   32  20  21  73 
Karson Hobbs   70  70 
Ryan Mechley   18  18 
Benjamin Gruber 
TEAM   -2 
Luke Dunn   -1  -1 
Totals…  168  332  91  594 
  
  
ALL PURPOSE  Rush  Rcv  KR  PR  IR  Total 
Willtrell Hartson  126  132 
Zachary Liebler  11  93  104 
Ardell Banks   84  84 
Kyler Wiggins   48  49 
Mylen Lenix   37  37 
Ja’Meir Gamble   19  19 
Freddie Leniz Jr  16  17 
Jalen Slaughter  14  14 
Dorian Pringle  
Zahnil Berry   -15  -15 
Totals…  142  165  154  -15  446 
FIELD GOAL ATTEMPTS 
  
  
FIELD GOAL ATTEMPTS 
Landon Smith  2nd  05:45  27 yards  Good 
Nolan Hendricks  2nd  00:14  36 yards  Blocked 
KICKOFFS  No.  Yds  TB  OB  Avg. 
Drew Mitchell   340  48.6 
Brandon Martin   40  40.0 
KICKOFFS  No.  Yds  TB  OB  Avg. 
Nolan Hendricks  218  54.5 
  
FUMBLES: Cincinnati Moeller-None. Massillon-Ja’Meir Gamble 1-1.

 

 

Drive Chart

 

Drive Chart (Final)
Massillon Washington High School
Cincinnati Moeller vs Massillon (Aug 19, 2022 at Massillon, OH)

   Drive Started  Drive Ended  Consumed    
Team  Qtr  Spot  Time  Obtained  Spot  Time     How Lost  Pl-Yds  TOP  RZ 
MOELLER   1st  M20  11:52  Fumble  M00  11:45  TOUCHDOWN  1-20  0:07    
MOELLER   1st  C44  10:57  Punt  M40  09:02     Punt  6-16  1:55    
MOELLER   1st  C39  07:43  Punt  M00  02:56  TOUCHDOWN  9-61  4:47 
MOELLER   2nd  C20  11:47  Kickoff  C25  09:10     Punt  5-5  2:37    
MOELLER   2nd  C35  05:45  Kickoff  M00  02:04  TOUCHDOWN  8-65  3:41 
MOELLER   2nd  M43  00:14  Missed FG  M47  00:00     End of half  1–4  0:14    
MOELLER   3rd  C38  12:00  Kickoff  M03  10:04     Downs  5-59  1:56 
MOELLER   3rd  C38  09:00  Kickoff  M00  08:25  TOUCHDOWN  2-62  0:35    
MOELLER   3rd  C45  06:58  Punt  M00  06:48  TOUCHDOWN  1-55  0:10    
MOELLER   3rd  C45  03:55  Kickoff  C48  02:19     Punt  4-3  1:36    
MOELLER   4th  C30  11:14  Kickoff  M00  10:55  TOUCHDOWN  1-70  0:19    
MOELLER   4th  C44  06:34  Downs  C44  06:34     Possession  0-0  0:00    
MOELLER   4th  C44  02:24  Possession  M00  02:04  TOUCHDOWN  10-56  0:20 
MOELLER   4th  C27  01:55  Interception  C24  00:00     End of half  3–3  1:55    
  
MASS   1st  M22  12:00  Kickoff  M20  11:52     Fumble  0–2  0:08    
MASS   1st  M20  11:45  Kickoff  M23  10:57     Punt  3-3  0:48    
MASS   1st  M20  09:02  Punt  M36  07:43     Punt  4-16  1:19    
MASS   1st  C36  02:56  Kickoff  C00  11:47  TOUCHDOWN  8-36  3:09 
MASS   2nd  M30  09:10  Punt  C10  05:45  FIELD GOAL  8-60  3:25 
MASS   2nd  M35  02:04  Kickoff  C29  00:14     Missed FG  11-36  1:50 
MASS   3rd  M03  10:04  Downs  M03  09:00  SAFETY  3-0  1:04    
MASS   3rd  M04  08:25  Kickoff  M25  06:58     Punt  5-21  1:27    
MASS   3rd  C35  06:48  Kickoff  C00  03:55  TOUCHDOWN  4-35  2:53 
MASS   3rd  M27  02:19  Punt  C00  11:14  TOUCHDOWN  10-73  3:05 
MASS   4th  M31  06:58  Kickoff  C00  06:58  TOUCHDOWN  12-69  0:00 
MASS   4th  C46  06:58  Kickoff  C44  06:34     Downs  4-2  0:24    
MASS   4th  M35  02:04  Kickoff  M35  01:55     Interception  1-0  0:09    
   1st  2nd  3rd  4th     1st  2nd       
Cincinnati Moeller   Qtr  Qtr  Qtr  Qtr     Half  Half     Total 
Time of possession   06:49   06:32   04:17   02:34      13:21   06:51      20:12  
3rd Down Conversions   2/4   2/3   0/2   3/4      4/7   3/6      7/13  
Average field position  M46   C37   C41   C33      C45   C38      C41  
4th Down Conversions   0/0   0/0   0/1   0/0      0/0   0/1      0/1  
  
