Author: <span>Eric Smith</span>

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo History

1927: Massillon 0, Lorain 12

LORAIN HANDS WASHINGTON HIGH 12 – 0 TRIMMING
POOR OFFENSE ROBS MASSILLON OF ANY CHANCE OF WINNING

Lacking a smooth working or well directed offense, without which no football team can go very far, Washington high’s gridiron aggregation took a 12 to 0 pasting from Lorain high’s stocky eleven in last Saturday afternoon’s torrid tussle on Massillon Field, the first scholastic grid combat to be staged here this fall. Shoving over touchdowns in the first and fourth quarters Lorain piled up enough points to win its first scholastic battle with a Massillon team and displayed a clean cut superiority over the orange and black throughout most of the contest.

Massillon lost because it lacked a consistent attack. Its offense lacked punch and only once was the Massillon outfit able to work the ball inside Lorain’s 20-yard line. However, the orange and black several times was within scoring distance but twice lost chances for touchdowns because its aerial attack failed to function and its other chances went glimmering when the Lorain defense was too tough to crack.

The defense work of the line was the only bright spot in Massillon’s performance. Playing under a boiling sun, that brought mid summer temperatures, the orange and black forward wall for three quarters stood off the crushing line plunges of the heavy Lorain backs. But the pace was too much for the local boys and they cracked early in the fourth quarter when the visitors began a steady line hammering attack that carried the ball 40 yards down the field and across the Massillon goal line for their second set of counters.

Lorain, however, put the game on ice early in the first quarter. The fans had hardly become settled in their seats before the visitors had scored a touchdown. It took three minutes to do it and a brilliant 45-yard dash by Kissel, Lorain halfback, paved the way for the points. Massillon received and punted. Mauger stopped Ujhelyi, the Lorain quarterback, on Lorain’s 48-yard line.

On the first play Kissel tucked the ball under his arm and with splendid interference circled Massillon’s left end and dashed down the field as his teammates boxed in or spilled the Massillon secondary defense. Seven yards from the Massillon goal he was pulled to earth by Captain Laughlin and tackle Fox. But Lorain was not to be stopped within sight of Massillon’s goal. Wolfe, Lorain’s giant fullback, smashed through the Massillon line on the second play and planted the ball back of the goal line. Ujhelyi missed a place kick for the extra point.

With their backs to the wall the orange and black tried desperately to even up the score but Lorain’s defense was too tough. The local team confined itself almost entirely to line bucking plays in the first quarter. It gained some ground but could not dent the Lorain forward wall when in scoring precincts.

Near the close of the period Wolfe pulled his team out of a hole when he grabbed a Massillon forward on his 20-yard line and raced the ball back 19 yards before being forced out of bounds.

Massillon’s best chance of scoring came in the second quarter but the chance was lost when its aerial attack failed to materialize. Foster returned one of Wolfe’s punts to Lorain’s 20-yard line. Briggs flipped a pass to Shanabrook for 18 yards and the ball was on the visitor’s 21-yard mark. Then Briggs tried to pass to Straughn but it went over the Massillon end’s head when he turned and stopped to see where the ball was. Had Straughn pulled the pass out of the air he might have gone over for a touchdown.

A few minutes later Briggs covered a fumble on Lorain’s 34-yard line. Once again he attempted a pass to Straughn and again the ball went over Straughn’s head with a clear field ahead.

The third quarter was played largely in midfield. Massillon might have gained ground on end runs with proper interference, but only a few were tried. Most of them, however, produced some yardage.

It was at the start of the fourth quarter that Lorain showed its best punch of the day. The Massillon line, however, by this time was beginning to feel the effects of its battering and the heat. Ujhelyi intercepted a Massillon pass on Massillon’s 40-yard line as the quarter opened. He went through for 20 yards before being downed by Dommer. Three plunges gave Lorain a first down, putting the ball on the 25-yard line. With another first down in sight Lorain was penalized 15 for holding but it made up the penalty and gained enough ground for a first down when Ujhelyi tossed a pass to Kissel for 17 yards, taking the ball to the 14-yard line. Uhhelyi and Wolfe toted the leather to the one-yard line in three plunges. Ujhelyi plunged into the line again. He was stopped a half yard from his goal but on the next play he went over. He again missed a place kick for the additional point.

With the forward pass left as its only hope for overcoming the Lorain lead in the closing minutes of play, Massillon began to toss passes in a desperate fashion but only one out of 10 attempts in the final period worked and the game ended with Lorain in possession of the long end of the count.

Up until the fourth quarter the ground gaining ability of the two teams was about equal. But in the final period Lorain ripped off five first downs and had Massillon shaded 10 to six when the game ended. Massillon tried the air game a lot in an effort to gain but got nowhere with it.

The orange and black attempted 19 passes, but only two were completed, one in the second quarter for 18 yards and the other in the fourth for 10. Two were intercepted by Lorain. The visitors did not depend a great deal on passes for their gains. They attempted but four, working only one for 17 yards. Massillon intercepted one.
Lineup and summary:
Massillon – 0 Pos. Lorain – 12
Straughn LE Stevenson
Fox LT Crehore
Henderson LG Armstrong
Potts C Glorioso
Mauger RG Traub
Anthony RT Towner
Shanabrook RE Delcey
Briggs QB Ujhelyi
Foster LHB Kissel
Grant RHB Burge
Laughlin FB Wolfe

Score by quarters:
Lorain 6 0 0 6 12

Substitutions:
Massillon – Dommer for Fox, Schnerlie for Straughn, Nichols for Briggs, Fox for Dommer, Dommer for Anthony, Straughn for Schnerlie, Briggs for Nichols, Evans for Fox, Garland for Henderson, Schnerlie for Dommer.

Lorain – Fitzgerald forTowner, Shade for Burge, Towner for Fitzgerald, Burge for Shade.

Touchdowns – Wolfe, Uhhelyi

Offiicals:
Referee – Maurer (Wooster).
Umpire – Lobach (F. & M.).
Head Linesman – Jenkins (Akron).

Time of quarters – 12 minutes.

Earl Straughn
Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo History

1927: Massillon 6, Akron East 6

WASHINGTON HIGH GRIDDERS TIE AKRON EAST 6 T0 6
STIRRING RALLY IN SECOND HALF SHOWS TEAM HAS STRENGTH

A gallant-little band of grid warriors of Washington high school withstood the thrusts of a powerful Akron East team, and earned a well deserved 6 to 6 tie in a rather slow game on Sieberling Field, Akron, Saturday afternoon.

Outplayed in the first half and trailing 6 to 0, the youthful Tigers lashed back with a determined attack in the third quarter, and swept the surprised Akron gridders off their feet until they reached the 10-yard zone where the rubber city crew rallied sufficiently to turn back the onslaught of the Massillon backs led by Captain Laughlin.

But the local gridders undaunted by their failure to cross the goal line, made two more attempts to tie the score, pushing the ball across on the final opportunity just as the gun ended the period.

It was a rejuvenated Massillon team that entered that second half. Battered badly during the latter part of the first and most of the second quarter, and outscored four to one on first downs, Captain Laughlin led his warriors into a terrific attack that not only tied the score but piled up a total of eight first downs to Akron’s two for the third and fourth periods of play. Reading the running story of the game as it was taken down, play by play, it is easily seen that Massillon outplayed Akron more decisively in the last half than the rubber city crew did the locals in the first and second periods.

Akron was making a final attempt to win the game when the gun cracked, ending the contest on the 16-yard line, the ball being placed in that position through a 20-yard pass, the only one completed during the day, and several line plunges. It was third down and nine to go when the referee’s signal sounded. Those two first downs were the only ones East could make in the last half of the battle. The orange and black had the ball practically all the time during the third period, and the greater part of the fourth and it was not until the last few minutes in the final quarter that East could again get its offense working.

Keeney, Akron’s four-year quarterback, and Earl Foster, Washington high halfback, made the only sensational runs of the day. Kenney’s was good for a touchdown and the stocky signal barker stepped 28 yards behind perfect interference for his team’s only points. Foster’s run came at the end of the second period and was the only flash of offense the local team showed during the entire first half. The small halfback, on a quarterback sneak, stepped 20 yards through the secondary defense, placing the ball in the middle of the field just as the half ended. That run undoubtedly put confidence in the Massillon crew for the determined drive in the following quarters. At least it proved that the Akron defense was not impregnable, and could be battered down with a little more exertion.

Although the game was slow, with few exciting moments, it was well played considering it was the opener of the season for both teams. There were few injuries and few penalties and this hustled it through in “jig” time.

Massillon’s touchdown was helped considerably by a penalty, Captain “Squirt” Kenney of East being guilty of dirty playing in a critical moment of the battle when he came in with a hit on Paul Briggs after the latter had already been downed and the referee’s whistle sounded. When Kenney resorted to these tactics to stop the threatening Massillon score, the orange and black had the ball on the 10-yard line. The result was that the locals were given the ball within the one-yard of the East goal, Briggs taking it across on the second play. However the orange and black might have pushed the ball across without the assistance of the penalty for the offensive machine was working smoothly when Kenney used his feet too freely.

Both teams were evenly matched. If there was an edge, Massillon had it in view of the fact that it made nine first downs to East’s six, which alone shows a better offense and defense.

The number of first downs were held low because of the strong defensive playing of both teams and because both teams, with few exceptions, resorted to nothing but straight football. Only three passes were tried, one by Massillon and two by East. The local school’s only attempt was a wild heave that was grounded while East completed both of its throws. One was good for 20 yards and the other for three, but the latter was not counted in the game since Massillon was offside on the play and was penalized five yards.

As expected, Reese Price, veteran tackle, left the game in the second quarter with his “pet” leg injured again. It looks as though he will be of little value to Coach Atkinson this year. Anthony took his place and played a good game until put out towards the close of the battle for roughing it.

In weight, the teams were nearly matched. From tackle to tackle, Akron was heavier but its ends did not possess as much weight as the Massillon wingmen. The backfields probably weighed about the same.

Coach Atkinson’s team looks good and should develop into a smooth running machine by the end of the season. However, the attack Saturday did not appear varied enough and Briggs called but once for a forward pass, while few end runs were attempted.

Foster held his own with Keeney in punting, his kicks, averaging about 35 yards. However, unless Earl can put more yardage on his boots, the local team will be handicapped no little when it bumps up against a punter who can boot the ball 50 yards.

Foster does not claim to be a champion kicker, but he is the best man Atkinson has in the backfield for booting the ball and he at least gets this kicks away in time not to be blocked.

The local team made a fine appearance as it trotted down the field in new uniforms of orange with a large black “M” on the front. The jerseys have leather elbow guards and are very attractive.

Probably one of the biggest surprises of the afternoon was the large crowd that turned out from Massillon. With schools not yet in session and the general high school “pepper” not revived, few expected to see so many Washington high students and older fans in the bleachers. They made themselves plainly heard, the 1,500 who were there, when the second half offensive got underway. Akron also had a large delegation at the game.

It was Akron’s greatest wish to win the game Saturday and do what no other school has been able to do in recent years, beat Massillon high in two consecutive seasons. The rubber city crew won the opening game 6 to 0 here in 1926 and was out to make it two in a row Saturday but the close of the game found the local school still holding its record.

True, Youngstown South claims two consecutive victories over Massillon but the second was a tainted one and was secured only through a forfeit when former Coach David B. Stewart took his team off the field after he saw it was impossible to win the game with the partial officiating.

