History 1904: Massillon 0 Massillon Ex-Highs 0
This newspaper article for this game has not been converted to digital form.
History History History 1904: Massillon 0 Wooster 44
THE SCORE WAS 44 TO 0
High School Football
Team Defeated at Wooster
On Wednesday afternoon on the athletic field of Wooster University the Massillon High School met one of the worst defeats in the history of the football team, the score standing
44 to 0.
The local team was completely out-classed, showed poor form, played slow ball and utterly failed to stop Wooster’s fierce end runs and line bucks. The Wooster team has shown wonderful improvement since the game here, when it beat the Massillon team by the score of 5 to 0, and it is now altogether the fastest aggregation Massillon has met this season. Massillon, of course, was greatly handicapped by the absence of some of the regular players and the lack of practice of the last week was clearly shown. Wooster has the advantage of good coaching and has a spirit of willingness that the home team lacks.
The game was called at 3:15, Wooster kicking off to Massillon, which faced the east goal, Smith received the ball at the twenty yard line and advanced ten yards. Quarterback Merwin called line bucks which were found to be a hard proposition, end runs were tried which were hardly more successful, and the result was the loss of the ball on downs at the fifty yard line, Wooster here taking the ball through Massillon’s line for great gains and with several long gains on end, Mouchy, Wooster’s big fullback, carried the ball across the line for the first touchdown after about five minutes of play. Elder kicked an easy goal. Smith again secured the ball on Wooster’s kickoff and advanced it to the twenty-five yard line where he lost it on a fumble, Wooster taking the ball around the end for fifteen yards and after a few bucks through the line Captain Blough, of Wooster, took the ball for the second touchdown, Elder missing an easy goal.
On Wooster’s next kickoff Smith once more received the ball and succeeded in making the thirty-five yard line, where, after the first down, another fumble was made and Wooster again fell on the ball. Massillon now succeeded in stopping one of Wooster’s bucks but on a double pass the big Wooster fullback carried the ball back to the goal post for the third touchdown, where Sellers missed an easy goal, the score standing 21 to 0.
Albright caught the ball on the kickoff at the fifteen yard line and was downed at the twenty yard line. Massillon was held to a one yard gain on two downs and a punt was called. Albright kicked to the forty yard line, Wooster made a good gain and an end run netted them fifteen yards. The next down Wooster lost a yard but Mouchy, taking the ball behind good interference, scored the fifth touchdown, which, when goal was kicked, left the score 27 to 0.
Wooster again kicking to the locals, Burkhart carried the ball to the twenty yard line, where the inevitable fumble was made but the ball was not lost. Albright punted to the center of the field and the clever triple pass by the opposing school worked well, netting them fifteen yards, when Albright made a nice tackle just as time for the first half was called. The Massillon boys naturally felt pretty sore but after a short rest went back to face the music.
Massillon kicked to Wooster and they by a double pass succeeded in reaching the
thirty-five yard line where the same tick play was worked which took the ball way down the field and in another down Halfback Blough made another touchdown, Sellers kicking goal. On the next kickoff the ball was advanced to the thirty yard line and Massillon was held for downs at the forty yard line, Wooster walking down the field. Center Tucker made a nice tackle, the opponents were held for a down and their double pass was blocked, but a quarterback run and several line bucks took Blough across the line for the sixth touchdown, after which Elder kicked goal.
Wooster again kicked off and the usual fumble by Massillon was made. Wooster held for two downs but one of the longest runs of the game, one of forty yards, took Wooster a long way down the field and but for a tackle by Burkhart and Kirchhofer, would have netted another touchdown. Massillon again got in and Wooster was held for a down but Blough taking the ball was pulled across goal for the seventh touchdown of the game. Sellers missed an easy goal and before the ball was kicked off time was called, the score standing 44 to 0.
The halves played were twenty and fifteen minutes.
Following is the line-up:
Wooster Position Massillon
Bricker LE Hollander
Reiman LT Schnierle
Saborn LG Wagner, Jones
Orr C Tucker
McSweeney RG Ratchford
Lindsay RE Myers
Sellers QB Merwin
Mouchy FB Kirchhofer
Lanbach RH Burkhart
Blough (capt. LH Albright
Coach St. John, of the university, refereed in a very satisfactory manner.