   1st  2nd  3rd  4th     1st  2nd       
Massillon   Qtr  Qtr  Qtr  Qtr     Half  Half     Total 
Time of possession   05:11   05:28   07:43   05:16      10:39   12:59      23:38  
3rd Down Conversions   2/4   0/2   2/4   4/5      2/6   6/9      8/15  
Average field position  M31   M32   M24   M40      M31   M31      M31  
4th Down Conversions   0/0   0/0   0/0   0/1      0/0   0/1      0/1  

Drive Chart (By Quarter)

   Drive Started  Drive Ended  Consumed    
Team  Qtr  Spot  Time  Obtained  Spot  Time     How Lost  Pl-Yds  TOP  RZ 
MASS   1st  M22  12:00  Kickoff  M20  11:52     Fumble  0–2  0:08    
MOELLER   1st  M20  11:52  Fumble  M00  11:45  TOUCHDOWN  1-20  0:07    
MASS   1st  M20  11:45  Kickoff  M23  10:57     Punt  3-3  0:48    
MOELLER   1st  C44  10:57  Punt  M40  09:02     Punt  6-16  1:55    
MASS   1st  M20  09:02  Punt  M36  07:43     Punt  4-16  1:19    
MOELLER   1st  C39  07:43  Punt  M00  02:56  TOUCHDOWN  9-61  4:47 
MASS   1st  C36  02:56  Kickoff  C00  11:47  TOUCHDOWN  8-36  3:09 
MOELLER   2nd  C20  11:47  Kickoff  C25  09:10     Punt  5-5  2:37    
  
MASS   2nd  M30  09:10  Punt  C10  05:45  FIELD GOAL  8-60  3:25 
MOELLER   2nd  C35  05:45  Kickoff  M00  02:04  TOUCHDOWN  8-65  3:41 
MASS   2nd  M35  02:04  Kickoff  C29  00:14     Missed FG  11-36  1:50 
MOELLER   2nd  M43  00:14  Missed FG  M47  00:00     End of half  1–4  0:14    
MOELLER   3rd  C38  12:00  Kickoff  M03  10:04     Downs  5-59  1:56 
  
MASS   3rd  M03  10:04  Downs  M03  09:00  SAFETY  3-0  1:04    
MOELLER   3rd  C38  09:00  Kickoff  M00  08:25  TOUCHDOWN  2-62  0:35    
MASS   3rd  M04  08:25  Kickoff  M25  06:58     Punt  5-21  1:27    
MOELLER   3rd  C45  06:58  Punt  M00  06:48  TOUCHDOWN  1-55  0:10    
MASS   3rd  C35  06:48  Kickoff  C00  03:55  TOUCHDOWN  4-35  2:53 
MOELLER   3rd  C45  03:55  Kickoff  C48  02:19     Punt  4-3  1:36    
MASS   3rd  M27  02:19  Punt  C00  11:14  TOUCHDOWN  10-73  3:05 
MOELLER   4th  C30  11:14  Kickoff  M00  10:55  TOUCHDOWN  1-70  0:19    
  
MASS   4th  M31  06:58  Kickoff  C00  06:58  TOUCHDOWN  12-69  0:00 
MASS   4th  C46  06:58  Kickoff  C44  06:34     Downs  4-2  0:24    
MOELLER   4th  C44  06:34  Downs  C44  06:34     Possession  0-0  0:00    
MOELLER   4th  C44  02:24  Possession  M00  02:04  TOUCHDOWN  10-56  0:20 
MASS   4th  M35  02:04  Kickoff  M35  01:55     Interception  1-0  0:09    
MOELLER   4th  C27  01:55  Interception  C24  00:00     End of half  3–3  1:55    

 

 

Defensive Statistics

 

Defensive Statistics (Final)
Massillon Washington High School
Cincinnati Moeller vs Massillon (Aug 19, 2022 at Massillon, OH)