Here’s the way the opening game was played:
FIRST QUARTER
Dommer kicked off to Keeney who was downed on the 30-yard line. Averitt made two yards and Keeney three more. Pokorosky lost the ball on a wild pass from center but recovered for a 15-yard loss. Keeney punted to Briggs who was downed on his own 35-yard line. Dommer waded through for four and made two more on his next attempt. Briggs added another yard and Foster then punted to the Akron 30-yard line. Averitt made eight yards on two plunges while Pokorosky made it first down on the 38-yard line.

Averitt carried the ball twice again making five yards. Keeney then punted to the Massillon 35-yard line. Laughlin made two and Briggs one, but Foster attempting to punt, fumbled the ball and recovered on his own 30-yard line. He then punted on the next play to Pokorosky who returned from the 40-yard line to midfield.

Three plays netted a first down as the quarter ended.
SECOND QUARTER
East was given possession of the ball on the Massillon 28-yard line. Pokorosky failed to gain, but on the next play, Kenney stepped through right tackle behind perfect interference for his team’s touchdown which later proved to be its only points. He missed his attempted dropkick, the ball going wide of the bar.

Kenney kicked off to Briggs on the Massillon 25-yard line, Briggs returning to the 32-yard line. Laughlin failed to gain after which Foster punted to Akron’s 40-yard line. Price was hurt on the play and Anthony took his place. Averitt made three yards, but time was taken out when it was found he was injured on the play. He continued, however, and went through for eight yards and a first down on the next play. Morgan made three and Keeney and Averitt each two yards. With fourth down and three to go Keeney punted to Foster on the five-yard line. Foster immediately punted back to his own 45-yard line. Keeney returning 10 yards, but East was penalized 15 yards on the play placing the ball on its own 45-yard line. Keeney ripped around left end for 15 yards. Averitt made a yard while Pokorosky was held without gain. Pokorosky then passed three yards to Averitt but the play was called back when it was found that a Massillon player was offside. Keeney then punted to Laughlin on the 10-yard line. Briggs punted 20 yards, the ball rolling out on his own 30-yard line. Keeney made three yards and Pokorosky five, but Keeney was tossed for a three yard loss on the next play by Anthony. He then punted over the goal line. The orange and black was given the ball on its own 20-yard line. Laughlin got a bad pass from center and lost 10 yards. Foster punted to the 45-yard line; Polorosky fumbling, but recovering. Keeney made a yard and then punted to Briggs on his own 27-yard line. Foster then showed the only flash of offense for Massillon in this half by carrying the ball to midfield on a sneak play. Dommer failed to gain as the half ended.
THIRD QUARTER
Keeney kicked off to Briggs on the 30-yard line, Briggs returned to the 40-yard line. Laughlin drove through for 11 yards placing the ball in midfield. He carried the ball a second time for nine yards and then smashed through for 11 yards and another first down on the 30-yard line. Briggs made three yards and Laughlin made it first down on the 20-yard line. Briggs made four and Laughlin two more, but with the ball on the 14-yard line. East held Foster for no gain and Briggs’ pass was grounded. East took the ball on downs, Keeney immediately punting back to his own 38-yard line. Foster returning to the 30-yard mark. Laughlin made four yards and Briggs two. In two more attempts Laughlin made nine yards and a first down on East’s 16-yard line. Briggs made a yard and Laughlin five more, but the Massillon gridder fumbled on the play, Shanabrook recovering on the 11-yard line Briggs and Laughlin failed to gain in two cracks at the line, East getting the ball on its own 11-yard line. Anthony tossed Keeney for a four-yard loss. Averitt was held without a gain. Keeney then punted to Briggs on the 27-yard line, Briggs returning the ball to the 21-yard line. Briggs made three yards and six more on the next play. Laughlin bucked the ball over for a first down on the 11-yard line. Briggs made a yard and Keeney jumped feet first on the pile of players, drawing a penalty for his action. The referee gave Massillon the ball on the Akron one-yard line. Laughlin failed to gain, but on the next play made a hole for Briggs who scored the touchdown just as the quarter ended. Foster failed in attempted dropkick.
FOURTH QUARTER
East kicked off to Briggs who received the ball on his 20-yard line carrying it back three yards. Laughlin made a yard but Briggs slipped through for seven more. He then made a first down on the next play on the 33-yard line. Laughlin bucked…..SOME COPY MISSING ….yard line the orange and black elected to punt and Foster booted the ball to Keeney on the latter’s 40-yard line. Averitt made seven yards on two plays and Pokorosky lost two. Keeney then booted the ball to Massillon’s 20-yard line. Dommer made four while Briggs added two more. Briggs lost three on the next play. Foster punted to Pokorosky on the 43-yard line. Pokorosky failed to gain. Keeney then dropped back and passed 20 yards to Pokorosky who was dropped on the orange and black’s 23-yard line. Anthony was put out for roughing it, Garland taking his place. Keeney slipped through for six yards and Averitt made five more for a first down on the 12-yard line. Potts went in for Garland. Keeney made three yards but the play was called back and East penalized five yards for offside. Keeney then made two yards on an end run as the game ended.
A Good Start
Massillon – 6 Pos. Akron East – 6
Straughn LE Fela
Fox LT Bell
Henderson LG Gilbert
Evans C Sheppard
Mauger RG Walker
Price RT Growdon
Schnierle RE Kinney
Briggs QB Keeney
Foster LHB Pokorosky
Laughlin RHB Averitt
Dommer FB Morgan

Score by periods:
Massillon 0 0 6 0 6
Akron East 0 6 0 0 6

Substitutions:
Massillon – Anthony for Price, Shanabrook for Schnierle, Garland for Anthony, Potts for Evans, Evans for Garland.

Touchdowns – Keeney, Briggs.

Officials:
Referee – Michaels (Goodyear).
Umpire – Kester (Mt. Union).
Head Linesman – Thomas (Penn U.)

Time of periods – 12 minutes.

Earl Straughn
Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo History

1927: Massillon 15, Cleveland John Adams 19

WASHINGTON HIGH DOWNED 19 TO 15
Plucky Massillon Team Drops Game to Cleveland John Adams in Last Two Minutes

John Adams high school’s highly vaunted grid machine, was almost upset in Cleveland Saturday afternoon by what was rated as only a small obstacle in its path, Washington high school of Massillon. Adams finally won 19 to 15, but in so doing was given many severe jolts by this Massillon team, which like a mushroom, sprang in to a formidable looking football eleven overnight.

John Adams won, but had to play football and had it not been for a little bad judgment by the orange and black in the last two and a half minutes of play, there is little doubt but that the youthful Tigers would have returned to this city Saturday evening with a tie score rather than another defeat.

Yet there is little to cry over in the local gridders defeat. The few hundred Massillon fans who attended the game saw an eleven take the field that was only the remnants of the squad that started the first game on September 24, against Akron East. On the line: Dommer, Reese Price, Potts and Evans were missing, while Captain Whitey Laughlin, the teams’ most dependable ground gainer was not in uniform. Injuries and ineligibility had wrecked the team and the eleven did not have the weight that the other first stringers packed. But the subs, sent in by Coach John Atkinson, fitted into the vacant holes like swollen bungs in the old cider barrel, and the Massillon team played the Adams gridders on even terms during the first three periods and were leading, 13 to 7 at the end of the half. The local team, however, began to weaken under the strain in the fourth quarter when the Clevelanders found it easier to gain ground around the Massillon ends and pushed the winning touchdown across, with the help of a break in the game, in the closing minutes of play.

In tackling John Adams, the local gridders bumped up against a fast and well drilled team, a team that has made its defense its big boast of the year. Previous to Saturday, John Adams had played five games. In all those five contests, only five first downs were scored against the Cleveland team. Massillon, however, made the required yardage nine times Saturday, much to the surprise of the Clevelanders. The entertaining team used a deceptive end around play continually throughout the game, making many yards with sweeping runs on the Massillon flanks, coupled with short forward passes. It failed to roll back the Massillon line. The local team resorted to an open attack, using sneak plays and throwing many forward passes.

The John Adam’s coach’s bit of strategy proved disastrous to him at the start of the game when he sent his yannigans into the conflict. The “yans” didn’t last very long, however, for the youthful Tigers received, made a vicious onslaught towards the Clevelander’s goal line and Paul Briggs was across for a touchdown from the 25-yard line before the Cleveland mentor could assemble his regulars and rush them to the rescue. The score came in the first minute and a half of play.

With the regulars in, however, the Cleveland team of many nationalities began an attack from midfield that did not end until Benis had scored from the four-yard line. Cleveland attempted to pass for the extra point and it was incomplete, but the point was awarded to the John Adams gridders on a Massillon player’s interference. The first period ended with Massillon making a drive toward the John Adams’ goal line and the Cleveland team in the lead, 7 to 6. Forward passes placed the ball in a position for the local team to register its second touchdown of the game, three passes, a penalty and a nice run by Grant placing the ball on the five-yard line from where it was pushed across by Grant on three plays. Grant the dropped back and passed to Foster for the additional point. John Adams made frantic efforts to tie the score during the eight remaining minutes of the first half, but never came within striking distance of the Massillon goal and the local gridders trotted off the field, leading 13 to 7 at the close of the first half.

The Cleveland team, however, lashed out with a terrific attack in the second half of the game and scored a touchdown shortly after the opening of the third period on Dayton’s pass to the speedy Soukup who raced 20 yards over the Massillon goal line. The ball had been placed on the 20-yard line as a result of a series of end runs and passes and the touchdown climaxed a march of 60 yards. Mandula’s attempt to carry the ball across for the extra point was smothered by a flock of orange and black tacklers. The touchdown tied the score and from the following kickoff until the last 2y minutes of the game it appeared as though the fracas would end in a tie. Most of the play during this last period, however, was in Massillon territory. With only three minutes to go and the score standing at 13 to 13, the locals received the ball on a punt on their own 30-yard line. Not satisfied with a tie score, the orange and black gridders were trying frantically for another touchdown and began to toss passes in an effort to take home a victory. The first was successful and brought a gain of a few yards, but the second went into the hands of Mandula on the Massillon 40-yard line and the fleet halfback raced to the 11-yard line before he was downed. Four cracks at the Massillon line and ends netted a first down by inches, only half a yard from the orange and black goal line. Two more plays were required before Benis squirmed through for the winning points on a sneak play. Dayton’s attempted placekick was low and the extra point was lost.

The orange and black again tried to score with the forward pass but failed. The locals, however, did add two points to their total in the last minute of play through a safety which appeared intentional on the part of Koran, Adams gridder. Fox tagged Foster’s punt within a couple of yards of the Adams goal line. Adams was leading 19 to 13 and when Koran standing behind his own goal line saw his punt might be blocked by the rushing Massillon linemen, he decided to drop to the ground, rather than kick the ball, making a safety and two points for the orange and black. The Adams team was then given the ball on its 20-yard line and Koran punted out of danger as the game ended.

In first downs, Adams was superior, making the required yardage 13 times to nine times for Massillon. The local team completed five passes in 11 attempts for a total of 39 yards. Five passes were incomplete and one was intercepted. John Adams tried the aerial game 12 times, completing six passes for a gain of 30 yards. Two of Adams’ passes were intercepted by Massillon backs, while four were incomplete. The Cleveland gridders were penalized eight times for being offside. Massillon was set back but 10 yards in penalties.