Snyder, of Massillon, umpired.
McFarren and Manlin were timekeepers.
McGlen was head linesman.
TEAM TO DISBAND
But High School Football Players
to Have One More Game
A meeting of the High School football team of 1904 was held Thursday afternoon. Owing to the crippled condition of the team, with Schnierle and Kirchhofer out of school and Tucker out of town, besides nearly the whole team being more or less hurt, the team was disbanded for the season, and the only remaining game, that with Barberton High for next Saturday, was cancelled.
Officers were elected for the season of 1905, Fred D. Mersin captain and Lyman H. Tucker manager being the selections.
History 1904: Massillon 12 New Philadelphia 0
HIGH SCHOOL WAS VICTORIOUS
The Football Team Won by a Score of 12 to 0
OPPONENTS NEARLY SCORED
New Philadelphia Put Up a Strong Game
and Showed Surprising Strength Near the Close of the Game
Massillon High Rallied and Held the Opponents on Downs
Saturday afternoon before a crowd of about one hundred and fifty people the Massillon high school football team more than redeemed itself for any former defeats by trouncing New Philadelphia High by the score of 12 to 0. The game was one of the best seen on a Massillon field this season.
The game was called at 2:30, New Philadelphia kicking off to Massillon. The kick was a nice one and Smith received it at the fifteen yard line and advanced to about ten yards. Massillon started line bucks, but New Philadelphia displayed unexpected strength. The boys managed to push a few yards up the field toward north goal, but rather than run the risk of being held for downs, McFarren called a punt and Albright responded by making a fine one of forty yards. New Philadelphia managed to reach the fifty yard line when a fumble was made and Massillon secured the ball. Burkhart now found a hole and slipped through for a fifteen yard run, after which the opposing line was hit for long gains, Kirchhofer displaying fine talent in this line. The boys were now at the five yard line and Albright took the ball and put it across the line directly beneath the goal posts amid the cheers of the onlookers. The goal was an easy one and was kicked by Albright.
The local team now kicked to the visitors, who received the ball at the fifteen yard line and advanced to the twenty-five yard line, where McFarren made a nice tackle. Slow gains by the opposition were now in order and on a fumble by New Philadelphia Jones by quick work managed to fall on the ball. Big “Dutch” Senhauser, the adversaries’ right half, was now laid out. Massillon here devoted its efforts to line bucks and gained steadily. The locals here made some great runs – Smith one of twenty-five yards, Albright thirty-five yards and Burkhart twenty yards, in close succession, bringing the home team to the five yard line when time was called. The score was 6 to 0.
At the beginning of the second half Massillon again kicked to the guests. The ball was caught at the twenty yard line and advanced fifteen yards by good dodging. The visitors could not realize on Massillon’s line and a fumble was made which resulted in a loss to them of twelve yards. Albright tackled the man before he could make any gain. Massillon here made good gains, though it had to fight gamely for them. The home aggregation now neared its goal and its blood was up for a second touchdown to make it better than its first game with this team, and Albright carried the ball under the goal posts and once more kicked goal.
Massillon once more kicked to the opposition, the ball being received at the fifteen yard line, where the man was instantly tackled without a gain. The New Philadelphia team succeeded in reaching the twenty-five yard line when the man with the ball was tackled behind the line and was carried back fifteen yards. A punt was called by the visiting team and was fumbled by McFarren, New Philadelphia regaining the ball. The opposing team now played the best of the whole game, going through Massillon’s line for its five yards regularly. Time for the second half was rapidly nearing the end and the home boys put forth every effort to keep the visitors from a touchdown. As they reached the five yard line Massillon braced itself and the result was a yard to gain on the third down when time was called, the score standing 12 to 0.
The line-up was as follow:
New Phila. Position Massillon
L. Zellner LE Hollander
Kislig LT Jones
Cunning LG Ratchford
Page C Tucker
Olmstead RG Wagner
Ripeth RT Smith
Orr RE Merwin
K. Zellner QB McFarren
Foster LH Burkhart
Senhauser, capt. RH Albright
Wilkin FB Kirchhofer
Alternate referee and umpire, Bast and Doeschock.
Timekeepers, Cronebaugh and Wiley.