##  Cincinnati Moeller   Solo  Ast  Total  TFL/Yds  FF  FR-Yds  Int-Yds  BrUp  Blkd  Sack/Yds  QBH 
46  Joe Ginnetti   6.5  1.0/4   .   .   .  
5   Brandon Martin   3.5  1.0/23   .   .   1.0/23  
33  Alex French   3.5  1.0/1   .   .   .  
7   Conlin Daniel   3.0  .   .   1-0   .  
21  Mitch McNulty   3.0  .   .   .   .  
36  Matthew Seliga   2.5  .   .   .   .  
40  Kyler Paul   2.0  .   .   .   .  
14  Isaiah Summerlin  2.0  .   .   .   .  
1   Cap Davis   1.5  .   .   .   .  
8   Lamont Cox   1.0  .   .   .   .  
96  Drew Mitchell   1.0  .   .   .   .  
86  Andrew Currin   1.0  .   .   .   .  
88  Peyton Wilp   1.0  .   .   .   .  
18  Micah Hendrix-Pitts  1.0  .   1-0   .   .  
22  Benjamin Tinnemeyer  1.0  .   .   .   .  
55  Nick Monahan   1.0  .   .   .   .  
32  Roman Mason   0.5  .   .   .   .  
54  Jacob Cravens   0.5  .   .   .   .  
4   Thomas Stines   0.5  .   .   .   .  
15  Jewett Hayes   0.5  .   .   .   .  
11  Rashad Glenn   0.5  .   .   .   .  
16  Luke Dunn   0.5  .   .   .   .  
3   Karson Hobbs   0.5  .   .   .   .  
TM  TEAM   .   .   .   .   .  
##  Massillon   Solo  Ast  Total  TFL/Yds  FF  FR-Yds  Int-Yds  BrUp  Blkd  Sack/Yds  QBH 
34  Dorian Pringle   6.0  .   .   .   .  
30  Deairre Pringle  5.0  .   .   .   .  
33  Cody Fair   4.0  .   .   .   .  
24  Tyler Hackenbracht  3.5  .   .   .   .  
1   Jaden Welch   2.5  .   .   .   .  
45  M Wright Jr   2.5  1.0/1   .   .   .  
96  Malachi Card   2.0  .   .   .   .  
12  Brandon Carman   2.0  0.5/2   .   .   .  
9   Maverick Clark   2.0  0.5/2   .   .   .  
52  Marcus Moore   1.5  .   .   .   .  
10  Zachary Liebler  1.5  .   .   .   .  
28  Mylen Lenix   1.0  .   .   .   .  
15  Da’Mart Menard   1.0  .   .   .   .  
8   Ma’Taeaun Frazier  1.0  .   .   .   .  
TM  TEAM   1.0  .   .   .   .  
19  Kyler Wiggins   1.0  .   .   .   .  
13  Vito McConnell   1.0  .   .   .   .  
17  Freddie Leniz Jr  1.0  .   .   .   .  
51  Evan Sirgo   0.5  .   .   .   .  
14  Kalix Collins   0.5  .   .   .   .  
16  Ryan Page   0.5  .   .   .   .  

 

Obie Logo (Large) News

Photos From the 2022 Kickoff Rally

WTIG’s Ray Jeske emceed the event.

Head Coach Nate Moore and Senior Co-Captain Marcus Moore

Nikolas Yannayon, Kyle Furbee, Chance O’Neill, Michael Looney and Lo’Quan Young

Jalen Slaghter, Michael Wright Jr., Da’Mari Menard and Bricen Pledgure

Jaden Welch and the unveiling of the Obie statue.

 

Obie Logo (Large) News

Big Week Ahead for Massillon Football

Big Week Ahead for Massillon Football

It’s the opening week of the 2022 football season and as expected there are lots of happenings this week.  Here’s the schedule:

 

Tuesday

  • The Touchdown Club will hold its first weekly meeting starting at 11:30 am. The guest speaker will be former Massillon Head Coach Jack Rose.  Memberships will be available at the door.
  • The 7th Grade team will play at home against Akron Ellet. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm.

 

Wednesday

  • The 8th Grade team will play at home against Akron Armor. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
  • The Downtown Kickoff Rally will be held at Duncan Plaza.  The “Tiger Growl” will begin at 6:30 pm and the rally will begin at 7:00 pm. Ice cream will be served following the rally, courtesy of the Massillon Museum.
  • The Obie Statue will be unveiled in front of the football mural with the ceremony after the rally.

 

Thursday

  • The Sideliners will eat dinner with the players at 5:30 pm.

 

Friday

  • The Football Hall of Fame and Wall of Champion inductees will be recognized at 6:30 pm on the field prior to the football game.
  • The Massillon varsity will play at home against Cincinnati Moeller. Kickoff is schedule for 7:00 pm.  Note this year’s new start time for homes games.

Saturday

  • The Junior Varsity will play at home against Cleveland St. Ignatius. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 am.
  • The Freshmen will play away against Cincinnati Moeller. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm.

 

Monday

  • The first Booster Club meeting of the year will be held at the High School Auditorium at 7:00 pm.