Two hundred or more local fans attended the game Saturday.
The Score
John Adams – 19 Pos. Massillon – 15
Dick LE Fox
Atkins LT Geis
Baidisari LG Henderson
Danchik C Buttermore
Smudz RG Mauger
Sugarman RT Anthony
Battiator RE Straughn
Davis QB Grant
Howells LHB Foster
Finnigan RHB Andrews
Koran FB Briggs

Score by periods:
John Adams 7 0 6 6 19
Massillon 6 7 0 2 15

Substitutions:
Adams – Hindulak for Atkins, Gideon for Baldisari, Reed for Danchik, Gaskill for Smudz, Belian for Sugarman, Serpowitz or Battiato, Benis for Davis, Mandula for Howells, Soukup for Finnigan, Dayton for Koran, Finnigan for Soukup, Miller for Gaskill, White for Reed, Koran for Dayton.

Massillon – Garland for Geis, Schnierle for Andrews, Shanabrook for Straughn, Fischer for Garland.

Touchdowns – Benis 2, Soukup, Briggs, Grant.

Points after touchdown – Mandula (Massillon foul), Foster (pass).

Safety – Koran.

Officials:
Referee – Myer (Ohio Wesleyan).
Umpire – Sutter (W. & J.)
Head Linesman – Richards (Ohio Wesleyan).

Earl Straughn
Massillon vs. McK - Throwback (Large) History

1926: Massillon 0, Canton McKinley 0

WASHINGTON HIGH BATTLES CANTON M’KINLEY TO SCORELESS TIE
OLD RIVALS GET EVEN BREAK IN THRILLING DUEL

COMING through with the greatest exhibition of fighting spirit it has shown all season Coach John H. Atkinson’s orange and black eleven of Washington high school last Saturday afternoon held the powerful red and black aggregation of McKinley high, Canton, to a scoreless draw in their annual battle on the snow-covered gridiron at Massillon Field. About 8,000 spectators, the largest crowd to ever witness a scholastic football duel in Massillon, were on hand to see the fall classic and were treated to a spectacular contest in which both teams distinguished themselves by their hard but clean playing.

And once again the old dope bucket was given a wallop in the solar plexus. Entering the fracas as the under dog with Canton McKinley ruling the favorite because of a long string of impressive victories behind it, Coach Atkinson’s boys flung back at their critics the charges that they lacked fighting spirit and uncovering as much grit and courage as any Massillon eleven in the past, came within one yard of scoring a touchdown that would have brought victory over their ancient rival.

Only a desperate fighting Canton eleven, that was battling with all its strength to stave off defeat, kept Massillon from shoving across a touchdown in the third quarter when two blocked Canton punts, the first to be flocked on the east enders this year, gave Massillon the ball deep in Canton’s territory. The last blocked punt gave Massillon the ball on Canton’s four-yard line but four smashes into the line failed to take the oval over, although the orange and black had lugged the ball to Canton’s one-yard line before fourth down.

It was the best chance either team had to score. Canton launched its strongest attack in the first half and in the second quarter twice advancing the ball inside Massillon’s 20-yard line but was never equal to the task of pushing back a determined orange and black eleven that bristled with courage and gameness when its goal line was in danger. Massillon held the upper hand throughout most of the second half, throwing more than one scare into the hearts of Canton rooters.
FEW CHANGES
Nine of the eleven Massillon players who started the game were still in the lineup when the final whistle blew. Massillon made but two substitutions, Dave Smith replacing Mauger in the line in the first quarter and Easterday going in for Spencer in the last few minutes when the big guard was injured after playing a whale of a game throughout. Injuries couldn’t keep the Massillon regulars out of the contest. Several of them were hurt and had to take time out but not a one of them would give up. All of which indicates that the orange and black Saturday had plenty of fighting spirit and physical fitness, the two things which worried local fans considerably before the game.

Canton sent quite a number of players in to the game. At the start of the third quarter Coach Peabody had three fresh halfbacks and two new ends in the lineup, saving his regulars for a late spurt. But the regulars did not get much of a rest. They were rushed into the battle again in a hurry after Massillon had blocked two of Holmes’ punts and was driving through the Canton eleven toward the east enders’ goal line. Only Peabody’s quick action in jerking his replacements kept Massillon from scoring.

Snow fell during most of the game. Both teams were hampered by the wet condition of the field. A slippery ball made it difficult for both teams to do much with the aerial game, although Canton uncovered quite a puzzling forward pass attack that succeeded in registering numerous gains.

So far as ground gaining was concerned Canton held a big edge on the Massillon lads making 11 first downs to one for Massillon but while Canton could gain on passes and end runs in midfield it never was able to do much against the fighting orange and black eleven once it had worked the ball into Massillon territory.

Despite the slippery condition of the ball fumbles were very scarce. Both teams played cleanly throughout and few penalties were inflicted by the officials.
FOX, BENSON, PRICE STAR
Massillon’s line came through in great shape, Saturday, every lad on the forward wall giving a good account of themselves but the heroes of the conflict were Sam Benson, center, and Fox, left tackle. Both played brilliant defensive games and it was their hard charging that enabled them to burst through the Canton line at the start of the third quarter and block two of Holmes’ punts.

Fox, a lad who has played a steady game all Fall, rose to heights of greatness Saturday by his wonderful performance. He was in practically every play, tackled hard and blocked the punt that gave Massillon the ball on Canton’s four-yard line. Benson also distinguished himself by his playing. The Massillon center was pitted against Ballard, captain of the Canton team and one of the best lineman the east end school has ever had but he met more than his match Saturday in Benson and was badly outplayed by the Massillonian. It was Sam who crashed through the Canton line to block a punt in the third quarter, gaining the distinction of being the first player of the year to block a kick on Holmes, the Canton punter.

Assisting Benson and Fox in their star defensive game was Captain Bill Price, the Brewster Welshman. Price’s work in the secondary defense was brilliant throughout. He was all over the field and tackled like a demon. Dave Smith, Ott and Spencer also played good games. Gump and Fulton on the ends had a busy day as Canton depended a great deal on end runs for its gains. They had difficulty stopping the Canton charges in the first half but both played strong games in the last two quarters.

Massillon’s offense, however, was not equal to its defense. This was largely due to the strong defensive games played by Canton. The best offensive game was played by “Whitey” Laughlin who never failed to gain a yard or two on his smashes into the Canton line. Courtney Smith also played well but McConnell and Price had difficulty gaining. Canton knew the ability of both of these lads and watched them closely. McConnell, however, got away for the longest gain of the game at the start of the third quarter when he went through Canton’s left tackle for 28 yards, having cleared the entire visiting eleven except Holmes, the safety man, who brought him down on Canton’s 22-yard line.
McCONNELL OUT PUNTS HOLMES
It was in punting that McConnell did his best work, Saturday. His exhibition of kicking was one of the best of the season and he clearly out-punted Holmes, Canton’s backfield star, gaining considerable yardage for the orange and black by his long and well placed punts.

Canton as usual depended largely upon Holmes for its offensive strength but outside of several brilliant returns of punts the Canton quarterback was held in check. He tossed several neat forward passes but most of the Canton gains were made by Hodnick, Clark and Taubensee on plunges through the line or dashes around the ends.
FIRST QUARTER
Massillon received to open the game and punted on third down. Holmes immediately launched an aerial attack and after his first pass had failed, tossed to Ritterspaugh and Kaufman for gains of seven and 15 yards. Canton then shifted to line plays and end runs and worked the ball to Massillon’s 34-yard line where the orange and black held for downs and took possession of the leather.

Then followed an exchange of punts, before Hodnick went through the line for eight yards before being tackled by McConnell.
SECOND QUARTER
A 25-yard return by Holmes of McConnell’s punt gave Canton the ball on Massillon’s 45-yard line early in the second quarter. After three plays had failed Holmes skirted right end for 11 yards and a first down before being chased out of bounds by Fulton. This put the ball on Massillon’s 32-yard line. Holmes was hurt but continued in the game. Hodnick hit the line for three and Holmes then passed to Hodnick for eight.

This gave Canton a first down with the ball on the 19-yard line. Kaufman was stopped without gain but Taubensee and Hodnick made seven in two plunges. On fourth down Holmes passed to Hodnick but the Canton receiver caught the ball out of bounds and it went to Massillon on its 13-yard line. McConnell punted out of danger but Massillon was penalized 15 yards for holding and the ball was back on Massillon’s 22-yard line.

The orange and black, however was equal to the occasion and held the red and black getting the ball on its 15-yard line. McConnell again punted and Holmes brought the ball back to Massillon’s 35-yard line. Four plunges gave Canton a first down. Only a few seconds of play remained in the second quarter and Kaufman dropped back to the 32-yard line for a field goal but his kick was short.
THIRD QUARTER
Canton received at the start of the third quarter but after Goss had been tossed for a four-yard loss Holmes punted to midfield. Then McConnell ripped through Canton’s left tackle for 28 yards taking the ball to the Canton 22-yard line. Three attempts to gain netted only four yards and McConnell attempted a drop kick from the 30-yard line. The pass was low and his kick was blocked by Ritterspaugh who was downed on his 35-yard line.

Canton failed to gain and Holmes dropped back to punt. But his kick never got across the line of scrimmage. Big Sam Benson breezed through the line and threw himself in front of Holmes, blocking the punt. The ball rolled back toward the Canton goal line and McConnell fell on it on Canton’s 22-yard line. After two attempts at the line had failed McConnell passed to Price for five yards. He then attempted a pass to Smith but the ball was grounded and Canton took it on its 15-yard line.

Holmes dropped back for another punt but this time Fox crashed through and blocked the kick and Gump dropped on the ball on Canton’s four-yard line. Canton’s regulars were coming back into the game as fast as Coach Peabody could send them in.

That blocked kick gave Massillon its best chance to score. McConnell failed to gain at right tackle. Laughlin made two yards at the line.

Smith made yard, taking the ball to the one-yard line but on the next play McConnell failed to get through the line and Canton got the ball on its three-yard line. Holmes then punted from behind his goal line to Smith who was downed on Canton’s 37-yard line.

Holmes then intercepted McConnell’s pass and ran it back to Massillon’s 43-yard line. Holmes passed to Hodnick for 20 yards, putting the ball on Massillon’s 29-yard line but on the next play Hodnick fumbled and Fulton covered on his 23-yard line.
FOURTH QUARTER
A 25 yard penalty in Canton territory at the start of the fourth quarter put the ball on Canton’s 11-yard line. After several exchanges of punts Massillon got a break when Holmes punted out of bounds on his 19-yard line. Laughlin and Price made five in two plunges and McConnell dropped back to the 25-yard line for another shot at the Canton goal posts. The pass, however, was low and McConnell ran around Canton’s right end to the 12-yard line before being pushed out of bounds.

On the next play he tried another drop kick from the 22-yard line but the ball went wide and Canton put it in play on its 20-yard line.

Canton then began a determined march up the field and made two first downs before Massillon held and took possession of the oval in midfield as the game ended.
A Good Finish
Massillon – 0 Pos. Canton – 0
Gump LE Ritterspaugh
Fox LT L. Miller
Spencer LG Spence
Benson C Ballard
Mauger RG Carnahan
Ott RT Esmont
Fulton RE Sheets
McConnell QB Holmes
C. Smith LHB Clark
W. Price RHB Hodnick
Laughlin FB Kaufman

Substitutions:
Massillon – D. Smith for Mauger, Easterday for Spencer.

