Buy a St. V Program for the Chance to…

Scrimmage Report: Massillon vs. St. Edward

The final tune-up of the preseason pitted 2018 Division 2 State Runner-up Massillon against 2018 Division 1 State Champion Lakewood St. Edward.  This was a great match-up in that both of these teams are ranked nationally and expected to contend once again for their respective state titles.

The scoring part of the venue involved a half of regulation football and the Eagles came out on top 14-0.  But for the Tigers, it was turnovers and missed opportunities that defined the night, at least from a fan’s observation.  From a coach’s perspective, however, it was a great opportunity for the Tigers to face one of the best teams in the state with the goal of exposing their weaknesses.  This will only make Massillon better as they prepare for next week’s opener against Akron St. Vincent.

Massillon led in total offensive yards, 163-152, so play was fairly even throughout.  However, there were those missed opportunities that kept them off the board.  The Tigers had a golden opportunity on St.  Ed’s first possession when Preston Hodges went high to tip a bubble screen pass and Isaiah Roberson snagged the ball, returning it to the Eagle 15.  However, a fumble at the eight negated the opportunity.  Later in the scrimmage, Massillon drove to the red zone, but fumbled a pass reception into the end zone.  Finally, with 50 seconds remaining, St. Edward scored on a 1-yard run, capping a 38-yard drive, which was set up by a pass interception off a tipped ball.

After a short intermission, the two teams traded 10-play series starting with the first teams and progressing through the JV players.  For Massillon, Jayden Ballard caught a 51-yard touchdown pass and Andrew Wilson-Lamp hauled in a 70-yard TD pass, both coming from Aidan Longwell.  Alex Bauer kicked a pair of extra points.  St. Edward scored once, on a 7-yard run.

It should be noted that the Massillon quarterback was “hands off” and the referee was quick to whistle Longwell down, many times before the receiver patterns were fully developed.  Also, any attempt by Aidan to run the ball out of trouble was quickly halted.  Such is life in a scrimmage.

Offensively, Massillon had difficulty running the ball against a very veteran Eagle defensive front, which returns several starters from last year.  It didn’t help that running back Terrence Keyes was not in uniform, although Zion Phifer and Preston Hodges ran as well as expected.  In the passing game, St. Eds had the speedy athletes to stay with Ballard and Wilson-Lamp on the deep routes and few of these passes were successful.  However, Longwell and his receiving corps did an excellent job with the shorter passes and ended up with 116 yards in this area.

Defensively, the Tigers played physically, but at times were often overwhelmed by the size of the St. Ed’s line (note that big Manny McElroy was held out) and vulnerable to quarterback keepers (different scrimmage rules for the Eagles).  Nevertheless, the secondary continues to show improvement.  St. Edward finished with 72 yards rushing and 80 yards passing.

The following is the drive sequence for the regulation part of play:

• St. Edward – Started at their own 30.  Interception returned to the 15.
• Massillon – Started at the St. Edward 15.  Fumbled at the 8.
• St. Edward – Started at their own 8.  92-yard drive for a touchdown; pass of 11 yards.
• Massillon – Started at their own 30.  3 and out, punt.
• St. Edward – Started at their own 28.  3 and out, punt.
• Massillon – Started at their own 30.  35-yard pass from Longwell to Ballard to the 16.  Pass reception at the 5, but fumbled into the end zone and lost.
• St. Edward – Started at their own 20.  Advanced to the Massillon 43 and punted.
• Massillon – Started at their own 20.  Lost ball on downs at the St. Edward 28.
• St. Edward – Started at their own 28.  3 and out, punt.
• Massillon – Started at their own 19.  Interception at their own 38.
• St. Edward – Started at the Massillon 38.  Touchdown drive; 1-yard run with 50 seconds remaining.
• Massillon – Started at their own 30.  Advanced to the 45 and ran out of time.