 

Ongoing

  • The Massillon Museum is featuring an historical display of the Tiger Swing Band in the Paul Brown Museum.
Obie Logo (Large) News

A Look Back at Past Moeller Games

A Look Back at Past Moeller Games

Massillon has been playing football since 1891, having compiled a win-loss record of 920-297-36, and owning the third most wins of any team in the country.  During that span they have faced 207 different teams and only nine hold a winning edge over the Tigers when at least two games have been played.  They include:

  • Cleveland St. Ignatius (2-12)
  • Cincinnati Moeller (2-10)
  • Massillon Ex-Highs (no longer exists) (2-5)
  • Lorain (0-4)
  • Toledo Scott (0-4)
  • Upper Arlington (2-4)
  • Lakewood St. Edward (3-4)
  • Akron (no longer exists) (0-3)
  • Toledo Whitmer (2-3)

It’s no surprise that Ignatius and Moeller, two Division 1 parochial school powers, are at the top of the list.  Of course, Massillon was never shy about scheduling these teams when they were also in Division 1.

This year’s opening game marks the 13th time the Tigers and Crusaders will face each other.  The first meeting came in 1980 when they met in the Division 1 state finals.  Mike Currence was the coach of the Tigers at that time and lost that one.  He then dropped two more in subsequent years, one of which was also in the D1 state finals.  Coach Lee Owens also tried his luck three times, but did not fair any better.  But his successor, Jack Rose did find some success, winning two of four.  The series continued under Coach Rick Shepas for one more year, yet it was another loss.  Finally, the Tigers were invited to Cincinnati for a classic and Coach Tom Stacey left on the losing end.

But it wasn’t like the games were indicative of the series record.  In most of those losses, Massillon was very competitive.  In fact, in five of the ten setbacks they were in the game going into the fourth quarter and three times still in it at halftime.  And two of those losses could have just as easily been wins.

Moeller achieved prominence under Coach Jerry Faust when they ran the table in 1975 and finished off their first state title with a 14-12 win over Lakewood St. Edward, which was led by Coach Mike Currence.  Currence left after that season and took over the head job at Massillon.  Incidentally, these two coaches will be the honorary captains for the coin toss prior to Friday’s matchup.

Moeller continued its success through the 1982 season, eventually capturing six state titles in a span of nine years.  In 2012 and 2013 they grabbed two more and in 2014 finished a respectable 10-4.  But then the Crusaders fell on hard times, compiling a record of just 24-37 through the 2020 season.  Last year, however, they recaptured the magic, going 11-4 and finishing as Division 1 runner-up, under second-year coach Mark Elder.  This season they hope to parlay that success into a state championship.

Meanwhile, Massillon has reached the state finals six times, three in Division 1 (1980, 1982 and 2005) and three in Division 2 (2018, 2019 and 2020).  They also hope to grab a trophy this year, in Division 2.  So, when these two great programs square off on Friday, it should make for a grand matchup, with another large crowd expected.

Here’s a look back at all the past Massillon-Moeller games.

 

  • Year: 1980
  • Records: Massillon (10-2-1), Moeller (13-0)
  • Coaches: Mike Currence, Gerry Faust
  • Venue: Cincinnati Nippert Stadium (22,751); Division 1 State Finals
  • Score: 7-10 L
  • Game Summary: The Crusaders opened up a 24-0 halftime lead and never looked back. They were led by 6’-2”, 220 lb. running back Mark Brooks, who carried the ball 33 times for 133 yards and scored all four of Moeller’s touchdowns.  While it was the Tigers’ first ever trip to the state finals, the Crusaders were wrapping their fifth title in the last six years.  It was also Coach Gerry Faust’s last game as head coach before heading to Notre Dame to become head coach.

 

  • Year: 1981
  • Records: Massillon (7-3), Moeller (12-1)
  • Coaches: Mike Currence, Ted Bacigalupo
  • Venue: Akron Rubber Bowl (23,950)
  • Score: 6-24 L
  • Game Summary: This one was supposed to be the first-ever meeting between these two schools, but the previous year’s playoff game kind of got in the way. Massillon was down just 10-6 at the half, but two second half touchdowns by the Crusaders put the game out of reach.

 

  • Year: 1982
  • Records: Massillon (12-1), Moeller (13-0)
  • Coaches: Mike Currence, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Ohio Stadium (31,409), Division 1 State Finals
  • Score: 14-35 L
  • Game Summary: Massillon had Chris Spielman and Jim Bushe, while Moeller countered with the speedy running back combo of Da’Juan and Hiawatha Francisco. In the end the Crusader high-powered offense made all the difference, as they rolled up 479 yards.  Although the Tigers were down just 21-14 at intermission, they couldn’t dent the scoreboard in the second half.

 

  • Year: 1989
  • Records: Massillon (10-3), Moeller (11-3)
  • Coaches: Lee Owens, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (16,764)
  • Score: 7-41 L
  • Game Summary: Once again Massillon was in it early, only to fall away in the second half. Massillon was down 14-7 at the half and 21-7 late in the third with a chance to score and close the gap to seven.  But they were stopped on downs deep in Moeller territory.  After that, the Crusaders put up 20 unanswered points and ran away with the win.