Canton – Taubensee for Clark, Samuels for Spence, D. Miller for Carnahan, Goss for Taubensee, Brinson for Kaufman, Wilgus for Hodnick, Taubensee for Goss, Kaufman for Brinson, Hodnick for Wilgus, Carnahan for D. Miller, Clark for Taubensee, Jurevoki for Ritterspaugh.

Referee – Lambert, O.S.U.
Umpire – Shafer, Akron.
Head Linesman – Barrett, Salem.

Time of quarters – 12 minutes.

Bill Price
Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo History

1926: Massillon 6, Warren Harding 0

WARREN IS DEFEATED 6 TO 0 IN LOOSELY PLAYED GAME
FUMBLES PROVE COSTLY; SCORE IN 4th QUARTER

A GALLANT little band of red and white grid warriors from Warren was unable to stand up under the terrific onslaught of the orange and black of Washington high school and bowed their heads in defeat at the close of 50 minutes of play on Massillon Field Saturday afternoon in a loosely played contest.

The score was 6 to 0 in favor of the orange and black. Had it not been for unfortunate fumbles and penalties when points were in sight, the local team would have piled up a much larger score.

There was no comparison between the two teams in strength, but the orange and black proved to be the better fumblers and thus the score was small. Fans on the bleachers became rather impatient when time after time the Massillon machine would make a long march of 40 or 60 yards towards the Warren goal and then pull a freakish stunt by fumbling when victory was in sight. If such is the case next Saturday when McKinley high of Canton plays here – well, make your own guess.

When it came to offense Saturday afternoon, the local team had two taps on the Warren gridders. Twenty first downs were piled up by the Massillonians, a greater amount than has been registered in any game this season, and yet the score was only 6 to 0. True the locals had a half dozen other chances to score, but each opportunity was passed up with a miss-play, and the orange and black came near to holding themselves to a scoreless tie. As it was, Warren only had the pigskin once in Massillon territory, and it came out of there so fast the Trumbull county gridders are still trying to catch it.

Warren was jubilant when it looked as if it were going to have an opportunity to score with a first down on Massillon’s 16-yard line, the ball getting there through a severe penalty inflicted upon the youthful Tigers when Matthews couldn’t hold his fists when treated roughly in a scrimmage.

Thornton’s fumble, however, sent the Warren gridders’ only hopes of victory flying away for Foster was right on the job and pounced on the pigskin and after a drive of more than 35 yards, Smith punted the ball over the Warren goal line and the easteners were playing on their own 20-yard line instead of the Massillon 16.

Had Warren a few more Pohto’s the score might have been different. Pohto was the man who continually harassed the local team’s ends, often getting away for long gains. He was the bulwark of the visiting gridders’ offense and his runs counted for most of his team’s first downs. The Warren backfield as a whole worked well together, but with a poor line in front had little opportunity to flash its form and power.

And one reason the Warren backs did not shine so brightly was due to the brilliant and fierce talking of Fox, Massillon left tackle, who was on the bottom of most every play, fighting to win. And Fox’s good playing was a result of the fighting spirit he showed during the entire afternoon. He was out to make Massillon win and gave every ounce of his strength to do so. Another player appeared endowed with that same pepper, especially during the last period when the time was speeding towards the close of the game. He was “Danger” Smith, guilty of fumbling in the earlier quarters, but out to give all to make up for his misplay. “Danger” played his best game of the year Saturday and showed some real offensive strength when he tore up the Warren line with his light body, and carried the pigskin across the goal when but four and three-quarters minutes remained.

What the orange and black needs next Saturday if it is going to defeat Canton McKinley, is 50 minutes of the same kind of fight it displayed in the last 10 minutes Saturday. If every player on the team gives his all during the entire game next Saturday as he did during the last 10 minutes when Warren was being rushed off its feet, the orange and black may win but if such is not the case, the local gridders are likely to be on the short end of the score with their Canton rivals for the second consecutive year.

The game Saturday, was rather costly to Massillon. Captain “Bill” Price had to be taken out because of injuries and “Fritz” Gump’s leg was once more put out of commission, probably meaning that he will be unavailable for the Canton game, for Gump’s support is in a pretty bad shape.

The officials were strict Saturday and heavy penalties were inflicted on both teams, Massillon suffering the worst. The local team was set back a total of 86 yards and these penalties came usually at times when big orange and black advances were in progress. Warren was penalized 75 yards.

Two of Massillon’s 20 first downs came as a result of penalties, but to even up matters, the same can be said of Warren, for it was enabled to make the required yardage twice because of assisting penalties. Another way to show some strength of the Massillon drive can be seen from the number of punts each team made. The orange and black punted once in the third period and twice during the last quarter, only three times during the game while Yaunt, Warren fullback, had to boot the ball on 10 different occasions.

Hess showed good form in the backfield when injected into the game late in the first period. He made many substantial gains during the afternoon, being accorded good interference on most of his runs.

“Whitey” Laughlin returned to the game amidst a burst of cheers from the Massillon stands. “Whitey” has been absent from the orange and black lineup since the Akron South game, but is now ready to play again. His interference aided in many of the local’s gains and he should be in tip top form by next Saturday.

The local team had an opportunity to score in the first five minutes of play, but with the ball on the Warren 18-yard line, Price fumbled on the third down but recovered, losing four yards and a pass, Smith to Foster, gained eight yards, and Warren took the ball from the locals on its own 14-yard line. The same kind of a story goes for the remainder of the game up to the close of the third period when Warren made a spasmodic flash and aided by a penalty threatened the Massillon goal.

As usual, a Massillon march was halted with a fumble Warren recovering on its 40-yard line. Pohto cut loose around end for 10 yards and a first down. A buck by Thornton gained three yards and Pohto then passed to De Santis for 12 yards and a first down on the orange and black’s 32-yard line. On the next play, Matthews was ejected from the game for slugging and the orange and black were penalized half the distance to the goal line, giving Warren the ball on the locals’ 16-yard line. Pohto put the Massillonians in a little easier spirits when he was tossed for a loss of 16 yards on a trick double, pass. A pass, Kempke to Thornton, gained eight yards, but Thornton fumbled on the next play and Foster jumped on the ball.

A blocked punt late in the fourth quarter put the local team in a position to score, getting the pigskin on the 25-yard line. Smith rammed through the Warren line for three yards, and Laughlin cut loose around right end for seven more and a first down on the 15-yard line. Smith hit the center of the line for a gain of four yards and Foster made three more. Smith then carried the ball to the five-yard line and the orange and black had four chances to push the pigskin over. Smith hit the center of the line for four yards, and on the next play carried it over, for the only points of the game. Foster missed his attempted dropkick.

The orange and black tried seven passes and completed three for a total of 27 yards. One was intercepted and three incomplete. Warren tried 11 passes, completing three for a total of 26 yards. Six were incomplete and two intercepted.
CANTON NEXT
Warren – 0 Pos. Massillon – 6
Estabrook LE Fulton
Gardner LT Fox
Santis LG Mauger
Lisby C Potts
Mountain RG Spencer
Allen RT Ott
Kempke RE Gump
De Santis QB Hax
Geissman LH Smith
Pohto RH Foster
Yount FB Price

Substitutions:
Warren – Bevan for Geissman, Corsetea for Gardner, Daheringer for Bevan, Harris for Corsetea, Thornton for Daheringer.

Massillon – Hess for Hax, Briggs for Foster, D. Smith for Mauger, Davenport for Fulton, Benson for Potts, Easterday for Spencer, Laughlin for Briggs, Fulton for Davenport, Foster for Price, Matthews for Gump, Ressler for Matthews, Bast for Foster, Henderson for Fox.

Touchdown – Smith

Referee – Barrett, Sebring.
Umpire – Howells, Sebring.
Head Linesman – Jenkins, Akron.

Time of periods — 12y minutes.

Bill Price
Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo History

1926: Massillon 6, New Philadelphia 6

WASHINGTON HIGH HELD TO 6 TO 6 SCORE BY NEW PHILADELPHIA
FAST TUSCARAWAS COUNTY GRIDDERS SPRING SURPRISE

STACKING up against the gamest little fighting machine developed at New Philadelphia high school in years Washington high of Massillon last Saturday afternoon was held to a 6 to 6 score by the Tuscarawas county warriors in the annual rumpus between the schools, staged at Tuscora Park, New Philadelphia, before a crowd that jammed the field and about half of which was made up of orange and black rooters. And Massillon was rather fortunate in being able to limp off the gridiron with a tie score rather than a defeat chalked against it.

For New Philadelphia that tie score last Saturday was a moral victory. Of course moral victories don’t mean a thing when the won and lost column is totaled up at the end of a campaign but just the same the fact that the little red and black aggregation of scrappy warriors down in New Philadelphia was able to hold the Massillon outfit to a 6 to 6 score puts quite a feather in the collective caps of the Tuscarawas county lads.

For Massillon the game resulted in nothing but a tie score in which defeat was staved off by a touchdown in the fourth quarter that resulted from a beautifully executed forward pass. But there is a little credit, if any, due Massillon because it succeeded in holding New Philadelphia to a tie score. For most of the combat Massillon played just ordinary football. At times it played absolutely poor football. At others it played the kind of a game it is capable of putting up and when it played that kind of football New Philadelphia was not so formidable.

But those flashes of good football were almost entirely missing until the fourth quarter when with defeat staring them in the face the local lads got down to business and began to make things interesting. The brand of football the orange and black showed Saturday will never defeat Canton McKinley and that game in now less than two weeks away. In fact it will be hardly good enough to defeat Warren high which is due to pay Massillon a visit next Saturday.
NOT ENOUGH FIGHT
What Massillon lacked most Saturday was that old fighting spirit. Captain Bill Price had it but he always has it. Art McConnell also had it and so did Courtney “Danger” Smith but they couldn’t supply enough to put over a victory.

Massillon’s judgment on plays often was quite bad. It had practically no interference for the man attempting to lug the ball through the New Philadelphia team for gains and it couldn’t keep out the Tuscarawas county forwards who smashed through the line and swarmed over the ball carriers like bees.

Defensively Massillon was strong enough to stop most anything New Philadelphia tried except some of its forward passes. Offensively it showed nothing to enthuse over except one 36 yard dash by Bill Price on a smash through tackle and a 19 yard forward pass which resulted in the touchdown.

New Philadelphia had fighting spirit galore. Out weighed considerably by the local team the little Tuscarawas county lads made up that disadvantage by fighting so savagely that they smeared Massillon hard and repeatedly. True the New Philadelphia boys sometimes let their spirit get the best of them and on a few occasions they played a bit rough, but they were in there fighting to win a football game and their great exhibition of pluck staved off what most everybody thought would be a defeat.
DEAN IS SOME BOY
In a battle such as the one last Saturday there is generally a lad who rises to the heights of stardom by his brilliant playing. New Philadelphia had that boy in Dean Smith, slender black haired end who was an entire football team in himself. But for Dean Smith New Philadelphia probably would have been socked and socked hard but Dean was the boy in a pinch and how he delivered.

Weighing less than 150 pounds this slender wingman time after time dashed by the Massillon interference as if it was not there – and generally it wasn’t – and rushed in to tackle the Massillon back before he could get out of his tracks. Smith might have been muzzled if he had been played right but a man is never out of play unless some force is sent against him and Massillon didn’t have it.