Head Linesman, Souers.
The record of the High school team now stands as follows:
Wooster 5
Massillon 0
Canton 8
Massillon 0
New Philadelphia 0
Massillon 5
Barberton 0
Massillon 15
Canton 12
Massillon 5
The game with Wooster on next Wednesday will be rather one sided with the present crippled state of the team, with Kaylor sick, McFarren with a sprained wrist, and Stoner doubtful as to being able to play.
History 1904: Massillon 15 Barberton 0
MASSILLON HIGH
BEATS BARBERTON
The Local Boys Score Three Touchdowns
VISITORS PLAY A GOOD GAME
Barberton was Never Dangerously Near Massillon’s Goal
Every Member of Massillon High
Played to Win from Start to Finish
A Financial Loss
Friday afternoon, before a moderately large crowd, Massillon High gave an exhibition of what it can do against a team of its own size and weight. Much delay was experienced in starting the game, as the greater part of the team did not arrive at the grounds, being delayed by a derailed car at the square. The crowd grew quite impatient and Manager Tucker finally started after the team on foot but happily met the car and the game finally started about 4:30.
Barberton kicked off to Massillon; the ball was fumbled and no advance was made; Barberton in turn made a fumble. The Massillon boys now made great gains toward south goal, Burkhart hitting the line for fine advances, and the home team went steadily up the field. The ball was given to Albright who made a magnificent run for thirty-five yards. On the next down Burkhart received the ball and went around left end for a fifty yard run, making the first touchdown. Albright failed on goal. On the second kickoff Albright secured the ball at the twenty yard line and reached the thirty-five yard line before going down. Massillon now played straight football going through the line at will. When the thirty-five yard line w as reached a fumble was made but Merwin secured the ball; the fumble was repeated, Barberton getting the ball but losing it directly by a blocked punt. Line plunges were made and Albright scored the second touchdown but Merwin failed on goal.
On the third kick Massillon made a good gain but time for the first half was called, Massillon having possession of the ball at the thirty-five yard line.
At the end of the second half the visitors were given a chance to score by receiving the kickoff. The ball was not caught until it reached the five yard line and was only advanced to the twenty yard line. Barberton now made a nice twenty-five yard run but went outside of bounds. The run was made by Booth, the opposing left half. The visitors fumbled, Albright making a fifteen yard gain. Massillon steadily pushed down the field, Kirchhofer making the third touchdown. Goal was not kicked. Massillon High kicked off, the ball going outside at the thirty-five yard line. When the ball was brought back Massillon was forced to punt. Booth again made a magnificent run of forty yards but was “laid out” when tackled and time was called. The game was a good clean one and few accidents were in evidence.
The line-up was a follows:
Massillon Position Barberton
Hollander, Smith L.E. Fuergeson
Snyder
Jones L.T. Sneddon
Stoner L.G. Kreighbaum
Tucker C Chisnell
Ratchford R.G. Robertson
Kaylor R.T. Davies
Merwin R.E. Booth, Boden
McFarren Q.B. Peterson
Fuergeson
Albright L.H. Witwer
Burkhart R.H.
Booth
Kirchhofer (capt.) R.B. Boden
(capt.) Rowe
Time – Two fifteen minute halves.
Stewart and Blinn, of Barberton, alternated as referee and umpire.
Timekeepers – Julius Wittmann and Jack Shreve.
Head Linesman – Bast.
The Massillon boys put up a good, fast game and gave the crowd a fine exhibition of the game. Every man played his position in fine style and the team played together well.
Burkhart as a ground gainer surprised everybody, going through the line and around end at will apparently, while Albright tore around end for great gains. Kirchhofer played a hard plunging game and McFarren put up a good fast game. Merwin played a fast game while “Pete” Hollander was a star in the first half, Smith doing his best in the second. The work of Kaylor was one of the features.
History 1904: Massillon 5 New Philadelphia 0
MASSILLON HIGH VS. NEW PHILA.
