Author: <span>Don Engelhardt</span>

History

Kyle Kempt Continues to Light It Up for Iowa…

It was back in the summer of 2012 that I unexpectedly shared a ride on a plane to Chicago with Massillon quarterback Kyle Kempt.  Of course, we talked some Tiger football, but he was mostly excited about spending time with former Tiger player George Whitfield, Jr. at his Quarterback Academy in San Diego.  George must have done some good because Kyle is now one of the most recognizable college football players in the country.

Kyle Kempt, Massillon’s record-setting quarterback, has found a home at Iowa State.  Since taking over the starting quarterback position for the Cyclones, Kempt has led his team to upsets over Oklahoma and Texas Christian, both ranked in the Top 5 at the time, and won four games in five starts. Following the Oklahoma game, his cinderella story exploded across the national sports networks.  Perhaps Kyle’s next stop may just be mayor of Ames.

Kempt played for the Tigers in 2010 through 2012 and holds several passing records, including the following:

  • Career passing yards (6,034)
  • Single-season passing efficiency (183.7)
  • Single-season average yards per pass (10.5)
  • Single-season passing yards per game (235.1)

In 2012, Kyle’s senior year, his team finished 11-2 and advanced to the regional finals.  During the season, he recorded two victories over Canton McKinley and a win over eventual Division 3 state champion Akron St. Vincent.  He also completed 194 of 292 passes for 3,056 yards and 32 touchdowns and on five occasions he eclipsed 300 yards, while passing for over 200 on four others.  And his team averaged over 41 points a game.  For his effort Kempt was named 2nd Team All-Ohio.

Photo by Mark D. Smith, USA TODAY Sports

Following Massillon, Kyle made made his way to Oregon State and then to Hutchinson Community trying to find a home.  But neither worked out.  Eventually he was accepted at Iowa State as a non-scholarship walk-on.  ISU head coach Matt Campbell, a former Massillon resident and Perry High School player, had recruited Kempt unsuccessfully while at Toledo, but now the two were finally united.  After a year with the scout team, circumstances thrust Kempt into the starting role against Oklahoma in Game 5 and we all know how that went.  Here are his stats for the five starts:

  • Oklahoma – Won 38-31.  18 of 24 for 343 yards and 3 touchdowns.
  • Kansas – Won 45-0.  13 of 20 for 122 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • Texas Tech – Won 30-13.  22 of 32 for 192 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Texas Christian – Won 14-7.  21 of 35 for 202 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • West Virginia – Lost 20-16.  27 of 40 for 249 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • Total – 101 of 141 (72%) for 1,108 yards and 9 touchdowns.

With three games remaining, the Iowa State Cyclones are already bowl eligible and on the way to their best season in many years.  Much of this has to do with Kyle Kempt’s steady and outstanding performance.  Of course, let’s not forget Head Coach Matt Campbell.  Best of luck to Massillon’s own, Kyle Kempt and Matt Campbell.

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Tigers to Play Ashland in Wooster; Bus Info

Massillon has advanced to the second round of the playoffs on the heels of a 28-23 victory over Boardman.  The Tigers will now face Ashland (9-2), which defeated Columbus Mifflin in overtime, 48-47.  The game will be held at Wooster High School’s football stadium next Friday at 7:30 pm.  The stadium is billed as an 8,000 seat venue.

Link to Playoff Bracket

Link to Ashland’s Scores

The Booster Club is offering bus transportation to the Ashland game at Wooster this Friday November 10.  The bus tickets are $20 and do not include a game ticket.  The bus will leave Towne Plaza at 5:30 PM.   Tickets can be purchased at Keller’s Office Furniture or contact Bill Brown at (330) 704-2548 for further information.

Massillon Tigers Letter Logo Editorial

The Website Corner – Week 10

Each week during the football season the staff of massillontigers.com will provide input of their choice related to the recent games or Massillon football in general.

One could point to any number of attributes that led to a Tiger victory over our arch rival Saturday.  When you win by one point there are usually a number of areas that decides why one team wins and the other does not.

Our opponent was undisciplined and numerous penalties hurt their ability to compete.  The Tigers had a distinct advantage in the passing game.  The Tigers did not turn the ball over.  Our Tigers possessed the ball.  Jamir Thomas had forty-two carries.  The Tigers were able to pass with some success while McKinley was held to just 25 yards.  Klay Moll’s field goal provided just enough points to outscore McKinley.