 

  • Year: 1990
  • Records: Massillon (8-4), Moeller (9-2)
  • Coaches: Lee Owens, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (16,764)
  • Score: 23-24 L
  • Game Summary: A first-ever victory in-hand was taken away by a blown referee call at the end of the game. The well-played contest was even throughout with Massillon owning a 23-17 lead with less than a minute remaining.  For Moeller, it was fourth down in their own territory and a desperation pass bounced on the ground ahead of the receiver.  Only, the referee ruled the pass complete and a close first down measurement gave the Crusaders new life.  So, they cashed in on the subsequent play with a 39-yard Hail Mary pass to tie the score.  The successful PAT then gave the Crusaders the win.

 

  • Year: 1991
  • Records: Massillon (10-3), Moeller (6-4)
  • Coaches: Lee Owens, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Mason Galbreath Field (10,600)
  • Score: 13-27 L
  • Game Summary: What started out as a stellar year with a 3-0 start, with Travis McGuire and Falando in the backfield, quickly turn sour during this crucial road game. McGuire scored first on a 42-yard run and then the Tigers forced Moeller to punt.  Massillon also had to punt on their next possession.  But the snap was fumbled and Moeller turned that miscue into a score.  It seemed to swing the momentum in the Crusaders’ favor.  Nevertheless, the Tigers held a 13-12 halftime lead and were down just 20-13 at the end of three.  But they just couldn’t make it all the way back.

 

  • Year: 1992
  • Records: Massillon (5-5), Moeller (7-3)
  • Coaches: Jack Rose, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (16,762)
  • Score: 14-24 L
  • Game Summary: Once again Massillon was in the game for three quarters only to lose it at the end. It was Moeller’s seventh win over the Tigers in as many tries.

 

  • Year: 1995
  • Records: Massillon (7-3), Moeller (5-5)
  • Coaches: Jack Rose, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (15,394)
  • Score: 21-18 W
  • Game Summary: Massillon finally got over the top with a victory. In the first half, Vinnie Turner scored two touchdowns, while his team held Moeller to just a field goal.  The third quarter played out evenly and the Tigers were now leading 21-11.  So, the question for everyone was: would Massillon once again fold against Moeller in the fourth.  Not this time!  The Crusaders were held to just one score.  Turner ended up rushing 25 times for 200 yards and scored three touchdowns, accounting for more than 75% of the Tigers’ total offense.

 

  • Year: 1996
  • Records: Massillon (9-2), Moeller (9-3)
  • Coaches: Jack Rose, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (13,102)
  • Score: 20-15 W
  • Game Summary: The Tigers were ahead 13-12 going into the fourth quarter, when Massillon’s Dave Hodgson ripped off a 74-yard touchdown run to put the Tigers ahead 20-12.  The defense then stiffened, holding the Crusaders to a 46-yard field goal to end the scoring.

 

  • Year: 1997
  • Records: Massillon (7-3), Moeller (12-2)
  • Coaches: Jack Rose, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Cincinnati Nippert Stadium (6,074)
  • Score: 24-28 L
  • Game Summary: This is another one that got away. And the loss may have cost Jack Rose his job.  Massillon, playing on the road, opened up a 21-7 lead by the end of the third quarter and was completely dominating Moeller up to that point.  But the game turned quickly after that.  It started with a Crusader 77-yard touchdown pass and never got any better as the Tigers were outscored 21-3 the rest of the way.

 

  • Year: 1998
  • Records: Massillon (4-6), Moeller (7-3)
  • Coaches: Rick Shepas, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (11,518)
  • Score: 10-35 L
  • Game Summary: A young Massillon team under new coach Rick Shepas kept it close in the first half, trailing just 8-7. But the better team prevailed in the second half.  It also convinced those in charge that a school whose enrollment was shrinking should not be playing those Division 1 parochial schools.  Thus ended the series at eleven games.  At least for eight years.

 

  • Year: 2006
  • Records: Massillon (7-5), Moeller (5-5)
  • Coaches: Tom Stacey, Bob Crable
  • Venue: Cincinnati Paul Brown Stadium (10,000) in the Cincinnati Prep Classic
  • Score: 14-48 L
  • Game Summary: Coming off a Division 1 state final appearance where they lost a close one to Cincinnati St. Xavier, Massillon was game for another shot at a big parochial school. But it turned into a rout early with Moeller up 24-0 after the first quarter.  The first two scores came via a 49-yard punt return and a 50-yard interception return.  In fact, the Tigers turned it over four times in this one.  And that was it for the series until this year’s opener.