Big Plays Highlight Second Scrimmage

The Tigers took another step forward Friday night in their preparation for the season opener against Akron St. Vincent, which comes in just two weeks.  The opponent in this second of three scrimmages was Berea Midpark and the Tigers came away with a 27-6 victory in one half of game action.  Prior to this, the teams traded 10-play series during which Massillon outscored the Titans, 10-7.  In game conditions, the Tigers led in total yards 295-140, with nearly all of the Berea yards coming via the pass, while Massillon was effective in both the run and the pass.

Several potential starters were held out for various reasons, including Aidan Longwell at quarterback, two offensive linemen, a linebacker and a safety.  But backup QB Zach Catrone did a commendable job engineering the offense as it continued to demonstrate its explosive character with numerous long runs and passes.  For the night, Catrone connected on three touchdown passes.

Substitution was the script for the night and Coach Moore surely came away with a wealth of film on all of the players.  This was especially important for the defensive backfield as this area of the lineup appears to be very unsettled at the moment.  Pursuit and tackling was good throughout, but pass defense seemed to be an issue.  However, that’s not to overlook a good performance by the Berea quarterback, who displayed good accuracy and target selection.  In addition, the Titans ran a lot of slip screens to the flats, which are not necessarily something a defense would prepare for in a scrimmage. Nevertheless, the coaches utilized a virtual parade of candidates to see who could consistently perform on the field.

10-Play Series

• Berea – Completed a 24-yard touchdown pass.  Score: 0-7.
• Massillon – Catrone tossed a 16-yard pass to Jayden Ballard in the corner of the end zone.  The pass was set up by a 34-yard run by Preston Hodges.  PAT by Magnus Haines.  Score: 7-7.
• Berea – Lost two yards in three plays.  Restart at the 30.  Gained 35 yards and ran out of plays.  Tiger blitz very effective.  Berea run game completely stymied.
• Massillon.  Gained 45 yards ending in a 42-yard field goal by Alex Bauer.  A previous 14-yard touchdown pass was negated on account of holding.  Score: 10-7.

One Half of Action

• Berea – Completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to a wide open receiver.  PAT failed.  Score: 0-6.
• Massillon – Catrone passed to Ballard for 33 yards on the first play.  Anthony Pedro took a short pass and worked his way to the Berea 17.  Terrence Keyes flew up the middle for an 11-yard TD run.  PAT by Bauer.  Score: 7-6.
• Berea – 3 and out.  Punt.
• Massillon – Zion Phifer ran 20 yards to the Berea 40 on the first play.  Catrone hit Pedro for a 23-yard touchdown pass.  PAT by Bauer.  Score: 14-6.
• Berea – Moved the ball to the Massillon 3 but stalled and surrendered it at the 30.  The drive was halted by two critical penalties.
• Massillon – Keyes with an electrifying 70-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage.  Used several open field cuts to defeat would-be tacklers and sped untouched thereafter to the endzone.  PAT by Haines.  Score 21-6.
• Berea – Lost five yards and punted.
• Massillon – Catrone ran for a first down on fourth down at the Berea 34.  But the play was negated since quarterbacks are not permitted to run in this scrimmage, giving the ball to Berea on downs.
• Berea – Gained 10 yards and punted.
• Massillon – Starting at the Berea ten Catrone connected with Ballard on a 53-yard pass.  However, the drive stalled at the Berea 40 and the Tigers punted.
• Berea – Pass intercepted by Ahmon Williams at the Berea 37.
• Massillon – Catrone tossed a post pattern pass to Andrew Wilson-Lamp for a 37-yard score on the first play.  PAT failed.  Score 27-6.
• Berea – Gained 15 yards and punted.
• Massillon – Underthrown long bomb intercepted at the goal line.  End of action.

Observations

• Quarterback – Catrone played well and will continue to improve with more playing time.
• Running backs – Once again, all of the backs ran hard and with good speed.
• Wide receivers – Very effective part of the game.
• Offensive line – Struggled early to protect the quarterback.  This settled itself during game-condition football.
• Defensive front seven – Completely negated any attempt by Berea to run the ball.  Manny McElroy was unmovable in the middle and made several tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
• Secondary – As described above.
• Kicking game – Both kickers showed field goal excellent range.  Haines with booming punts.