All these items are currently in the past and our focus is now turned toward Youngstown Boardman.  So, what can we bring forward from our win, to use as we take on this week’s opponent.  The biggest attribute that we displayed last week that can be brought forward to this week’s game is the physicality with which our Tigers played.  Being physical and playing with great energy will help bring home another win this Friday.

We as fans need to bring that energy in supporting our team.  Massillon kids have always been able to feed off of the energy of our crowd.  Bring your “A” game and help our Tigers play with that physicality that they displayed last week.  Go Tigers beat Boardman. — GV

Massillon finished No. 2 in Region 7 and will host No. 7 Boardman this Friday at 7:30 pm in the first round of the playoffs.  Boardman brings a 6-4 record into the fray with a signature win over Jackson  (8-2) 39-36 coming in Week 3.  The four losses followed a 3-0 start when their star running back was lost to an injury.  Two losses were to undefeated Steubenville (41-21) and undefeated Canfield (17-7).  The others were to 6-4 Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (21-7) and 6-4 Austintown Fitch (28-7).  While the Tigers bested Fitch 31-21, both teams own wins over Warren Harding by similar margins.

Offensively, the Spartans will aim to establish the run, something they have favored this year on 80% of the plays.  They typically operate out of the spread formation, with a tight end and three receivers.  The offense flows through quarterback Mike O’Horo, a 6′-1″, 200 lb. senior.  Massilllon Coach Nate Moore calls him a “really good football player.”  Expect O’Horo to carry the ball a majority of the time, occasionally using the read-option to set up his runs, something that gave that Tigers problems earlier in the season..  The featured running back is 5′-11″, 202 lb. senior Domonhic Jennings.  He’s a strong runner, but not particularly fast, as compared to previous Tiger opponents.  The offensive line averages 6′-1″ and all are between 240 and 250 lbs.  Although this group comprises only two seniors, it’s the two juniors that have impressed Moore the most.  The passing game is OK at best.

The line is the strength of the defense, which averages out at 6′-2″, 234 lbs.  Although the linebacking corp is on the smaller side, the middle linebackers appear to play well.  Expect a 4-4, cover-3 alignment, with 2-high in passing situations.  Boardman will occasionally blitz, usually from the edge.  Once again, it will be a chess match to see if the Tigers try to pound it out or take advantage of several mismatches in the passing game. – DE

Here are some interesting facts on the eight teams in Region 7:

  • Three teams qualified with 6-4 records, including New Albany, Boardman and Canal Winchester.
  • New Albany played the most D1 or D2 teams (10), followed by Canal Winchester (9) and Massillon (8), although it’s hard to call Ursuline or St. Vincent anything less than D2.
  • Massillon faced the most playoff teams (5), followed by Boardman (4) and Columbus Walnut Ridge (3).
  • Massillon played three private schools; Columbus Whitehall and Boardman played two each.
  • The most potent offenses belong to Ashland (37) and Columbus Mifflin (34).  However, neither boasts of a strong schedule.
  • The best scoring defenses are Canal Winchester (16) and Walnut Ridge (17).
  • The biggest signature wins were Massillon over both Bedford (9-1) and Canton McKinley (8-2), Boardman over Jackson (8-2) and New Albany over Reynoldsburg (7-3).
  • Unexpected losses were both Licking Heights (6-4) and Big Walnut (4-6) over New Albany and Wooster (5-5) over Ashland.

Additional notes:

  • Had Warren Harding defeated Football North from Canada last week, Boardman would have moved to 5th in Region 7 and the Tigers would be playing Ashland this week.
  • Had Massillon been in Division 1, they would have ousted 9-1 Perry from the playoffs with the win over McKinley and traveled to Cleveland St. Ignatius for Round 1.
  • Click here for the Division 2 playoff bracket
  • DE
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Booster Club Meeting Report – Week 10

Report by Rick Dalsky, Booster Club Secretary

The Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club held its latest General meeting in the WHS media center on Monday 10/30/2017.  Booster Club President Steve Berecek welcomed everyone and said it was a great week to be a Tiger.  He informed everyone that at this week’s game vs. Boardman parking passes will be honored.  Also there will be no fireworks or the Tiger balloon, but the tunnel can be used. He reported that the Freshman football team beat McKinley 21-6 this past Thursday.