 

 

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Massillon vs. Akron Buchtel Scrimmage Results

Massillon vs. Akron Buchtel Scrimmage Results

The Tigers and Griffins squared off in the second and final scrimmage prior to next week’s season opener, with Massillon coming out on top in one half of action, 14-2.  The JV teams then got after it in the second half and the Tigers prevailed, 21-0.  Game conditions were played throughout the four quarters of play.

Massillon scored on its opening possession by driving 65 yards, culminating in a 10-yard toss sweep TD by Willtrell Hartson.  Nolan Hendricks tacked on the extra point.  And that was all the scoring for the local team until the final minutes of the half when Jalen Slaughter connected with wide receiver Ardell Banks on a 34-yard touchdown pass.  In between the two scores, the offense sputtered with both the run and the pass during three consecutive possessions, which all ended in punts.  But give some credit to a much-improved, very athletic Buchtel defense that played inspired football all night.  Hartson ran the ball 12 times for 76 yards (6.3 ave.).  Slaughter completed 10 of 19 passes for 109 yards.

On the other side of the ball the Tiger defense was simply stifling, holding the Griffins to just 38 yards of total offense, 21 on the ground and 17 in the air, on 19 plays.  And Buchtel was forced to punt on each possession.  Of course, it didn’t help that the Griffin quarterback was off target most of the night and completed just two of twelve passes, including an errant throw to Massillon’s Adonis Marshall.

Buchtel’s lone score came after the Tigers mistakenly fair caught a punt at their own five yard line.  Hartson appeared to get his team out of the hole with a 15-yard run, but it was negated by a holding penalty.  That was followed by two consecutive jet sweeps.  Only, the first one lost ten yards when the runner tried to reverse his field and the second never made it out of the end zone, resulting in a safety.

The scrimmage also involved liberal substitutions, at least on the Massillon side.  And those player mistakes normally seen during scrimmages.  Nevertheless, the Tigers have lots to work on before they entertain Cincinnati Moeller in next week’s opener.  This is particularly true for the offense line, which will need to develop into a more effective unit in one week’s time.  And for the passing game, which misfired on many solid opportunities.

Statistics (1st half only)

Massillon – Akron Buchtel

  • First downs: 10 – 2
  • Rushing attempts: 23 – 7
  • Rushing yards: 126 – 21
  • Yards per rush: 5.5 – 3.0
  • Pass completions: 10 – 2
  • Pass attempts: 19 – 17
  • Pass yards: 109 – 17
  • Yards per pass completion: 10.9 – 8.5
  • Total plays: 42 – 19
  • Total yards: 235 – 38
  • Yards per play: 5.6 – 2.0

Scoring

Massillon

  • Willtrell Hartson 10-yard run
  • Ardell Banks 34-yard pass from Jalen Slaughter

Buchtel

  • Safety – tackle in the end zone

JV Scoring

  • Mylen Lenix 10-yard run
  • Peytton Mitchell 3-yard run
  • Bricen Pledgure 40-yard pass interception return
History

Charlie Brown – Wall of Champions

 

Charlie Brown – Wall of Champions

Story written by Bill Porrini

Whether it be in sports, business or life, some people are just champions.  Charlie Brown is one of those champions and more!  Charlie is not only a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame, he is also a member of the Wall of Champions.  In addition, Charlie was named one of Massillon’s Distinguished Citizens in 2012.  A natural born leader who has excelled in every phase of his life, he made his mark on the gridiron in high school, college, the NFL and the Canadian Football League. But even greater marks off the field in life and in his communities.

Brown’s road to success began here in Massillon where he played on teams that went 31-1 during his 3-year high school career, winning three state championships and two national titles.  He was a co-captain and earned recognition in 1961 as All-Stark County and BOTH 1st Team All-Ohio running back and 2nd Team All-Ohio defensive back!  He was also named a high school All-American.

He then went off to play college football at Syracuse University where he achieved the following honors:

  • All-Eastern Conference defensive back in 1964 and ’65.
  • Sporting News All-American.
  • Milrose Champion in track, running the 440-yard relay team.
  • Outstanding Student Athlete in 1965.
  • Player in The 1965 East-West Shrine Game.

After college Charlie was off to the pros.  He was drafted by both the NFL Chicago Bears (5th) and the AFL San Diego Chargers (4th) and chose “Da Bears.”  In an exhibition game, he played in The Hall of Fame game at Fawcett Stadium.  Later, he joined the Buffalo Bills of the AFL.  And then it was off to Hamilton Tiger Cats of The Canadian Football League.  That’s where he had a 115-yard interception return for a TD for a team record.  It was similar to a 100-yard interception return he had against Warren Harding for a TD in high school for the Tigers!

After football it was time to make his mark on the world.  Charlie has served on the NFL Alumni Association of Chicago as President.  He has served as Executive Director of Robert Taylor Boys and Girls Clubs in Chicago and is President of Bound for Glory.  Charlie is also a member of the Canton Old-Timers Hall of Fame.