JV Scrimmage (2 ten-play series each)

Massillon won three touchdowns to none.  Ramier Kyles 2-yard run set up by a 40-yard pass from Tanner Pierce to TJ Williams.  Defense recovered a fumble in the end zone.  30-yard TD pass from Pierce to Nate Watkins.  Defense solid throughout.  Offense effective primarily with the run.

Next scrimmage: Thursday, August 22 at 7:30 pm against Lakewood St. Edward.

Can’t Get Enough Massillon Football? Join the Touchdown Club

Each Tuesday throughout the season, the Touchdown Club meets at the Massillon Eagles where members can enjoy a delicious lunch and listen to Tiger Head Coach Nate Moore and his player guests discuss both the previous game and the upcoming opponent.  It’s always a great time as the atmosphere is more casual and intimate than the Monday evening Booster Club event, with players and coaches sitting alongside the members during the meal, which makes for some great football talk.

In addition, each member is provided an opportunity to cast a weekly vote that culminates in the selection of the annual Bob Commings Memorial Hardnose Award winner.  Some of the past winners include John Mulbach (Ohio State), David Whitfield (Ohio State), Chris Spielman (Ohio State), Shawn Crable (Michigan) and Brian Gamble (Illinois/Ashland).

The Club is open to anyone eager to discuss Massillon football.  The membership fee is $25 and can be purchased at the door prior to any gathering.  This fee covers the cost of coach and player lunches, the Hardnose Award trophy and administrative fees.  The weekly cost for lunch is $8.00, except for the week of the McKinley game, when the cost is $12.00.  That meeting includes all of the senior players, plus entertainment by the Tiger Swing Band and cheerleaders.  Guests can attend one meeting for the cost of the lunch.

The first meeting of the 2019 season is scheduled for August 27 at 11:30 am.  See you there.

Inquiries can be made to Linda Waechter, Co-Chairman, at (330) 833-8421.

Tiger Offense Rolls Past Avon in Opening Scrimmage

These two Division 2 Top 5 teams squared off once again in the first scrimmage of the year.  As was the case last year, both teams possess powerful offenses and have high hopes for deep playoff runs.  In 2018, Massillon advanced to the state finals where they lost a close game to champion Akron Hoban, whereas the Eagles lost to Hoban in the state semifinals.  But just like last year, Massillon had its way in this event, scoring 6 touchdowns in its 6 series, while holding Avon to 2 scores in its 5 series.

But don’t read too much into the final score.  The format of the scrimmage permitted each team to keep the ball for additional tries after scores until the allocated number of plays (around 20) had been exhausted.  So, if you count just the first series of each possession, then the two teams ended up tied 14-14.  The only real difference in this respect is that Massillon scored relatively quickly, whereas Avon had to work very hard for their scores.  Nevertheless, one cannot totally overlook those other series when assessing the full night of action.

Here is a detailed rundown of the play:

Part 1 – Each team began at its own 35, 1^st and 10, and ran approximately 20 plays each with the final series ending either with a score, a turnover or on downs.

Massillon 1^st Possession

• 1^st Series – On the first play from scrimmage, Aidan Longwell launched a 51-yard bomb to a wide-open Andrew Wilson-Lamp that advanced the ball to the Avon 14.  Two carries by Terrence Keyes placed ball at the one and Zion Phifer scored from there.
• 2^nd Series – Longwell completed a 71-yard scoring pass to Isaiah Roberson.  The speedster caught the ball at Avon 40, cut back twice to elude would-be tacklers and went untouched into the end zone.
• 3^rd Series – Lots of subbing, as was the case for most of the night.  Zach Catrone now at QB.  Both Raekwon Venson and Jean-Luc Beasley were running well during the drive.  At the end of it, Venson fought his way into the end zone from the four.
• Score 20-0.