But it was not alone on defense that Smith stared. It was his nerve and educated toe that gave New Philadelphia its tie score – its moral victory over Massillon. Twice this slender stripling drop kicked goals, one in the third quarter to score the first points of the game and again in the fourth quarter to knot the count at six all, after Massillon had registered its touchdown. His first kick was from the 36-yard line. His second was from the 23-yard stripe.

His first effort sailed over the bar with room to spare. His second was a close shave. It was one of those lazy, floating kind that kept the crowd in anxious suspense as the ball sailed slowly and serenely toward the Massillon goal posts to fall over the bar with a scant few inches to spare. But it was enough to bring three points to New Philadelphia.

But still that was not all Dean Smith did for New Philadelphia Saturday. He did all his team’s punting and did a good job of it. Then he hurled passes when called upon and caught others when his signal to scamper down the field for a pass was barked out by the New Philadelphia quarterback. They think quite a lot of that boy in the Tuscarawas county capital and they have a right to. He’s one mighty sweet football player. And Massillon gives him all the credit due him.
A SECOND GUESS
It looked as if Massillon played the wrong kind of a game against New Philadelphia. Instead of hammering the line and wearing down the Tuscarawas county forward wall, which was none too strong to stand a stiff battering and had a few capable reserves to rush into a breach, Massillon went in for the forward passing and end running game and was neatly turned back because Smith and Shafer, the other end, and the downstate team’s secondary defense were mighty hard to handle.

The type of game Massillon tried to play was far more exacting on the Massillon backfield than it was on the New Philadelphia team. Had the Tuscarawas county line been subjected to a stiff hammering, it might have crumbled.

As it was Massillon was robbed of a touchdown in the last quarter through an illegal pass and that lost touchdown meant the difference between a victory and a tie score.

Outside of the fourth quarter when the New Philadelphia boys were on the run Massillon’s best chance to score came within five minutes after the game had started.
LOSE A GOOD CHANCE
The local team received, failed to make its yardage and Price booted a long punt to Neff who was flopped on his three-yard line. Massillon drew a five-yard penalty for offside but Bill Price cut around right end for 14 yards. Briggs made it first down. New Philadelphia then took a five-yard penalty for offside and Briggs made it another first down on two smashes.

The ball was on New Philadelphia’s 12-yard line. But then Dean Smith began to play. Three times he tackled Bill Price and Bill could gain but one yard. Then Hax tried a field goal from the 28-yard line and it was short. The downstaters then punted out of danger.

Massillon started with McConnell, Fulton and Gump out of the game because of injuries but before very long, McConnell was hustling into the fray. Fulton came in a short time later and Gump went on the battlefront in the fourth quarter.

After losing that chance to score Massillon did not have another good chance during the remainder of the half. Neither did New Philadelphia and the half ended with the battle standing a scoreless draw.

But New Philadelphia was fighting gamely and its great defensive play smashed most of Massillon’s attempts to gain before they got a good start.
THE FIRST POINTS
Early in the third quarter after an exchange of punts New Philadelphia secured the ball on Massillon’s 41-yard line. K. Mathias hit the line for five and Winspear made it a first down. Neff sneaked through for five and Massillon held.

Then Dean Smith dropped back to his 36-yard line and drop kicked the first of his two field goals, giving New Philadelphia the first points of the game.

A few moments later after Price had been flopped for a 15-yard loss when a triple pass fizzled, Massillon began its best offensive march of the day. Getting the ball on the 40-yard line through a punt Massillon began playing. McConnell sped off six yards through left tackle. Foster hit the same hole for five and a first down. Then Bill Price went through right tackle like a bullet and dashed down the field 36 yards before being downed. The ball was on New Philadelphia’s 17-yard line. McConnell lugged it to the 12-yard line as the quarter ended.

On the first play in the second quarter Price tore through for four but Massillon was penalized for being offside. Then Price fumbled. Fox planted his frame on the 20-yard line. McConnell made one at the line and then came the big play of the day from a Massillon standpoint. Taking the ball from Benson, McConnell ran nearly across the field looking for a teammate in the open.
A REAL PLAY
Finally he saw Courtney Smith “Danger” they call him, way down the field. Art shot the ball, through the air. Smith leaped up grabbed it in his hands and shot across the goal line for Massillon’s only touchdown as a swarm of New Philadelphia tacklers crashed into him. McConnell, however, was not able to produce the extra point, a point by the way which would have meant victory. His drop kick smashed into one of the uprights and the score stood 6 to 3.

But New Philadelphia was not defeated. It still had a few tricks up its sleeve. It opened up a deadly aerial game a few moments later after W. Mathias had intercepted a Massillon pass but then the downstaters had to punt. Massillon returned the kick and again Winspear opened up. He flipped on pass to Smith for 36 yards. Then he tossed to Shafer for 15 and the ball was on Massillon’s 12-yard line.
DEAN AGAIN
But here Massillon stopped the advance and Dean Smith dropped back to his 23-yard line to hoof over the field goal that tied the score.

Shortly after McConnell passed to Price and Matthews for sufficient yardage to take the ball deep into New Philadelphia territory. Then he heaved a pass to Fulton . The Massillon end took the ball over his right shoulder but with a clear field ahead slipped. The ball went out of his hands and into the waiting arms of Courtney Smith who dashed across the goal line. It looked like a touchdown but here the officials stepped in and ruled that Fulton had made an illegal pass to Smith and the score did not count. It was a tough one to lose. The Massillon players and Coach Atkinson argued forcibly that the play was O.K. but the officials couldn’t be convinced and their decision stood. The game ended shortly after with Massillon in possession of the ball in midfield.
The Smith Boys
Massillon – 6 Pos. New Philadelphia – 6
Matthews LE Dean Smith
Fox LT W. Smith
Spencer LG Hensel
Benson C Thomas
Dave Smith RG H. Mathias
R. Price RT Westhafer
Ressler RE Shafer
Hax QB Mizer
C. Smith LHB K. Mathias
Briggs RHB Neff
W. Price FB Winspear

Score by quarters:
Massillon 0 0 0 6 6
New Philadelphia 0 0 3 3 6

Substitutions:
Massillon – McConnell for Hax, Straughn for R. Price, Fulton for Ressler, Mauger for D. Smith, Foster for Briggs, Ott for Straughn, Gump for Matthews.

New Philadelphia – Given for Hensel, Hensel for Given, Maloney for Neff, Jones for Maloney.

Field goals – Dean Smith 2, (drop kicks).

Touchdown – C. Smith.

Referee – Roudebush, Denison.
Umpire – Bletzer, Mt. Union.
Head Linesman – Jackson, Zanesville.

Time of quarters – 12 minutes.

Game Statistics
First downs:
Massillon 10
New Philadelphia 5

Massillon completed nine passes out of 17 attempts; seven were incomplete; and one intercepted. Total gain 55 yards.
New Philadelphia completed five passes out of 12 attempts for a total of 90 yards. Seven were incomplete.

Massillon was penalized 30 yards.
New Philadelphia 15 yards.

Massillon punted 12 times, averaging 41y yards on each kick.
New Philadelphia punted 14 times, averaging 39y yards to the kick.

Massillon gained 136 yards from scrimmage and lost 51 yards. Captain Price alone made 78 of his team’s 136 yards.
New Philadelphia gained but 32 yards from scrimmage and lost 13 yards from scrimmage.

Massillon carried the ball 41 times gaining three and one-third yards each time.
New Philadelphia toted it 17 times, gaining 1 4/5 yards on each attempt.

All told the orange and black, by passes and running, carried the ball from scrimmage a total of 191 yards.
While New Philadelphia, in the same manner, gained 122 yards.

Bill Price
Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo History

1926: Massillon 0, Elyria 2

SAFETY DEFEATS MASSILLON IN MUDDY ELYRIA GRID BATTLE
ONLY POINTS OF TILT SCORED IN THIRD PERIOD

A NARROW margin of two points spelled victory for Elyria high school and defeat for Washington high of Massillon last Saturday when the football teams of these two institutions tangled in Elyria in the first scholastic gridiron battle between the schools. Through the medium of a blocked punt in the third quarter, recovered by Massillon a yard back of its goal line, Elyria scored two points on the orange and black through a safety and held its slim margin throughout the remainder of the game, winning in a steady downpour of rain that fell throughout the entire struggle, drenching players and spectators alike.

Battling back and forth on a gridiron ankle deep in mud and water neither team was able to show any high class football. The slippery condition of the field made footing uncertain and speed an important item in the Massillon offense, was almost entirely out of the question. The ball, covered with mud, was a dangerous article to handle and fumbles were numerous.

Massillon has no alibi to offer for its defeat. The victory in such a game as that of Saturday generally goes to the team that gets the “break” and in this case Elyria secured the break after having been robbed of a touchdown by a plucky orange and black eleven that fought fiercely within the shadow of its own goal post and hurled back the charges of the Elyria backfield.

The two teams appeared to be evenly matched when they stepped out on the soggy gridiron. Elyria possibly had a slight edge in weight, especially in its backfield, but from the outset it looked as if neither team would score unless Dame Fortune smiled upon it and favored it with the break. On a dry field, with footing solid, a different outcome might have resulted.
MUD HAMPERS MASSILLON
Massillon with an offense built around its speedy backfield was at a distinct disadvantage in the mud. It showed flashes of power in the first half and twice was within scoring distance but couldn’t uncover the drive to shove over a touchdown. On a dry field Massillon, in all probability, would be good enough to win from Elyria.

But there were few dry fields in Ohio Saturday and so Massillon took its second trimming of the season, its’ second reverse in six games.

Even with all the mud and water Massillon might have won had it found some way to throttle France and Mastin, Elyria’s pair of brilliant ends. Over in Elyria the fans call these boys their “All American” ends and they were certainly worthy of some such title. Art McConnell, Massillon’s punter, probably will never want to see them again for they gave Art a most miserable afternoon so far as getting his punts away were concerned.

Charging in like demons and sifting through the Massillon defense these two ends continually hurried McConnell’s punting and on no less than five occasions blocked the kicks of the Massillon quarterback. It was Mastin who blocked the Massillon punt that gave Elyria its two points on a safety.
TWO GOOD PUNTERS
But despite this pair of Elyria wingmen McConnell gave a great exhibition of punting. Twice he drove the ball far down the field on kicks right in front of his own goal posts. Considering that his teammates were not able to throttle the Elyria ends, McConnell’s punting Saturday was brilliant.

Elyria also had a splendid punter in Archshambau but the Elyria kicker was not faced with the same difficulty that McConnell was. His line was able to hold out the Massillon forward wall and he generally had plenty of time to get his kicks away. Massillon blocked but one of his punts.

Starring with McConnell Saturday was Captain Bill Price, the Brewster Welshman. Bill was up against it on offense because of the mud and was unable to get his pair of educated dogs in motion for any gains but what a game he played on defense. Smashing through the line, diving over it or racing out to the ends Price made tackle after tackle and he seldom missed. He roamed the field like a wild bull on defense and more than one Elyria lad is nursing bruises today, resulting from his impact with the well knit form of the Brewster lad. Elyria uncovered no great ground gaining prowess.

