Jamir Thomas Receives Touchdown Club Hardnose 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 was Jamir Thomas, the record-setting running back that led his team to a 14-1 record and runner-up finish in the state tournament.  A repeat winner from last year, Jamir received the award from Bob Commings, Jr., son of the coach for which the accolade is named.  Thomas holds several Massillon career records, including rushing attempts, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, all-purpose yards, points scored and total touchdowns.  This year he rushed 261 times for 1,918 yards (7.3 yards per carry) and scored 24 touchdowns.  He also played a little defense!  Congratulations to Jamir Thomas.  Enjoy the photos of the event.

Booster Club Report – Season Wrapup

The final Booster Club meeting of the year was held at the WHS library in front of a large supporting audience.  Head Coach Nate Moore and several players were in attendance and received a standing ovation for their effort this year in fashioning a 14-1 record and runner-up finish in the state playoffs.  Booster Club President Ben Lieberman opened the meeting by reading a list of some 35 records set by the Tigers this year.  Some of the more prominent ones are:

• Most wins in a season (14)
• Most points scored (670)
• Most touchdowns scored (93)
• Most offensive yards (6,244)

There were also several new season and career records set by various players, including by Jamir Thomas, who set new benchmarks for career yards and points scored.  “It was a wonderfuj season for a lot of reasons and not just a 14-1 record.” said Moore.  The coach then thanked the Booster Club for their support throughout the year.

Last Thursday’s game against Akron Hoban was the fourth time that Massillon had advanced in the state playoffs to the final game, only to lose each time.  But that didn’t diminish the praise Coach Moore heaped upon the program.  “We have an unbelievable coaching staff that really works hard,” he said.  “They’re experts in what they do.  It’s the best coaching staff around.  Our kids were unbelievable.  (When out in public) people couldn’t believe how polite our guys are.  It’s been a great year because of the people we get to be around.”

The guest players were Aiden Longwell (quarterback), Justin Gaddis (center), Dean Clark (defensive back / wide receiver) and Jory Mattox (lineman).  “It’s a season I’ll never forget,” said Longwell.  “I want to thank you guys.”  “You guys have a big impact on whatever we do,” added Clark.  “We wanted to win the football game to make you happy.”

The coach then showed clips of the 42-28 loss to Hoban and responded to questions as they arose.  “It (the loss) was hard to swallow because we put so much effort into it,” he said.  “There were a lot of plays where we did a really good job.  We just didn’t have enough of them.  I couldn’t be prouder of our kids.  We dug quite a hole.  But the way we came out and won the second half, we played like Tigers.”

Massillon opened the game by marching down the field and putting themselves into position to post the first points of the game.  But a couple of miscues stalled the drive.  “We came out and really ran the ball down the field, said Moore.  “We couldn’t quite get the last 20 yards.  It really could have changed the complexion of the first half.”

A critical moment in the game came late In the fourth quarter with Hoban clinging to a 34-28 lead.  The Knights were facing a fourth down and three at midfield and converted the first down off a fake punt with a run up the middle.  “It was the biggest regret I had,” said the coach.  “We should have left our defense on the field.”

The Tigers will now take the month of December off and resume activities in the weight room in January in preparation for the 2019 season opener against Akron  St. Vincent.  But those five extra weeks of practice throughout the playoff series was incredibly invaluable according to Moore.  “It was like having spring practice.”  Moore is excited about next year, beaming that Massillon has a really good group coming up.  It will be built around several returning starters from this year’s varsity team and stocked with players from a junior varsity squad that finished 9-0 with wins over Cleveland St. Ignatius and Lakewood St. Edward.

Go Tigers!

2018: Akron Hoban 42, Massillon 28

Massillon’s comeback attempt falls short in Division II state title game

Jamir Thomas Heads Massillon All-State Selections

The Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association has released its Division II All-Ohio Team, with Jamir Thomas as the lone Massillon 1st Team selection off a team that will play on Thursday for the state championship.  Five other Tigers were also honored.  The Massillon players include:

• Jamir Thomas (running back) – 1st Team
• Tre’von Morgan (wide receiver) – 3rd Team
• Deon Williams (offensive lineman) – 3rd Team
• Max Turner (defensive back) – 3rd Team
• Kyshad Mack (linebacker) – Special Mention
• Dean Clark (defensive back) – Special Mention

Editor’s comment: Notably absent from the All-State group were eight other Massillon players who were either 2nd or 3rd Team All-Inland District that had outstanding seasons worthy of state recognition.  The same holds true for Akron Hoban’s players.  It appears that the OPSWA didn’t spend a lot of time on this and only placed 1st Team All-District honorees on their All-State team.  Kind of taints the whole process, with a questionable loss of credibility.