Avon 1^st Possession

• 1^st Series – Converted a 31-yard touchdown pass.
• 2^nd Series – Lost the ball on a fumble at their own 30.  A certain Tiger touchdown return was called dead (it’s a scrimmage).
• 3^rd Series – Lost the ball on fumble at the Massillon 30.
• Score 20-7.

Massillon 2^nd Possession

• 1^st Series – Longwell completed a 51-yard bomb to Jayden Ballard, who caught the ball in triple coverage at the goal line.  However, Longwell was called down by the referee, negating the TD.  In this scrimmage, the quarterback was given a certain amount of time to get the pass off.  But the line blocking was superb and Aidan just needed time for Ballard to get downfield.  Nevertheless, on the subsequent play Venson raced 51 yards for a touchdown.
• 2^nd Series – Phifer caught a pass in the flat from Longwell and rode the sideline for a 60 yard score.
• 3^rd Series – Lamp gathered in a 65-yard bomb from Catrone and waltzed into the end zone.
• 4^th Series – Catrone’s long bomb to the goal line was intercepted during a battle for the ball.
• Score 41-7

Avon 2^nd Possession

• 1^st Series – Avon connected on a 3-yard pass for a touchdown.
• 2^nd Series – Avon converted a 5-yard pass on fourth down for a touchdown.
• Score  41-21

Part 2 – Punt practice

Part 3 – Overtime simulation.  Each team began at the opponent’s 25, 1^st and 10.

Massillon 1^st Possession

• 1^st Series – Ballard outjumped the defender in the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown pass from Longwell.
• 2^nd Series – Catrone completed a 19-yard screen pass to Davin Wenzel and then Beasley scored from the five.
• Score 14-0

Avon 1^st Possession

• 1^st Series – Stopped on downs at the eight.
• 2^nd Series – Stopped on downs at the 17.
• Score 14-0

Massillon 2^nd Possession

• 1^st Series – Longwell connected with Anthony Pedro for a 23-yard touchdown.
• 2^nd Series – Longwell hit Ballard on a 25-yard post pattern for a TD.
• 3^rd Series – Robbie Page caught a 40-yard 4^th down pass from Catrone for a score.
• Score 35-0

Avon 3^rd Possession

• 1^st Series – Converted a 12-yard pass for a score.
• 2^nd Series – Missed a long field goal.
• 3^rd Series – Stopped on downs at the seven.
• Score 35-7

Part 4 – Field goal practice

Observations:

• Quarterbacks – Aidan Longwell was a field general and showed the poise of a 3-year starter.  Both Longwell (4 TD passes) and Zach Catrone (2 TD passes) can throw deeper and more accurate than most high school quarterbacks.
• Running backs – Terrence Keyes, Zion Phifer, Raekwon Venson, Preston Hodges and Jean-Luc Beasley.  All of the backs ran with authority.  But Keyes was a level above the rest with his quickness and elusiveness.  Very dangerous, especially once past the line of scrimmage.  Venson was simply a power beast.  Phifer knows where the end zone is, while Hodges and Beasley were slashers.
• Wide receivers – As billed.  This may be the best passing combination in the state.  Not only can they consistently get open to catch the ball, but they can do it in traffic and then run effectively thereafter.
• Offensive line – Provided great protection for the quarterbacks.  QBs were rarely pressured all night.  Run blocking consistently opened holes for the running backs.
• Run defense – The Tigers controlled the line of scrimmage.  Safeties were quick to the line to defend the run.  Avon simply could not effectively move the ball on the ground.
• Pass defense – This was the only bright spot for the Eagles, as they were able to move the ball down the field with 5-10 yard passes.  But they could not go over the top at all owing to the Tigers’ speed in coverage.  But that just might be Avon’s strategy against quicker, more athletic teams.
• Kicking – Magnus Haines and Alex Bauer alternated PAT kicks.  Overall, they converted 10 of 11.  Both demonstrated good field goal range in that phase of the scrimmage.
• Punting – Magnus Haines booted several long punts, a few with 5-second hang time.  None of the punts were returnable.