Back home in Massillon he was co-founder of One Tiger, Inc., a nonprofit organization supporting Massillon’s youth.  One Tiger is dedicated to early childhood literacy.  Charlie along with his friends Joe Snively and Bob Clendenin wanted to capture “The Tiger Spirit” to prepare and create a passion in children for reading.  Their goal is to create well-educated kids that will go onto college and become teachers, innovators and entrepreneurs who come back and invest in their community.

Thus, “Massillon Ready to Read” was born.  He said, “You can’t get that Massillon feeling out of your system no matter what you do or where you play!”

Charlie Brown, a Champion from The City of Champions!  Thank you!!

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Touchdown Club to Begin Weekly Gatherings

Touchdown Club to Begin Weekly Gatherings

The Touchdown Club is an open adult booster group that meets every Tuesday during the season at the Massillon Eagles Club. The club was formed in 1950 during the regime of Coach Chuck Mather.

The meetings are a lunchtime affair and members receive from the Head Coach reviews of past games and scouting reports of upcoming opponents.  Team captains are also in attendance to provide their own insight.  Occasionally, the meetings are enhanced with guest speakers.

At the end of the season, the club honors one of the players with the “Bob Commings Memorial Hardnose Award.”

The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 16, at 11:30 am with the speaker event beginning around noon. The guest speaker that week will be former Massillon Head Coach Jack Rose.

Membership for the season is $25.00 and the cost for lunch is $10.00 each week.  Guests are welcome for their first visit; following that they will need to pay the membership fee.

At the first meeting the club will feature a guest speaker.  Then Coach Moore will talk about the Massillon Tigers, plus give a preview of our Week 1 opponent, Cincinnati Moeller.

See you there.

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Massillon and Avon Begin Season Prep with an Opening…

Massillon and Avon Begin Season Prep with an Opening Scrimmage

The OHSAA permits three weeks of full contact practice before the first game and local teams are now just one week into that process.  Two scrimmages are allowed and Massillon’s first one, traditionally with the Avon Eagles, is now in the books.  Who knows what these teams will look like once the season gets underway, let along by the time the playoffs roll in.  But these two Division II powerhouses at least gave some indications as to what their strengths will be down the road.

For Avon, it is the passing game, which is usually the case.  And on this day, they got somewhat the better of the Tigers, moving the ball consistently down the field throughout the match.  Their quarterback was very accurate in hitting short and medium passes to receivers that were running their routes well.  And the Eagles also showed the poise of an experienced team.

Massillon, on the other hand, came out with a very balanced run-pass attack and substituted liberally.  Although they struggled early on both offense and defense, they seemed to find a better pace, at least offensively, as the scrimmage wore on.  Returning sophomore Jalen Slaughter showed improvement from last year with his handling of the quarterback duties, moving in the pocket well, hitting his receivers and knowing when to bail.  And that final trait may turn out to be a real asset down the road.  Willtrell Hartson is, well, Willtrell.  Except that he is a much more powerful runner this year, as demonstrated by his ability to break tackles throughout the scrimmage.  As did Dorian Pringle.  Wide receiver Ardell Banks also had a very good showing.  Defensively, the Tigers were stingy against the run, but pass defense was another story.  Of course, neither team was game-planning and again it was just the first scrimmage.  But the overall assessment of Massillon is that of a young but talented team that needs field experience before it will shine.  But it will shine.

The first part of the scrimmage involved the offense starting at its own 35 with ten plays in the pocket.  Avon’s possessions went like this:

  • Short touchdown pass.
  • 35-yard touchdown pass.

Massillon:

  • 55-yard pass completion to Banks to the five yard line.  One play left in the series.  Vinny Keller kicked a 21-yard field goal.
  • 25-yard “jail break” pass to Banks to the six yard line.  Mylen Lenix scored from the three.  Keller kicked the PAT.

In the second part each team ran several series starting at the opponent’s 25.  Avon:

  • 2-yard touchdown pass.
  • 32-yard field goal.

Massillon:

  • 21-yard screen pass to Willtrell Hartson for a touchdown.  PAT missed.
  • 19-yard field goal.

In part three, each team started at the opponent’s ten.  Avon:

  • 10-yard touchdown pass.
  • 3-yard touchdown pass.
  • 29-yard field goal.

Massillon:

  • 1-yard touchdown run by Dorian Pringle.  Keller PAT.
  • Another 1-yard touchdown run by Dorian Pringle.  Keller PAT.

The scrimmage wrapped up with  special teams punting and field goal practice.

Massillon on  defense.  No. 10 is Zach Liebler.  No. 52 is Marcus Moore.  No. 34 is Dorian Pringle.  No. 1 is Jaden Welch.

Jalen Slaughter passes down field.  No. 77 is Michel Mercurio.

Ardell Banks catches the long bomb and carries it to five.