Several players from 2018 Tiger opponents were also honored as 1st Team selections, including:

• Qian Magwood (defensive back) – Columbus Walnut Ridge
• Raymell Byrd (quarterback) – Columbus Whitehall-Yearling
• Ryan Redifer (offensive lineman) – Columbus Whitehall-Yearliing
• Keon Freeman (linebacker) – Whitehall-Yearling
• Mason McMillen (linebacker) – Wadsworth
• Mayan Woods (running back) – Cincinnati Winton Woods – Offensive Player of the year.
• Nolan Rumier (offensive lineman) – Akron Hoban
• DeaMonte Trayanum (linebacker) –  Akron Hoban
• Matt Salopek (defensive back) – Akron Hoban

Booster Club Report – Week 15

Scores from last week:

• Varsity defeated Cincinnati Winton Woods, 41-20

This week’s schedule:

• Thursday – Varsity vs. Akron Hoban (14-0) at Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, 7:30 pm (gates open at 6:00 pm)

Massillon, now 14-0, set a new record for wins in a season with the victory over Cincinnati Winton Woods.  The old mark was held by the 2005 team, which finished 13-2 after losing 24- 17 to Cincinnati St. Xavier in the state finals.  With their sites now set on their first state championship in the playoff era, the Tigers are currently ranked 26th in the country by Calpreps.com and 6th in the Midwest Region by USA Today.  Hoban is ranked 17th and 3rd, respectively.  Regardless of the outcome Thursday, there will be a downtown celebration  of the season’s success following the game .

The guest player was junior co-captain Aidan Longwell, who in the playoffs has completed of 54 of 87 passes (62%) for 822 yards and 7 touchdowns, with just one interception.  “Last week we beat a great football team,” he said while addressing a large Booster Club audience.  “This week we play another great football team.  If we play with heart, we will win.”

After receiving a standing ovation for the team’s effort in reaching the state finals, head coach Nate Moore provided a look back at the Winton Woods game and a preview of this week’s opponent, Akron Hoban.  “I’m really proud of our kids,” he said.  “They played Massillon Tiger football.  It was a well-called game by our assistant coaches.  We only have one more week together and we know that.  There’s an urgency to get it (win the state championship) done.”  Then it was off to films.

Akron Hoban is 14-0 and is competing for a fourth consecutive state championship, having previously won twice in Division 3 and last year in Division 2, when the OHSAA reassigned them using their competitive balance formula.  The Knights opened the season with a 21-14 victory over playoff qualifier Cleveland St. Ignatius (8-3).  Since then, there were no other significant wins.  But they did beat Huber Heights Wayne (7-4), 47-28, and Massillon opponent Akron St. Vincent (7-3), 35-3.  In the playoffs, Hoban downed Mayfield (5-6), Garfield Heights (11-1), Maple Heights (12-1) and Avon (13-1) by significant margins.  During the regular season they averaged 44 points a game and gave up 12.  The last time they surrendered more than one score in a game was September 28.

Moore called Hoban a very balanced team, noting that there are no apparent weaknesses.  Offensively, they run a pro-style scheme, utilizing multiple formations with the quarterback mostly under center.  With a preference toward running the football, they are led by No. 25, senior running back Tyris Dickerson (5′-10″, 210 lbs.), who according to Moore is an excellent player and holds an offer from the University Akron. Also, keep an eye on No. 1, junior backup Deamonte Trayanum (5′-10″, 210 lbs.), a 4-star recruit destined for Ohio State.

The quarterback is sophomore Shane Hamm (5′-11″, 187 lbs.).  When he throws, it is usually to senior Mason Tipton (6′-0″, 180 lbs.), although former Massillon player junior Caden Clark (6′-5″, 260 lbs.) will occasionally receive a pass from his tight end position.  Clark is rated as a 3-star recruit and has an offer from Alabama.  Watch for some screen passes throughout the game.

Moore is impressed with the offensive line.  The  leader of this group is senior Nolan Rumier (6′-4″, 305 lbs.), who has an offer from the University of Michigan.  Next to him is junior Walter Ganous (6′-5″, 340 lbs.).  This makes the left side of the line extremely potent in the running game.  Overall, the line averages 6′-2″, 279 lbs.

Defensively, the Knights operate out of a 4-3.  The line is very aggressive and they use their hands well, according to Moore.  Like Massillon, multiple backup players keep the starters fresh.  But unlike Massillon, their capability seems to drop off some when they sub.  The starters average 6′-2″, 231 lbs.  No. 44, senior Joseph Michalowicz (6′-3″, 220 lbs.) is the stud of this group.  If not blocked well, he will make a living chasing down the quarterback.

Two linebackers play over the middle, while the third will align on the edge.  Coach Moore likes these inside guys.  The safeties are excellent, especially junior corner Alvin Stallworth (6′-0″, 190 lbs.).  But the quarterback of this group is strong safety Deamonte Trayanum.