Tiger Moms Can Count On the Massillon Merchants to…

Football practice is underway for the the 2019 season and as in previous years it begins with two-a-days.  That means the hungry Tigers will need lots of healthy food to continue their quest in returning to the Division 2 State Finals.  Stepping up to the plate this year as usual are the Tiger Moms, without whom the effort to secure the meals would be sorely lacking.  So take some time to thank the Moms and please visit all of these area merchants:

• Amherst Meadows
• Arbys
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Charlie Brown Catering
• Danbury of Massillon
• Eagles 190
• East of Chicago Pizza Erie Street Pub
• Grace United Church of Christ
• Kraus Pizza Amherst
• Santangelos
• Top of the Viaduct
• Your Pizza

FUNDRAISER: Vendor Bingo Night

The Massillon Tiger Moms are hosting a Vendor Bingo NIght to help raise funds in support of the Massillon Tiger football team.  The event will be held at BW3 (235 Lincoln Way W., Massillon 44647) on Monday August 5, 2019, starting at 7:00 pm.  ADULTS ONLY!!!  The cost is $10 per player and is good for ten games and a chance to win some great prizes donated by the vendors that support the Massillon Program.  Additional cards can be purchased at the door.  Also, a dinner for purchase is also available starting at 6:00 pm.

Formidable Schedule Once Again Awaits the Tigers

On paper, Massillon is expected to field another outstanding football team, with a 3-year starter returning at quarterback, two wide receivers expected to eventually land at major D1 colleges, a huge offensive line and a pair of running backs that will keep the pressure off the QB.  The defense also returns solid players at many key positions, while the kicking game has no apparent weaknesses.  Plus, the Tigers had the opportunity last year to play five additional games as they advanced through the Division 2 playoffs to the state finals.

But once again Massillon will need to navigate a formidable schedule in order to secure a playoff spot for a fourth consecutive year.  Included in this year’s slate are ten teams that last year posted a combined record of 69-31, with six qualifying for post-season play.  In addition, two of the opponents are outstanding squads from the same league in Pennsylvania.  And these are not “Sun Valley” teams, folks.  Finally, four of the games are on the road and each of these could cause Massillon to stumble.  It should be a great season ahead.

Here is a quick rundown of the Tigers and of each opponent:

 Massillon

• 5-year regular season record: 36-14
• 5-year playoff appearances / record: 4 / 7-4
• Playoff division: 2
• Notes: The Tigers advanced to the Division 2 state finals in 2018, losing to Akron Hoban.

Akron St. Vincent

• Game location: Home
• Series record: 21-6
• Last year’s score: 35-7
• 5-year regular season record: 37-13
• 5-year playoff appearances / record: 4 / 9-4
• Playoff division: 3
• Notes: The Irish lost in the Division 3 state semifinals in 2017 and this will once again be an entertaining opener for both teams.

Canton GlenOak

• Game location: Home
• Series record: 11-4
• Last year’s score: 49-0
• 5-year regular season record: 24-26
• 5-year playoff appearances / record: 2 / 0-2
• Playoff division: 1
• Notes: New coach Beau Balderson hopes to return the Golden Eagles to competitive status.  But GlenOak’s first four games may be insurmountable with opponents including John Adams of South Bend, Indiana, Massillon, Austintown Fitch and North Canton Hoover.

Warren Harding – A

• Game location: Away
• Series record: 54-25-3
• Last year’s score: 51-21
• 5-year regular season record: 31-18
• 5-year playoff appearances / record: 3 / 3-3
• Playoff division: 2
• Notes: Harding is 2-4 against the Tigers in the latest series.  A Week 1 game against Canton McKinley will provide an idea of this year’s potential.

Harrison City Penn-Trafford, PA

• Game location: Home
• Series record: 0-0
• Last year’s score: n/a
• 5-year regular season record: 46-4
• 5-year playoff appearances / record: 5 / 6-5
• Playoff division: AAAA (similar to Ohio D2)
• Notes: The Warriors have lost only four regular season games in the last five years, but have struggled in the playoffs.  They face Tiger opponent Gateway in Week 1.  Last year Penn-Trafford lost to Gateway, 27-7.