Senior Board member Bill Dorman encouraged everyone to consider supporting the Massillon Museum levy (Issue 18).  Also, President Berecek encouraged those in attendance to consider supporting the school renewal levy (Issue 43).

President Berecek then introduced Tiger Head Coach Nate Moore who was given a standing ovation.  He enjoyed the past week’s festivities especially the parade and the post-game downtown victory celebration.  He mentioned the great execution by the defense against McKinley.

Coach Moore brought Safeties Coach Dan Hackenbracht to the meeting. He commented on the McKinley game and said our defense tackled well. He also discussed the upcoming game vs. Boardman and answered questions from the audience.

Coach Moore then introduced two Senior football players: Captain WR/S #3 Austin Kutscher and Captain LB #1 Logan Anania who addressed the club on the McKinley game and the upcoming tournament game vs. Youngstown Boardman.  They also answered several questions from the audience.

Coach Moore reviewed and commented on film clips from the McKinley game and then he reviewed Boardman game film and discussed their potential lineup.  He also answered questions from the audience.

Final Announcements:

President Berecek informed those in attendance to embrace the moment, but we must look forward and stay focused.

Door prizes were announced.

Go Tigers!! BEAT Boardman!!

Massillon Tigers Letter Logo Editorial

The Website Corner – Week 9

Each week, the staff of massillontigers.com will provide input of their choice related to the current season or Massillon football in general.

Massillon will face Canton McKinley this week in the 128th renewal of this longstanding rivalry.  The Bulldogs enter the contest with an 8-1 record, owning signature wins over Hudson (6-3) 39-27 and Jackson (7-2) 35-23.  Their lone loss came last week to Perry (8-1) 28-20.  Both teams faced Warren Harding and Canton GlenOak, with each wininng both games.

Offensively, McKinley will run the spread, utilizing a read-pass option; i.e., choosing to either run or pass depending on how many defenders are in the box.  The feature back is speedy Javon Lewis, a 5’6″, 162 lb. senior, who has scored eight TDs and rushed  for 633 yards, at 5.6 yards per carry.  But he was replaced for the most part against Perry by former Tiger player Keishan Watson, who recently became eligible following academic and transfer suspensions.  Quarterback duties fall to 5’9″, 172 lb. junior Alijah Curtis.  He has completed 68% of his passes for 1,647 yards, while throwing nearly 20 passes per game.  The primary receiver is Prayer Wise, a 5’7″, 144 lb. senior.  Wise has 53 catches for 641 yards and seven touchdowns.  Most of the passes have been either tag screens or deep balls.  With this offensive scheme, the Bulldogs force defenses to defend the entire width of the field.

On defense, McKInley has very few weak links, according to Massillon Coach Nate Moore.  They are pretty good everywhere.  Senior laden with very good speed.  The main cog in the defense is 6’0″, 218 lb. linebacker Josh Chandler, a transfer from GlenOak, who has been hobbled over the last month with a leg injury.  Also, keep an eye on junior defensive tackle Micha Clemson, a 5’11”, 198 lb. junior.  Moore stated that he is one of the best defensive lineman the coaches have seen this year.  Look for the Bulldogs to line up balanced against the Tigers, mimicking that of Akron St. Vincent, allowing their superior athletes to make the plays.  Don’t  expect a lot of blitzing.  Massillon will need to run the ball effectively and be efficient in the passing game to have success in this area.

McKinley has very good special teams.  Watch for some rugby punts throughout the game.  The Tigers will need to cover and tackle well due to the speed the Bulldogs have at the return positions. — DE

With one week remaining in the regular season, there are still 13 teams in contention for the Top eight spots.  Four spots are spoken for, while the remaining are up for grabs.  Ironically, as many as nine of these teams are expected to lose this week, which should make for an interesting Friday evening of score chasing.  Here is a rundown on each team’s chance:

  • Columbus Walnut Ridge, Massillon and Columbus Mifflin – These teams are in, win or lose.
  • Ashland – Should beat Wooster to qualify.  But if not, it will be dicey.
  • Boardman and New Albany – Both are expected to win and will qualify, barring a couple upsets.
  • Dublin Scioto, Columbus Whitehall-Yearling, Westerville South and Licking Heights – Each team is expected to lose and be eliminated from contention.  However, an upset a top spot.
  • North Canton, Canal Winchester and Columbus Northland – Each team is expected to lose and be eliminated from contention.  However, an upset would result in a chance for a top spot pending some upsets.
  • If all goes as predicted, the Tigers would finish 2nd, win or lose this week, and face Columbus Whitehall-Yearling in the first round.  However, if Columbus Mifflin upsets Aurora, then the Tigers would slide to third and possibly face New Albany.  But with upsets brewing, who knows.
  • Click here for the computer rankings.
  • — DE
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Booster Club Meeting Report – Week 9

Report by Rick Dalsky, Booster Club Secretary

The Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club held its last General meeting of the regular season in the WHS auditorium on Monday 10/23/2017.  The band and cheerleaders lead the crowd in support of the Tigers.  Coach Moore and his staff brought the entire varsity football team plus the freshman team to the rally.  Booster Club President Steve Berecek welcomed everyone and thanked them for their attendance.

President Berecek then introduced Tiger Head Coach Nate Moore who thanked the band and cheerleaders for their support this season. He commented on last week’s game vs. Akron St. Vincent and the upcoming rivalry game at McKinley.  Coach Moore talked about emotion, effort and responsibility.

Coach Moore then brought up all the Senior football players who each spoke on “What Massillon means to them”.  He reviewed the McKinley scouting report and answered questions from the audience.

Final Announcements:

2 SARTA busses will be leaving in front of Tiger stadium this Saturday at Noon and 1:00pm to take fans to the McKinley game.  Roundtrip ticket costs $3, correct change is required.

Go Tigers!! BEAT McKINLEY!!

News

SARTA to Provide Bus Transportation to the Game

SARTA will be providing transportation to the Canton McKinley game next Saturday, October 28.  There will be two buses leaving Tiger Stadium at noon and two more leaving at 1:00 PM.  The four buses will be available for the return trip following the game.   THE COST IS $3.00 ROUND TRIP AND YOU MUST HAVE THE CORRECT CHANGE.  Contact Bill Brown at 330-704-2548 with any questions.

Massillon v. McKinley

Beat McKinley Week Schedule of Events

Monday

  • 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm – Blood Battle, Massillon Recreation Center
  • 7:00 pm – Booster Club Meeting, HIgh School Auditorium; public invited (players, band, cheerleaders)

Tuesday

  • 8:00 am to 2:00 pm – Blood Drive, Washington High School
  • 11:30 – Touchdown Club, Massillon Eagles #190

Thursday

  • 6:00 pm – Massillon vs. McKinley Freshmen Game, Paul Brown Tiger Stadium
  • 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Washington High School Open House
  • 7:00 pm – Band Concert, Washington High School Main Gym

Friday

  • 1:15 pm – Rally, Washington High School
  • 7:00 pm – Parade, Downtown

Saturday

  • 2:00 pm – 128th Massillon vs. McKinley Game, Benson Field, Canton

 

 

Massillon Tigers Letter Logo Editorial

The Website Corner – Week 8

Each week, the staff of massillontigers.com will provide input of their choice related to the current season or Massillon football in general.

This week our Tigers face Akron St. Vincent – St. Mary.  This year’s version of the Fighting Irish is a typical St. Vincent – St. Mary team.

The strength of this year’s version is their offensive line.  Their offensive line averages 280 lbs. and they are very physical.  They return four starters from last season and they are very good.  As a result they are a run first team, but they have a returning quarterback in Luke Lindsay and can throw very well to spread out the defense.  Their receivers are tall, but not as tall as we have seen in past weeks from Canisius and Firestone.  Their base offensive formation is the pro-I formation and they run the ball very well.

On defense they employ a multiple front depending on what their opponent does offensively.  Their base defensive alignment is a 4-3 and they are very well coached and are extremely disciplined.  In the secondary they employ a cover four and their safeties are very good at supporting the run.  This is a typical Fighting Irish team which means they are very good.  Their record is 5-3 and as a young team they are improving every week.

Our Tigers need to improve again this week to secure a victory.  Offensively we need to possess the ball by running it and make big plays with the passing game.  Defensively we need to get off the field and turn the ball over to our offense.  We will also need a superior game from our special teams.