Coach Moore then provided his final thoughts.  “Akron Hoban?  They have to play us,” he said.  They have to play Massillon.  They have to play four quarters and we’ve been a really good second half team.”

Go Tigers.  Bring it home.

Booster Club Report – Week 14

Scores from last week:

• Varsity defeated Wadsworth, 41-19

This week’s schedule:

• Friday – Varsity vs. Cincinnati Winton Woods (12-1) at Gahanna Lincoln Stadium, 7:00 pm

Massillon is 13-0 for the first time in their long history, owing to a convincing 41-19 playoff victory over previously undefeated Wadsworth.  The total also ties the all-time record held by the 2005 team, which lost in the Division I state finals that year and finished 13-2.  This week the Tigers have a chance to set a new total wins record when they face Cincinnati Winton Woods, a team they lost to a year ago in the Division II state semifinals.  Massillon is currently ranked No. 41 in the country by calpreps.com and No. 8 in the Midwest by USA Today.

Aidan Longwell (quarterback) and Dean Clark (defensive back / wide receiver) were the guest players.  Longwell addressed the Booster Club attendees and remarked that Wadsworth loaded the box defensively to stop the Massillon run.  “Last week they gave us good passing looks.  So we took what they gave.”  The result for Longwell was his best game passing of the year and second best during his two years as a starting quarterback.  Against Wadsworth Aidan completed 17  of 25 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns.

Then it was Clark’s turn.  “It was a good team win,” he said, turning his attention then to this week’s opponent and their stellar running back.  “If we want to win we need to wrap him up and tackle better,” he said.  “On the offensive side, we need to make plays.”

Jason Jarvis (cornerbacks / special teams) was the guest coach. “They (Wadsworth) tried to play ball control and keep it away from our offense,” he said.  “We didn’t tackle well.  This has to change.”  Wadsworth was mostly effective in doing this, rushing 56 times for 244 yards, the second most by an opponent this year behind East St. Louis.  Coupled with 150 yards of passing (3rd most), the Grizzlies racked up 394 yards (2nd most).  Welcome to playoff football.

Head Coach Nate Moore showed films of both Wadsworth and Winton Woods and said the Cincinnati team is very skilled, very fast and athletic.

The Warriorss operate almost entirely out of the spread offense, with an occasional tight, Perry-like wing-T look, often referred to as “flex bone.”  But it all revolves around junior  running back Miyan Williams (5′-10″, 210 lbs.), who this year has rushed 238 times for 2,742 yards, averages of 11.5 yards per carry and 211 yards per game.  Although he will not be the fastest player on the field, he is big and hard to tackle once he gets going, and his speed is actually pretty good.  Sophomore quarterback Mi’chale Wingfield (5′-9″, 178 lbs.) runs the zone read option and gives the ball to Williams about 70% of the time .  But when he keeps, Wingfield is pretty effective.  To date he has 95 carries for 683 yards, 7.2 yards per carry.  Considered a fair passer, he has completed 52% of his tosses for 871 yards.  Wingfield did not play in the season-opening 13-3 loss to Trotwood Madison.  The offensive line (ave. 5′-11″, 262 lbs.) has suffered through some injuries and has used some new players late in the season.  But they are a good group and very physical.  The kicker most often sends his boots into the end zone.

Defensively Winton Woods will utilize a base 3-4 box (similar to Massillon) with a single high safety and receivers in man-to-man coverage.  They don’t blitz a lot, but probably don’t need to since the strength of the defense is the line (ave. 6′-2″, 280 lbs.).  According to Moore, they are very active and pretty good at getting to the quarterback.  All of the secondary defenders return from last year.

The Warriors’ signature wins this year include:

• Upper Arlington (5-5) 52-45
• Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (8-2) 49-35
• Cincinnati Elder (8-5) 28-10
• Cincinnati Moeller (6-5) 21-17

Playoff scores:

• Olentangy (5-6) 49-42
• Little Miami (9-3) 38-12
• Cincinnati Anderson (9-4) 52-20

Jamir Thomas Named Northeast Inland District Offensive Player of…

The awards keep mounting for Massillon running back Jamir Thomas.  He was recently named by the Associated Press as the Offensive Player of the Year for the Northeast Inland District.  The 6′-1″, 211 lb. senior ball carrier has led his team to a 12-0 record and a spot in this weekend’s regional finals against Wadsworth.  For the year Thomas has rushed 233 times for 1,738 yards and 22 touchdowns, an average of 7.5 yards per carry.  He is just 238 yards shy of breaking Travis McGuire’s single-season rushing total of 1,978 yards.  He already holds career marks for yards rushing, rushing attempts, rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns.  And he is within reach of the career records for all-purpose yards and total points scored.

Tiger Head Coach Nate Moore was named District Coach of the Year.