Akron Firestone

• Game location: Home
• Series record: 8-0
• Last year’s score: 42-0
• 5-year regular season record: 15-35
• 5-year playoff appearances / record: 0 / 0-0
• Playoff division: 2
• Notes: A welcome breather for Massillon.

Austintown Fitch

• Game location: Away
• Series record: 17-8
• Last year’s score: 42-14
• 5-year regular season record: 34-16
• 5-year playoff appearances / record: 3 / 1-3
• Playoff division: 2
• Notes: The Falcons have won two of last three meetings at home.  In addition, the score was tied in the 2017 game at 28-all with 4:30 remaining.  But the Tigers scored the final ten points to secure the victory.  This will be a formidable test and a potential trap game.

Monroeville Gateway, PA

• Game location: Home
• Series record: 0-0
• Last year’s score: n/a
• 5-year regular season record: 34-16
• 5-year playoff appearances / record:  3 / 8-3
• Playoff division: AAAA (similar to Ohio D2)
• Notes: The Gators have found much success over the past two years, with a regular season record of 19-1 and a playoff record of 7-2.  Gateway was ranked 16^th among all Pennsylvania teams last year by CalPreps.com (5^th in AAAA).  Expect another strong test for the Tigers.

Barberton – A

• Game location: Away
• Series record: 37-7-1
• Last year’s score: n/a
• 5-year regular season record: 39-11
• 5-year playoff appearances / record: 3 / 2-3
• Playoff division: 2
• Notes: The Magics return to the schedule after an absence of 24 years.  But the Tigers will face a much better team this time around, in spite of Barberton losing stellar running back Kyrie Young, who transferred in from Akron St. Vincent, but has since moved on to Akron  Buchtel.  That’s because Barberton returns a wealth of skill talent on the heels of three straight playoff appearances.  They also compiled a regular season mark of 28-2 during that time, including a current 25-game regular season winning streak.  More importantly for Barberton is that the game against the Tigers is at home.

Louisville

• Game location: Home
• Series record: 1-0
• Last year’s score: 41-0
• 5-year regular season record: 36-14
• 5-year playoff appearances / record: 2 / 1-2
• Playoff division: 3
• Notes: The Leopards have struggled with a much tougher schedule since being booted from the Northeastern Buckeye Conference, boasting a record of just 18-12.  Last year they were thrashed early by Massillon at home, but hope to keep it closer this time around.  Only, the game will be held at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, which will be a tall challenge in itself.

Canton McKinley

• Game location: Away
• Series record: 71-53-5
• Last year’s score: 24-17
• 5-year regular season record: 32-18
• 5-year playoff appearances / record: 3 / 1-3
• Playoff division: 1
• Notes: The Bulldogs are considered a regular qualifier for the D1 playoffs, but still struggle to beat the Tigers, having dropped the last three contests and seven of the last eight.  But they are once against expected to give Massillon their best game of the season.

FUNDRAISER: 2019 Golf Outing

Massillon Tiger Football Alumni Association GOLF SCRAMBLE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019
WHERE: Elms Country Club
TIME: Shotgun Start: 1 p.m.
COST: $300 foursome or $75 per golfer

Price Includes:
Green fees & cart, lunch & dinner at the course, beverage truck, football challenges, & raffle prizes!

SPONSOR A HOLE

SPONSOR LEVELS
Individual Sponsorship: $100.00 (One hole sponsor sign included)
Corporate level sponsorship: $450 (Two hole Sponsor signs and foursome)

Make check payable to: MTFAA
Mail to: MTFAA
C/O Glen Weirich, 725 Woodview Dr. NE, Massillon, OH 44646.

The Massillon Tigers and Coach Moore thanks you for your support.

For more information you can contact Glen Weirich at 330-844-8462. Glen’s Email: uabulldog91@gmail.com.