Had the battle been decided on first downs Massillon would have won for it made five first downs to two for Elyria. All of Massillon’s ground gaining, however, was done in the first two quarters. Elyria made a first down in the first quarter and one in the third. During the balance of the afternoon it hammered vainly against a sturdy Massillon line and Captain Bill Price.

Because of the slippery condition of the ball forward passing was almost out of the question. Massillon tried a number of forwards but they all failed. Elyria tried the overhead game a few times but never completed a pass. It came near scoring a touchdown on a pass in the second quarter but the ball slipped out of the Elyria lad’s hands on the goal line and went for an incomplete pass.
MASSILLON STARTS EARLY
Massillon struck terror into the hearts of Elyria rooters in the first period when after Elyria had received and punted, McConnell took the leather and ripped off 15 yards through left tackle. Then he played a big part in registering two more first downs with dashes of five and 10 yards, taking the ball to the Elyria 30-yard line but here Elyria began to collect its scattered senses and the orange and black march was halted.

But a moment later Massillon was again back in Elyria’s territory when “Danger” Smith grabbed one of Archshambau’s punts and raced it back 30 yard before being dumped into the mud on Elyria’s 20-yard line. Three Massillon plunges failed to gain and McConnell dropped back to the 22-yard line for a shot at the Elyria goal posts with a drop kick. The kick, however, went wide.

Early in the second quarter Elyria got its first chance to enthuse. Massillon lost 20 yards when two bad passes caused the slippery ball to drop out of McConnell’s hands and Elyria finally secured possession of the oval on Massillon’s seven-yard line. But on the first play Cook fumbled and Bill Price recovered on his six-yard line.

Massillon couldn’t gain the required 10 yards and then McConnell showed his gameness by dropping back to his goal line and booting the ball 55 yards down the field and out of danger.

Elyria punted right back and the ball went out on Massillon’s 1-yard line. Bill Price made eight in two plunges and on third down McConnell dropped back to kick but the Elyria ends swooped in on him, blocked the kick and Moelk covered for Elyria on Massillon’s
13-yard line. Elyria couldn’t gain an inch on line plays and on fourth down attempted a forward. The ball went true to its mark but the Elyria receiver couldn’t hold the slippery thing. It bounced out of his hands, eluded the grasp of a Massillon player and finally landed in the mud.
A GREAT PUNT
Massillon gained the ball on its eight-yard line. Two plays made but five yards, and then McConnell again cut loose a great punt, hoofing the ball 70 yards down the field to Elyria’s
30-yard line. The orange and black was giving Elyria a real argument and the local team’s best chance to score came a short time later when Archshambau punted out of bounds on his 25-yard line.

The Massillon offense began a driving attack and McConnell churned up mud and water in a five yard dash around end. Smith crashed through the line for six and a first down, taking the ball to the 14-yard line. McConnell made two at right tackle but was stopped in his next two attempts. The quarter was nearly over and McConnell dropped back to the 24-yard line for another try at a field goal but Elyria blocked the kick as time was up.
THE BIG QUARTER
Now comes the period when the game was won for Elyria and lost for Massillon. Early in the quarter France blocked one of McConnell’s punts on Massillon’s 28-yard line. But on the next play Benson smashed through to cover an Elyria fumble.

After an exchange of punts Massillon had the ball on its 30-yard line. McConnell was thrown for a loss of six. He dropped back to punt but the ball slipped out of his hands and he lost 10 more. Then France charged in and blocked his punt and Moelk covered for Elyria on Massillon’s six-yard line.

Now the Elyria fans began to beg for a touchdown. Six yards to make in four downs. Mortimer, Elyria quarterback, elected Robinson, the big plunging halfback, to carry the ball. Four times Robinson smashed into the Massillon line. He gained two yards each on his first three plunges. Then came fourth down, the ball on Massillon’s two-yard line and goal to gain. Again Robinson was called upon but just as he smashed into the line the ball slipped out of his grasp. He recovered it but was down on Massillon’s 4-yard line and Massillon took possession of the ball. The day had been saved for the orange and black but not for long.

McConnell dropped back behind his goal line to punt. As he planted his foot against the ball the Elyria ends charged in on him and Mastin blocked the kick. The ball dropped behind the Massillon goal line as the entire Elyria team made a frantic dive after it but Fritz Gump, Massillon’s left end, slip under the charging mass and fell on the ball, a yard back of Massillon’s goal line. It was a safety and two points for Elyria.

From then on the game was a punting duel. Massillon tried desperately to gain but could hardly get out of its tracks. The Elyria gridders sensing victory with their two points, played hard.

One big chance remained for Massillon. That was to recover a fumble punt by Elyria. That chance came but Massillon couldn’t take advantage of it. About the middle of the quarter, McConnell punted to Mortimer who grabbed the ball back of his 30-yard line. But the oval slipped through his hands and went bounding away in the mud. A Massillon player dove on it but the ball slid from under him and Elyria finally covered. Had Massillon been able to cover that fumble it still might have won.
Rather Damp
Massillon – 0 Pos. Elyria – 2
Gump LE France
Fox LT Moelk
Spence LG Schuster
Benson C Raney
R. Price RG Archshambau
Fulton RT Clifford
McConnell QB Mastin
C. Smith LHB Robinson
Briggs RHB Hess
W. Price FB Cook

Score by quarters:
Massillon 0 0 0 0 0
Elyria 0 0 2 0 2

Substitutions:
Massillon – Mathews for Gump, Gump for Mathews, Mathews for Gump, Ressler for Fulton, Foster for Briggs. Ott for Fox.

Elyria – Yuka for Mortimer, Mortimer for Yuka, Yuka for Mortimer, Benger for Yuka, Moelk for Clifford, Clifford for Raney.

Safety – Elyria.

Referee – Jones, Oberlin.
Umpire – Minnick, Oberlin.
Head Linesman – Morris, Oberlin.

Time of quarters – 12 minutes.

Bill Price
Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo History

1926: Massillon 26, Cleveland John Adams 0

RALLY IN SECOND HALF BRINGS WIN
JOHN ADAMS IS DEFEATED 26 – 0 IN GRID TUSSLE

NOT all lessons are taught in the classroom. The gridiron at Massillon field Saturday afternoon furnished the setting for a lesson to the orange and black football team of Washington High school that will not be forgotten. It should have a lasting effect. And it taught quite forcibly the folly of over confidence.

Playing an important role as instructors were members of the John Adams high school football team of Cleveland here for their first athletic engagement with a Massillon scholastic team. The visiting Clevelanders eventually were defeated 26 to 0, thus tacking on the record of the orange and black its fourth straight victory in five starts. But even though they were walloped John Adams’ husky gridders in 24 minutes imprinted deeply in the minds of Coach John H. Atkinson’s boys that to become too well satisfied with one’s ability with an almost total disregard for what the other fellow may be able to do generally means a swift and disgraceful tumble.

The local team Saturday was able to ride on to victory because it took to heart in the second half the lesson it had been taught during the first two periods when its exhibition of how the great autumnal pastime should be played was terrible to say the least. Having paid the price of its folly in the first half the orange and black came out for the start of the third quarter a different aggregation and soon inaugurated an attack that rolled up three touchdowns in the third period and produced the fourth and final set of counters in the fourth chapter.

Two things were responsible for Massillon’s poor showing in the first half when John Adams was able to hold the contest to a scoreless tie despite the fact that play was continually in the visitors’ territory. The first and biggest thing was that spirit of over-confidence which had woven its way into the orange and black camp.
VISITORS TACKLE HARD
The other was the fierce and deadly tackling of the John Adams gridders whose defense in the first 24 minutes of play was the stiffest the orange and black has been called upon to face this year.

Few teams have ever come to Massillon and shown a better brand of tackling than the John Adams team exhibited Saturday. It seemed to be coached largely to play a defensive game for its offense was woefully weak and cumbersome. From the start however it looked as if the scoring of a touchdown would break the back bone of the Cleveland defense but it took Massillon over two quarters to hang up that first touchdown and from then on John Adams faded rapidly out of the picture.

The Massillon team Saturday looked little like the smooth working machine which ripped Akron South to pieces the week before, inflicting a 36 to 0 defeat. Had it been John Adams would have been routed early and the score much larger than it was. But the orange and black machine Saturday, for two periods at least, resembled a worn out old lizzie rattling along on one cylinder and about to expire with every cough of its sputtering engine. But the old machine was fairly well repaired between halves and made the grade with room to spare.

John Adams brought a big, husky squad of lads to Massillon who seemed determined to hold Massillon’s scoring activities as near zero as possible. But it was as poor on offense as it was good on defense and never had a chance to score. It made only one first down, that coming in the fourth quarter and never got beyond Massillon’s 45-yard line. But its defense nearly wrecked the show.
POOR PLAYING
In the first half Massillon lacked its customary punch on offense. Its plays were slow in getting started, its interference was bad and the line was continually out charged by the Clevelanders who busted through like a pack of wolves. Even such a fleet footed ground coverer as Captain Bill Price couldn’t get out of his tracks before being nailed by a flock of hard tackling yellow and maroon clad warriors.

And how those Cleveland boys could talk. They nearly talked the orange and black out of the game. At first the local lads were bewildered. Then they began to get mad and see red and the more red they saw the poorer became their play. But all this was changed when the second half began. The same Massillon men were back in the lineup but they were playing a different game.

The game, so far as Massillon was concerned, did not really begin until the start of the third quarter. The contest was slowed up and marred by frequent penalties inflicted on both teams but Massillon was the worst offender. The second half was not so bad but during the first half after nearly every down the eagle eyes officials plastered a penalty on one of the two teams.

A penalty cost Massillon one touchdown in the third quarter. Other penalties, while not actually snatching away points, at least halted more than one march that might have been successfully concluded with a touchdown.
RALLY IN THIRD QUARTER
The third quarter was the best of the four and produced some thrilling dashes, two resulting in touchdowns. Massillon received to start the second half and after being tossed for a 10-yard loss McConnell punted out of bounds on Cleveland’s 20-yard line. Adams punted right back and the exchange of kicks netted Massillon about 30 yards, the orange and black getting the ball on John Adams’ 40-yard stripe. Fulton tore off eight yards around right end on a double pass and McConnell hit the line for a first down.

Price smashed through for three but McConnell was dumped for a four-yard loss. John Adams was still shining on defense but on the next play McConnell flipped a pass to Price and the Massillon captain dashed 27 yards and across Cleveland’s goal line for the first touchdown of the game. McConnell drop kicked for the extra point.
FOSTERS GREAT PLAY
John Adams received and punted but “Danger” Smith, the Massillon safety man, fumbled and Cleveland covered on Massillon’s 49-yard line. The visitors completed a pass for six yards but were destined to receive a shock on their next aerial attempt when Earl Foster dashed across the field, snatched the ball out of the air with one hand and raced by the entire John Adams team for 55 yards and the second touchdown. The youngster made a brilliant catch and a brilliant run.

By this time John Adams was beginning to find the pace a bit too fast. Near the close of the quarter an exchange of punts gave Massillon the ball on Cleveland’s 43-yard line. McConnell made five at the line and then passed to Foster for a 25-yard gain, punting the ball on the 14-yard line. “Danger” Smith hit the line for four. Bill Price made it first down, toting the leather to the four-yard line. McConnell took it to within one foot of the goal line on the next plunge and then Smith crashed through center for the third touchdown.
PRICE ON RAMPAGE
The fourth touchdown came early in the fourth quarter and was the result of a beautifully executed triple pass with Bill Price doing the running. Mauger covered a Cleveland fumble on the visitors’ 47-yard line. Then the triple pass sign was hung out for the first time during the game. Price grabbed the ball, circled Cleveland’s right end while most of the visitors were watching for the play to come around the opposite end and galloped 47 yards for the touchdown.