Other Massillon players receiving awards include:

First Team

• Dean Clark – defensive back
• Kyshad Mack – linebacker
• Tre’von Morgan – wide receiver
• Max Turner – defensive back
• Deon Williams – offensive line

Second Team

• Justin Gaddis – offensive line
• Aidan Longwell – quarterback
• Kameron Simpson – linebacker
• Hunter Wantz – defensive line

Honorable Mention

• Jayden Ballard – wide receiver
• Tyree Broyles – defensive back
• Benjamin Krichbaum – linebacker
• Jory Mattox – offensive line

Congratulations to all of these deserving Tigers.

Booster Club Report – Week 12

Scores from last week:

• Varsity defeated Columbus Walnut Ridge, 45-14

This week’s schedule:

• Friday – Varsity vs. Columbus Whitehall-Yearling (10-1) at Mansfield Arlin Field, 7:00 pm

Seven Massillon players have been named WHBC All-County, including Jamir Thomas (running back), Aidan Longwell (quarterback), Tre’von Morgan (wide receiver), Dean Clark (defensive back), Deon Williams (offensive lineman), Kyshad Mack (linebacker) and Justin Gaddis (most valuable player).  The honorees were selected by the area coaches and will be officially announced at the WHBC banquet scheduled for November 15.

Terrance Roddy was the guest coach.  Guest players were Jamir Thomas and Tre’von Morgan.  All commented on the sluggish start in last Friday’s win over Walnut Ridge.  “We came out slow,” said Thomas.  “Week 11 (following the emotional McKinley game) is always the hardest week.”  But the Tigers came out after the band show ready to play and outscored Walnut Ridge 28-7.  “We came out in the second half and did what we needed to do,” said Morgan.

Massillon head coach Nate Moore said that Walnut Ridge had some great college-bound players, but he expected to have better success early in the game.  Only, the opponent stacked the box with seven or eight players at a time, nearly negating the vaunted Tiger running attack.  In fact, it was the only time this year that all-time rushing leader Jamir Thomas was held under 100 yards.  Moore said it was more guys than they could block.  With little success on ground, the Tigers went to the air starting in the second quarter and had much better success moving the ball.

Moore also recognizes that the week after the McKinley game has always been one of the toughest for his team.  The players are coming off the biggest game in the state and prone to an emotional letdown.  Plus there is one less day to prepare, since the game is played on a Saturday.  Then there is the playoff game itself.  The coach said it just has a different feel to it than a normal home game.  There is no pregame music, no tunnel, no fireworks and the crowd is significantly smaller.  All of this just leads to a lack of energy. “It almost feels like a JV game,” said Moore.  “It might feel better if we played on the road.”   It took a full half to get over the funk, but the Tigers came away the winner and are alive for Round 2.

Columbus Whitehall-Yearling is the next opponent for the Tigers and enters the fray on the heels of a 38-31 victory over Dover (8-3).  With a current mark of 10-1, they have recorded significant wins over Columbus Northland (8-2), 31-28, Grandview Heights (7-4), 46-13 and London (10-1), 34-15.  The lone loss was 19-6 to Ohio Capital Conference member Westerville Central (5-6) in Week 1.  During the regular season they averaged 40 points a game and gave up 14 against a schedule that is dominated by Division 4 and 5 teams.  But they have beaten those teams handily.  Whitehall is not an inner-city school, rather more like the demographics found in Canton.

The Rams are led by speedy senior quarterback Raymell Byrd (6′-1″, 175 lbs.), who makes a living with his legs, having rushed for 1,562 yards and 23 touchdowns (Jamir Thomas numbers).  A fair passer, he has thrown for 906 yards and five TDs, mostly to senior Christian Gordon (5′-7″, 140 lbs.), who has 31 catches for 500 yards and 6 touchdowns.  Gordon also has great speed.  Byrd is the principle return man on special teams.

Offensively, they operate out of the spread and most running plays are quarterback keepers.  They like to throw the tag screens, but have a wealth of trick plays in their book.  So the Tigers will need to be prepared for anything.  The fullback, Wayne Blackshear (6′-0″, 230 lbs.), is used mostly as a blocker.  The line has good size and averages 6′-0″, 257 lbs.

On defense, expect the Rams to stack the box and send the linebackers on nearly every play, similar to Walnut Ridge.  The secondary will most often play man-to-man on the receivers with a single safety on top.  The defensive line is smallish, averaging 6′-0″, 194 lbs., while the three linebackers go 5′-11, 195 lbs.  So it will almost be akin to playing against seven linebackers.  The defense is led by seniors Keon Freeman (6′-0″, 220 lbs.) and Isaiah Oney (5′-10″, 190 lbs.).  Freeman has 85 tackles, including 20 for loss.  Oney has 70 tackles, including seven for loss.  Both double as running backs and are the only 2-way players for Whitehall.

Go Tigers!