Willtrell Hartson runs the outside zone for good yardage.  No. 75 is Michael Looney.  No. 52 is Marcus Moore.

Overthrown Avon pass.  Good coverage by the Massillon defender.

Ardell Banks on the “break pass” reception is headed for the end zone.

Vinny Keller connects on a 21-yard field goal  No. 14 is Kalix Collins.

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Football Is In the Air

Football Is In the Air

It’s full pads and hitting this week as the Massillon Tigers continue their preparation for their 2022 season.  In just two weeks time the Tigers will host Cincinnati Moeller in a high-powered opener.  But first they need to manage a couple of scrimmages, with both slated for the friendly confines of Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.  On Saturday at 11:30 am, Massillon will entertain Avon in a match that has become a tradition over the past few years.  Both teams have aspirations of winning their respective playoff regions and moving onto the state semifinals.  The following Friday at 7:00 pm Akron Buchtel will pay a house call as the Griffins they strive to regain the top spot in the Akron City Series.  Meanwhile, please enjoy the photos of Thursday’s practice.

News

Massillon vs. Moeller Headlines First Week of Action

Massillon vs. Moeller Headlines First Week of Action

Some of the best high school football in Ohio this year will occur in Week 1, with many games involving some of the best teams in state, if not the country.  Massillon typically, at least under Head Coach Nate Moore, has opened the season against a powerhouse.  This time it’s Cincinnati Moeller.  A huge crowd is expected and the game is sure to grab state-wide attention.  Below is a rundown of this one and some of the other top games around the state.

Massillon at Cincinnati Moeller – The Tigers are one of the best teams in Division 2, while the Crusaders are one of the best in Division 1, so this one presents an intriguing matchup.  Last year Massillon (11-3) finished as regional runner-up after playing in three consecutive state finals.  But this year, with a wealth of skill talent on hand, the finals are once again within reach.  Meanwhile, Moeller (11-4) has experienced a recent resurgence and they advanced last year to the state semifinals before losing to Springfield (13-2), 22-21.  With a host of talent returning, their goal is surely to grab the top prize away from Lakewood St. Edward, a team they defeated on the road last year.  The Crusaders own a 10-2 advantage over the Tigers in an on-and-off series that began in 1980.  Twice they met in the state finals, 1980 in Cincinnati and 1982 at Ohio State Stadium, with Moeller winning both.  The two Massillon wins came in 1995 (21-18) and 1996 (20-15) under Coach Jack Rose.  The Tigers almost grabbed a third in 1990 under Coach Lee Owens.  Unfortunately, an incomplete pass on fourth down was ruled a catch and the Crusaders scored the winning points on the very next play with just seconds left.  This game is a chance for Massillon to make a statement about this year’s team, while Moeller can use a victory as a springboard to another successful campaign.

Canton McKinley at Mentor – The Bulldogs will play in a hostile environment for the first of six road games.  Last year McKinley finished 8-5, with a 49-7 loss to the Cardinals (5-6), while working under a new coaching staff and system.  But this Bulldog team is expected to be much improved.  So, this time around the game may be much closer, if not go the other way.

Toledo Central Catholic at Lakewood St. Edward – Last year the Eagles (15-1) bested the Irish (11-3), 33-10.  Can Central make a game of it this year and perhaps find that elusive signature win?

Springfield at Cleveland St. Ignatius – Springfield (13-2) got off to a fine start last year by defeating the Wildcats (8-5), 24-20.  Then, they nearly ran the table, losing by one point to Miamisburg and 23-13 to St. Edward in the state finals.

Cincinnati St. Xavier at Lakota West – St. X has been dominating the Greater Catholic League of late, while West has been the force in the Greater Miami Conference.  Last year these two met in the regular season opener and the Bombers (10-3) came out on top of their 11-2 opponent, 31-14.  But in the playoffs, West turned the tables with a 12-2 victory, only to lose to Moeller 21-17 the following week.

Cincinnati LaSalle at Cincinnati Colerain – Both teams struggled through their seasons last year, with LaSalle finishing 7-6 and Colerain, 5-6.  But this year is a chance for both teams to right the ship.  Colerain hopes to reverse a 20-14 setback from last year.

Cincinnati Elder at Covington Catholic, KY – Last season the Panthers (6-6) defeated Covington (7-3), 28-6.  But this time the game is in Kentucky.

Walsh Jesuit at Cleveland Benedictine – It took two overtimes last year to find a winner, with the Bennies (8-3) coming out on top of the Warriors (11-3), 35-34.  Will this one be more of the same?

Other Games to Keep an Eye On:

  • Warren Harding at Medina
  • Solon at Hudson
  • Wadsworth at Barberton
  • Toledo St. John’s at Dublin Coffman
  • Upper Arlington at Reynoldsburg
  • Dover at Mentor Lake Catholic