After that Coach Atkinson kept a steady stream of substitutes pouring on the field. John Adams also used practically all of its squad. Its boys for the most part were big and powerful and out weighed the local team. Price’s two brilliant runs and Foster’s long dash were the features of the contest. Defensively Sam Benson stalwart lineman, was the shining light. He played a whale of a game from start to finish.

Massillon lost a touchdown in the third quarter because of clipping by “Danger” Smith. Massillon had the ball on Cleveland’s 33-yard line and McConnell passed to Bill Price who made his way across the goal line unmolested but he was called back for the officials ruled Smith guilty of clipping a Cleveland player on the 18-yard line and Massillon took a 25-yard penalty, one of the many it received during the afternoon.

Potts, Massillon center, and Kubic, John Adams center, were injured and had to leave the contest. Potts received a kick in the head in the first quarter. Kubic was put on the shelf in the fourth when he went down under a pile of orange and black tacklers after taking a kick off.

Massillon made 15 first downs to one for Cleveland. It completed seven passes for 89 yards and nine failed while two were intercepted. John Adams worked four for 15 yards had two incomplete and one intercepted. Massillon lost 115 yards on penalties; John Adams 50.

Massillon carried the ball 44 times from scrimmage and gained a total of 184 yards. Of this number 104 were made by Price and 53 by McConnell.
Four Straight
Massillon – 26 Pos. John Adams –0
Gump LE Mandula
Benson LT Hindulak
Spencer LG Soukup
Potts C Kubic
D. Smith RG Marusa
R. Price RT Miller
Fulton RE Goss
McConnell QB Benis
Bast LHB O’Bell
C. Smith RHB Jamieson
W. Prise FB Kolesar

Score by quarters:
Massillon 0 0 20 6 26

Substitutions:
Massillon – Fox for Benson, Benson for Potts, Foster for Bast, Mauger for D. Smith, Hosso for Foster, Bickle for W. Price, Briggs for McConnell, Ott for Fox, Easterday for Spencer, Ressler for Fulton, Mathews for Gump, Ess for R. Price.

John Adams – White for Kubic, Dayton for Jamieson, Shafer for Benis, Kubic for Mandula, Schlaudeker for White, Hipple for Marusa, Allen for Schlaudeker, Dancheck for Soukup.

Touchdowns – W. Price 2, Foster, Smith.

Points after touchdown – McConnell 2 (drop kick).

Referee – Shafer, Akron U.
Umpire – Conner, Bates.
Head Linesman – Jenkinson, Akron U.

Time of quarters – 13 and 10 minutes.

Bill Price
Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo History

1926: Massillon 36, Akron South 0

BURIES AKRON SOUTH UNDER 36 – 0 SCORE
BILL PRICE STAR AS LOCAL ELEVEN TOPPLES OLD FOE

FIVE touchdowns plus three points after touchdowns with an added three points from as pretty a field goal as was ever hoofed over the cross bar in any high school football contest amounts to a sum total of 36. And that’s the number of points John H. Atkinson’s golden tornado at Washington high school rolled up last Saturday afternoon while smearing a 36 to 0 defeat upon Akron South at Wooster stadium, Akron, in the annual argument between these two scholastic rivals.

To some who are not yet aware of the fact that the South Mill street institution harbors a real honest-to-goodness football team that top heavy 36 to 0 victory might be a bit amazing; but it certainly ought to be convincing. Any team that can face Akron South in its own balliwick and inflict a 36 to 0 defeat upon a Weltner coached aggregation must be a pretty fair sort of a team. Well, Washington high’s outfit was a pretty fair team last Saturday – and then some.

Just a week before Canton McKinley defeated South 32 to 14 at Canton and it was described as one of those breath-taking affairs, full of thrills every minute. Massillon last Saturday did better than that and so far as thrills are concerned it was a one-sided affair. Massillon furnished them all much to the glee of the hundreds of local fans who witnessed the contest and to the sorrow of Akron South’s supporters.

To say that South never had a chance to win is putting it mildly. South could have put 22 players and its high school band on the field Saturday against Coach Atkinson’s man-eaters and still the orange and black would have triumphed. You can’t stop a team that won’t be stopped. South never threatened. It never worked the ball inside Massillon’s 30-yard line. Weltner’s boys never got a chance to see what the Massillon goal line looked like until after the game when a few of them were seen taking a sorrowful peek at it.
PRICE IS HIS NAME
There was one man in the Washington high lineup Saturday that certainly spelled gloom for Akron South. In fact he did so much to upset the Akronites that the mere mention of his name to an Akron South fan makes him turn white and ring for an ambulance. That lad is none other than William “Bill” Price, captain of that line busting golden tornado and the best known citizen in the railroad village of Brewster.

Bill can have anything he wants in Brewster or Massillon but if he ever wants anything in Akron he better never tell anybody in the rubber city that he is the same Price who wrecked so much damage on Akron South’s 1926 football team. If he does it’s all off.

Coach Weltner of Akron South is still wondering what he might have told his boys to do in order to stop this chunky Welshman, who streaked around and through his team so fast that all his gridders saw was a flash of orange or felt a thump that made them think they were hit by a ton of bricks.

Price was by far the outstanding star in the Massillon lineup Saturday. Not only did he shine on offense with his brilliant dashes but he was nearly a whole team by himself on defense. It certainly will be a gloomy day when Captain Bill hangs up his football togs at Washington high school for good.

The Massillon leader however was ably assisted on offense by Art McConnell and “Whitey” Laughlin, a pair of illustrious teammates who were almost as hard to stop as their brilliant general. Akron can’t figure how three such good boys were ever landed for one team. Akron, however, ought to know by this time that one of the best things they do in this neck of the woods is raise football players.
SOUTH OUTCLASSED
Offensively the orange and black was far superior to Akron South. Massillon scored in every quarter and started off with a punch that rolled up 16 points in the first period in such quick time that Akron fans began having dizzy spells. South was never within a city block of scoring. Its offense never got much chance to show for Massillon’s forwards piled through the Akron line like water through a sieve and plastered South’s plays before they even got started. Nothing South tried would work consistently, largely because Massillon was right on top of the ball at all times.

The first blast of the referee’s whistle had hardly died away before Coach Atkinson’s boys had their offense in motion and were on their way to score points. South received but couldn’t gain and Picken’s punt was blocked. Fulton falling on the ball on South’s 31-yard line.

Right off the bat McConnell dashed around Akron’s right end for 15 yards. Then Price got away under a full head of steam and flashed through left tackle for 10 more but a Massillon man was ruled guilty of holding and the local team received a 15-yard penalty. That robbed the orange and black of a touchdown within the first two minutes of play.
McCONNELL’S GREAT KICK
But the golden tornado was not to be denied. After three plays had failed to gain any great amount of ground McConnell dropped back to Akron’s 39-yard line for a shot at the Akron goal posts. And a moment later Massillon had three points for McConnell drop kicked a perfect goal, one of the greatest ever seen in a high school football game. The Massillon lad’s attempt would have gone over the cross bars from the 50-yard line as well as the 39 for when it cleared it was still many feet in the air and good for another 10 yards at least.

Those three points immediately put South on the short end and it stayed there the rest of the afternoon while Coach Atkinson’s boys romped over the gridiron with a devastating attack. A few minutes later Dave Smith pounced on a South fumble on Akron’s 45-yard line and once again Engineer McConnell pulled the throttle wide open. Laughlin and Price had made seven yards on three line plays when McConnell decided he had better try his hand at cracking the Akron line.

McConnell didn’t crack it. He simply busted it into pieces. The lanky quarterback smashed right through the center of South’s line and ambled on down the field for 37 yards and Massillon’s first touchdown, eluding any and all South tacklers. He drop kicked for the extra point, boosting the Massillon total to 10.
MR. PRICE STARTS
But South had not yet been punished enough. About this time Captain Price’s feet were beginning to itch for action. South received but was stopped in its tracks. Pickens tried to punt but his kick was partially blocked and Mr. Price, of the Brewster Prices, picked up the ball on Akron’s 30-yard line and stepped so fast that he had carried it back to South’s two foot line before finally being held down long enough so that the referee could blow his whistle. Then on the next play Price crashed through for Massillon’s second touchdown. This time McConnell’s educated toe failed to function and he missed his try for the extra point, the kick being blocked.

The first quarter ended a short time later. Early in the second period the local team lost the ball on downs. It was then that South succeeded in making its first first down of the game, a five-yard pass being of great benefit. But that was all for South. Gump then blocked a punt and Massillon got the ball on South’s 45.

Then followed an exchange of punts. When Massillon got possession of the ball again Price was called on the first play and the orange and black flash stepped around right end for 20 yards before being forced out of bounds. No one was harder to hold than Price was Saturday.

With the ball on South’s 25 yard line, McConnell rammed the line for 16. Laughlin and McConnell lugged the pigskin up to the one-yard line in three plays. Laughlin hit again and put the ball about three-sixteenths of an inch from the line and on the next play Price went over. McConnell drop kicked for the extra point, raising Massillon’s total to 23.

About the middle of the third quarter South punted to midfield. Once again Price was called upon and once again Bill delivered, smashing through right tackle and then dashing down the field for a 39-yard gain before being forced out on South’s 11-yard stripe. Laughlin hit for six but the umpire said Fritz Gump had committed some kind of an offense and Massillon was penalized 15.
FRITZ GETS EVEN
But on the very next play Gump had the laugh on the umpire and the whole South team. McConnell called for a pass and Fritz sneaked out in the open about five yards from Akron’s goal with not a South player within 10 yards of him.

“Here I am Mac,” yelled Fritz.

“Here she comes,” shouted McConnell, and the ball sailed gracefully through the air into Gump’s outstretched hands and he pranced away for Massillon’s fourth touchdown. McConnell missed the try for the extra point.

It was getting toward the end of the fourth quarter when Fulton speared a South pass on the 50-yard line. McConnell heaved a pass to “Danger” Smith for 18 yards. Two cracks at the line were not successful and then McConnell called for a play that had not yet been used.
WILLIAM RUNS AGAIN
It was a triple pass and when the boys got through passing the ball around it was tucked under Bill Price’s arm. Bill, being a generous youngster, ran back about 15 yards before he really set sail for South territory. While doing this he shook off, ducked, out ran or otherwise eluded a flock of South tacklers and when he finally was brought to earth he had covered 28 yards and placed the ball on South’s one-yard line. Of all Price’s brilliant dashes Saturday this was his best. Laughlin then went over for the fifth touchdown. McConnell drop kicked for the extra point and the score was 36 to 0.

Here Coach Atkinson figured that some of his regulars had earned a bit of rest and he sent in seven fresh athletes. Up to that time he had made but one substitution. South got a bit gay with the substitutes and ripped off two first downs in succession but couldn’t go any farther. When the final whistle blew the golden tornado was once more steaming toward South’s goal, a 15-yard run by Bast and a 16-yard gain on a pass from Briggs to Bast taking the ball right back into South’s territory.