As fans we need to support our Tigers with our best effort to help our Tigers bring home a victory.  This game is very important to keep the momentum going and will require a total effort from our Tiger Nation.  Go Tigers! — GV

Akron St. Vincent takes a 5-3 record into the game this week against 6-2 Massillon.  Although they don’t possess the offensive firepower they did a year ago, the defense is pretty stout and will create a good challenge for the Tigers. The Irish have struggled a bit with their offense, utilizing sophomores at both quarterback and running back, although both played some last year.  The best wide receiver is also a soph, one Coach Nate Moore calls “pretty good.”  The offensive line is massive, averaging 6′-4″, 280 lbs.  But Moore will be first tell you that in high school size isn’t everything.  Football skill is much more important.  St. V prefers to run the ball with the QB under center, but will go the shotgun in passing situations (60 times vs. Cincinnati LaSalle).  But it’s in that aspect of the game that inconsistency prevails.  Defensively, St. Vincent returns just three starters.  Two of them comprise their strong and free safeties and are perhaps the best players on the team.  So this should be a good test for Massillon’s passing game.  The front seven is “adequate” so look for the Tigers to pound the ball most of the night.  From the Irish, look for a cover-4 defensive alignment with the safeties reading the run, will serve as two additional linebackers.  St. Vincent hasn’t given up many points, but they are particularly good against the run.   Coach Moore expects to get St. Vincent’s best, as they showed against LaSalle in losing 17-9, but didn’t show against Barberton in a 35-14 loss. — DE

Based on the scores across the to state here is where the computer numbers stands:

  • The following teams are a near lock to make the playoffs: Columbus Walnut Ridge, Massillon, Columbus Mifflin and Ashland.
  • The following teams will likely make the playoffs, barring upsets: Boardman, New Albany and Columbus Northland.
  • The following teams have a shot, but either need to pull an upset or get some help from the teams above: Licking Heights, Canal Winchester, Big Walnut and Wooster.
  • The following teams are unlikely to make the playoffs: Westerville South, North Canton, Columbus Whitehall-Yearling, Franklin Heights and Worthington Kilbourne.
  • Click here for the computer rankings.
  • — DE
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Booster Club Meeting Report – Week 8

Report by Rick Dalsky, Booster Club Secretary

The eight General Meeting of the Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club was held in the Media Center of WHS on Monday 10/16/2017.  Booster Club President Steve Berecek welcomed all in attendance.  Steve made the following announcements:

Scores from the week: 8th grade won at Fitch 38-14, Freshman game was cancelled and the Junior Varsity beat Strongsville 35-18.

Note: this Thursday (10/19) the Freshman will be playing St. Vincent at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium at 5:30 pm.

Annual Blood Drive will be held Monday October 23 at the Massillon Rec Center and Tuesday October 24 at WHS from 7:30 am – 1:30 pm. Help us Beat McKinley in this annual drive.

Next Monday’s Booster Club meeting will be the Annual Beat McKinley Rally held in the auditorium of WHS at 7:00 pm.  The team, band and cheerleaders will be there and cookies and punch will be provided by the Booster Club after the rally.  Everyone is invited to attend.

This Friday night we are honoring those businesses that helped with the Tiger Summer Feeding Program at halftime.  It is also Senior night for the players, band and cheerleaders.

Congratulations to Tiger Head Baseball Coach Tim Ridgley and Tiger Assistant Coach Terrance Roddy on the recent births of their sons.

We were well represented at last Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony at the Massillon Museum for the Paul Brown Football Museum. It should be a wonderful addition to the community.

President Berecek then introduced Coach Nate Moore who introduced two senior football players: Senior WR Austin Kutscher and Senior LB Logan Anania who addressed the club on the Firestone game and the upcoming game vs. Akron St. Vincent.

Coach Moore brought Offensive Coordinator John Mazur to the meeting. They reviewed and commented on many film clips from the Firestone game and then they reviewed Akron St. Vincent game film and discussed their potential lineup.  An injury report was given and they both answered many questions from the audience.

Final Announcements:

We have an important game this week.

Remember to bring canned goods to the next meeting to help us win the food drive.

Door prizes were announced.

Go Tigers!! Beat Akron St. Vincent!!