Statistics show South was greatly outplayed. Massillon made 15 first downs to eight for Akron. South showed its best offense in the second and fourth quarters, when all of its first downs were recorded. Massillon completed five out of 10 passes for 81 yards. South tried 13, completed three for 20 yards, had eight batted down and two intercepted.
Stepping Fast
Massillon – 36 Pos. Akron South – 0
Gump LE Hirschner
Ott LT Gardner
D. Smith LG Portz
Potts C Nidert
Spencer RG Antes
R. Price RT Sweet
Fulton RE Klipstein
McConnell QB Pickens
C. Smith LHB Schill
W. Price RHB Shephard
Laughlin FB Sirilla

Score by quarters:
Massillon 16 7 6 7 36

Substitutions:
Massillon – Fox for Ott, Ressler for Fulton, Briggs for C. Smith, Bast for McConnell, Mauger for Spencer, Spencer for D. Smith, Ott for Fox, Hosso for R. Price.

Akron South – Roberts for Hirschner, Jeter for Sweet, Souers for Schill, Brown for Pickens, Winkleman for Klipstein, Bowers for Nidert, Pickens for Brown, Klipstein for Winkleman, Stewart for Gardner.

Touchdowns – W. Price 2, McConnell, Gump, Laughlin.

Points after touchdown – McConnell 3 (drop kick).

Field goal – McConnell (drop kick).

Referee – Shafer.
Umpire – McRay.
Head Linesman – Caldwell.

Time of quarters – 12 minutes.

Bill Price
Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo History

1926: Massillon 46, Akron Garfield 0

BILL PRICE STARS AS WASHINGTON HIGH SWAMPS GARFIELD
ATKINSON’S CREW SMOTHERS RUBBER CITY RIVAL 46 – 0

A SILVER lining shines through the cloud of gloom that for several weeks has hung over Washington high school with the defeat of Akron Garfield Saturday in Akron 46 to 0. It was only three weeks ago that Akron East sent a veteran team to Massillon to face eleven green youths who trotted out on the gridiron to tangle with their experienced and heavier opponents. It was a gloomy and dreary day for the few hundred high school students and a thousand or more loyal city supporters when they filed quietly through the gates from the field upon which their favorite team had gone down in defeat in its opening tussle.

Truly, predictions had come true. The orange and black had been defeated and a disastrous season was looked forward to. With everything to gain and nothing to lose, the youthful Tigers went into their second tussle, Erie Academy being their opponent. Many unfavorable remarks had been flung at the young gridders, before that game. Then the unexpected happened. The high school lads, with all the viciousness of their mascot, a Bengal Tiger, mauled and completely whipped Erie, scoring a 26 to 0 victory. A silver lining began to edge the cloud of gloom, but still remarks that Erie wasn’t powerful were heard.

Saturday afternoon, the Tiger stalked on Seiberling field, Akron, and at the end of 44 minutes of play, the cloud itself was gone; and no silver lining was necessary to bring a ray of hope to the several hundred Massillon fans who followed the team. After the 46 to 0 victory, they knew that Washington high school had one of the best teams in its history which, without an unexpected upset, should go through the remainder of the season undefeated.

Mother Nature herself seemed to take the condition of the Massillon team to heart much the same as local fans. Her sky and smiling sun were clouded over on the opening day and the rain fell as tears on the field. But the sun made things a little merrier for the second game, as the clouds would clear away for short intervals, giving Old Sol an opportunity to shine forth its encouragement. But Saturday afternoon there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. All were as certain of Massillon winning as they were of clear weather and the sun shone brightly on the gridirons as Akron Garfield was being tucked away for its afternoon nap.
BILL PRICE STARS
The game Saturday, because of the lopsided score, wasn’t as interesting as it might have been. Were it not for a few sensational runs by Capt. “Bill” Price, and a couple of fancy plays, called more for the interest of the fans than for the good they would do in the game, there would have been little of interest to the football fan with the big exception of seeing the local team triumph.

The Massillon football world has been wondering just what kind of a backfield man this Price person would make; always before he has played a position on the line, having performed credibly at end and center. However, having recovered from a broken collarbone, he was sent to a halfback berth at the start of the game. As Captain William was making his first touchdown on a sensational dash of 30 yards around right end, one could have knocked the eyes of the fans off with ball bats as they stood in amazement. That Price will be one of the big mainstays in the orange and black’s offense for the remainder of the season can easily be seen for “Bill” played little more than a full quarter during the entire game and crossed the goal line three times. He gained practically every time he carried the ball and ripped yard after yard through the Akron team.

All of Coach Atkinson’s men played good football and nearly every member of the squad was given an opportunity to display his talent during the game. Following the first quarter, a continual steam of substitutes was poured into the Massillon ranks and the unknowing fan wondered where they all came from. Naturally Garfield can be thankful to Atkinson for this, for it kept the score from being doubled, but while the young members were not piling up points, they were gathering much knowledge and football experience for next season when a part of them will hold down regular berths on the team. And a few glances at this wealth of good looking reserve material puts the Massillon fan in an optimistic mood. What a whale of a team Atkinson should have next season.

While the regulars were in, it was only a question of how many points the Massillon steam roller would pile up. Laughlin, Smith, Foster and McConnell were continually thrusting at the line and running the ends for long gains, while the line was a veritable stone wall to the Akron gridders. Akron couldn’t gain any way at all and only twice during the entire fracas was play in the orange and black’s territory, a fumble being responsible for Garfield’s only chance to score, when it attempted to place kick during the fourth quarter which was blocked by a Massillon lineman.
PLAY STRAIGHT FOOTBALL
As for the local gridders straight football was resorted to. The deadly passing attack which swept Erie completely off its feet was not tried. Only once did the orange and black throw a pass and it was completed, being good for four yards.

Passes were not necessary for the local team’s offense. A running attack gained the necessary ground and although the aerial game might have added interest to the contest, it would only have given Akron South scouts, who were undoubtedly watching the contest, a chance to gather information on the plays and plan a defense to combat it. Akron South is the next opponent of the orange and black.

It took only a few minutes for the Massillon machine to get into motion and begin scoring points.
SCORE EARLY
The local team received, Ott getting the ball and carrying it back to the Massillon 40-yard line. Then the drive started. Laughlin on the first play stopped away for 12 yards and a first down. McConnell plunged for nine more and Laughlin then lashed through center for another three. Price added three on a sweeping end run and Smith made four around left end. With the ball on the 22-yard line, Laughlin scampered through the Akron team and placed the pigskin over the goal line. McConnell drop kicked for the extra point.

Akron showed its best offensive strength a moment later, making two consecutive first downs, one coming as a result of a penalty inflicted on the youthful Tigers. The belated rally, however, was cut short when Laughlin intercepted a pass on the Akron 35-yard line and carried the ball back to the 12-yard zone before being tackled. Price hit for five yards and Laughlin made a first down by inches. McConnell then carried the pigskin across. His attempted drop kick was blocked.

Toward the close of the first period, Price grabbed a punt in midfield and raced back to the 30-yard line where he was tackled. On the very next play he dashed around right end for his first set of markers. This time McConnell’s toe functioned and he kicked goal. The quarter ended with the score 20 to 0 in favor of the South Mill street gridders.

A few minutes after the second period opened. Popeko punted to the Massillon 30-yard line, Massillon fumbling but recovering. Price made three yards and Smith a yard. McConnell made seven on two attempts bringing a first down. Drives by Price and Briggs, who had substituted for Laughlin, brought six yards, and Price then stepped away in a well covered trick formation for 45 yards and a touchdown. It was a neat play the orange and black pulled and so well did it work that all but one of Garfield’s secondary defense was drawn away by the other Massillon backs who faked carrying the ball. McConnell missed his drop kick.

McConnell kicked over the goal line and Akron was given the ball on its 20-yard line. Four plays netted but nine yards and the orange and black received the ball on downs on the
29-yard line. Briggs hit for four yards and Foster, who replaced Price knifed through left tackle for seven more and a first down. McConnell then carried the ball to the five-yard line for a first down. Foster cut the distance to three yards, but Smith lost a yard on the next play. McConnell then carried the ball to within a foot of the goal line and on the next play plunged it over. McConnell drop kicked for the extra point bringing the local team’s total to 33 points.

A brilliant run of 35 yards by Briggs, who intercepted a pass from Popeko, Akron back, paved the way for the final points of the first half with McConnell drop kicking for the extra point.
SECOND HALF TAME
The only points scored in the second half were rolled up early in the last period after a march of 60 yards up the field. Bast received a punt on the Massillon 38-yard line and returned to the local’s 40. Schnerlie gained two yards on two plunges and the quarter ended with the ball on the locals’ 42-yard line. Here Atkinson shot in part of his regulars and Garfield was mowed down. Wagner ripped off two yards and Laughlin made 10 on the next play. Price made five yards around right end and McConnell added six more. Wagner failed to gain. Laughlin added two yards and Price carried the ball 19 yards to the 17-yard line. Laughlin struck for four and Wagner made three yards. McConnell hit center for two yards and Laughlin then went through right tackle for five more placing the ball on the three-yard line with four chances to put it over. On the next play, Price hit through right guard and rolled over the goal. McConnell failed in his attempt to dropkick for the extra point. During the remainder of the game, play was mostly in the center of the field, neither team getting into a position to score.

Garfield’s only opportunity to score came near the middle of the fourth quarter, when a member of the team covered a fumble on the orange and black’s 15-yard line. Three times the Akron gridders drove into the line, but on each occasion were repulsed without a gain. On the fourth down, an attempted place kick was blocked, Massillon recovering and starting a march that ended in midfield.

Akron , as expected was about as weak a team as the orange and black will face this year. It succeeded in making seven first downs as compared with 22 rolled up by the local gridders.

The Akronites attempted eight passes and completed two, one counting for four yards and the other for six yards; four were incomplete and two intercepted. Only a single pass was tried by the local team and that was good for four yards.

One of the outstanding features of the entire melee was the clean playing of both teams. Only two penalties were inflicted on the two teams. Massillon was penalized 15 yards at one time for holding, while Akron was penalized on one occasion for over use of the forward pass.
Boy, Page South
Massillon – 46 Pos. Akron – 0
Gump LE Denison
Ott LT Ripley
Spencer LG Nichols
Benson C Bland
D. Smith RG Franklin
French RT Fedor
Ressler RE Kroah
McConnell QB Moyer
Laughlin LHB Orthel
Price RHB Oakley
C. Smith FB Popeko

Score by quarters:
Massillon 20 20 0 6 46

Substitutions:
Massillon – Briggs for Laughlin, Foster for Price, Buttermore for Benson, Henderson for Ott, Easterday for Spencer, Mauger for D. Smith, Strough for French, Mathews for Ressler, Bast for McConnell. Grant for Briggs, Bickel for Foster, Schnerlie for C. Smith, Price for Schnerlie, Laughlin for C. Smith,McConnell for Bast, Wagner for Bickel, Briggs for Price, Foster for Laughlin, Hax for McConnell, Smith for Wagner, Fox for Gump, Fisher for Mauger.

Akron – Burk for Franklin, Croix for Nichols, M. Oriehl for Denison, Sloakes for Oakley, Franklin for Burk, Ripley for Franklin.

Touchdowns – Laughlin, McConnell 2, Price 3, Briggs.

Point after touchdown – McConnell 4, (dropkick).

Referee – Koester.
Umpire – Lovell.
Head Linesman – Smith.

Time of quarters – 12 and 10 minutes.

Bill Price