Massillon Scores the Only Touchdown
THE FIRST OF THE SEASON
Time was Called as Albright Crossed the Line
in the Last Half of the Game
Superintendent Cronebaugh Did a Little Coaching
Saturday afternoon, in the midst of a pouring rain, Massillon High administered a dose of defeat to New Philadelphia High, to the tune of 5 to 0, the touchdown being made by Albright in the last minute of play. The game was a most exciting one and was witnessed by a large crowd of Massillon, New Philadelphia and Canal Dover rooters. The game was called about 3 o’clock on the field located at the edge of town. Massillon kicked off to New Philadelphia, who defended the north goal. Albright made a good kick and it reached the ten yard line before it was secured. Kirchhofer downed the man after making a slight gain. The opposing team now hit Massillon’s line for steady gains until they reached the center of the field when the ball was lost on a fumble. Massillon pushed its way back the field until the ball was lost on downs at about the twenty-five yard line. McFarren received a severe blow on the nose and time was taken out. The battle raged up and down the field in this manner for some time, Massillon being penalized for Superintendent Cronebaugh coaching on the field. Massillon had possession of the ball when the first half ended, no score being made by either team. The rain was at its worst at this time.
At the beginning of the second half New Philadelphia kicked off to Massillon, who this time faced the south goal. McFarren received the ball at the twenty-five yard line and advanced about fifteen yards by clever dodging. The Massillon team now found New Philadelphia’s weak spot at left end and gain after gain was here made by Albright. The gains on line bucks were not productive of as large gains. Massillon reached the twenty-five yard line but lost the ball on a fumble. New Philadelphia now hit the line for good gains for some time, reaching the middle of the field, but here lost the ball. Massillon slowly went toward their goal but were finally held and Albright punted. The kick was a beauty and the opposing quarterback, Zellner, misjudged it, touching but not stopping it. Merwin here made a fine run and succeeded in falling on the ball about the twenty-yard line. There was but a few minutes yet to play and the Massillon boys got down to business. Albright went around right end for good gains and just as time was called put the ball across the line for the first touchdown Massillon has made this season. There was a slight dispute as to whether the touchdown was made before time was called but this was decided in Massillon’s favor.
Every member of the Massillon team played fine ball and good interference was given the man with the ball. Albright was in the game all the time, hitting the line and making beautiful end runs. Burkhart and Kirchhofer hit the line hard and McFarren gave good interference. All the line men worked hard and the ends broke up interference in fine shape. At no time was the New Philadelphia team dangerously near Massillon’s goal.
The line-up:
Massillon Position New Phila.
Smith L.E. Steller, Zellner
Jones L.T. Kilvig
Kaylor L.G. Cunning
Tucker C. Page
Stoner R.G Stellner, Zellner
Ratchford R.T. Orr
Merwin R.E. Congleton
McFarren Q.B. C. Zellner
Kirchhofer F.B. Wilkin
Albright R.H. Sunhauser
Burkhart L.H. Foster
Umpire, Meinhart.
Timekeepers, Souers, Myers.
Referee, Derschook.
For New Philadelphia, Page, L. Zellner and “Dutch” Sunhauser played a good game. Zellner played in oxford shoes without cleats and lost one of them, playing in stocking feet. After the game the team was given supper at a local restaurant and were shown about the town. All the Massillon boys expressed themselves as well pleased with their treatment. In the evening a number of the boys were entertained at the homes of the “New Philiates” and considerable difficulty was experienced in getting home, there being….THE REST OF THE STORY IS NOT AVAILABLE.
History 1904: Massillon 0 Canton Central 18
MASSILLON BOYS ARE DEFEATED
Lost to Canton by Score of 18 to 0
CANTON PLAYED TWO ELEVENS
As Soon as a Player Became Tired or was Injured
a Fresh Man was Substituted
Massillon Team Praised for its Fine Work
Friday afternoon, at Mahaffey park, Massillon again met defeat at the hands of Canton High. The contest was a fine one, the home boys putting up a superb game, making many beautiful tackles and substantial gains. This being Canton’s opening game, practically the entire squad was tried out, thus constantly putting in fresh men while the same Massillon eleven finished that entered the game. Canton seemed to regard it as a special favor to Massillon to give them new players. The score stood 18 to 0 at the end of the game, every touchdown being made in the first half. In the last half Massillon held Canton down in great shape. The game was called at 3:30 and was witnessed by a large crowd.
Canton kicked off to Massillon, McFarren receiving the ball and advancing it about fifteen yards, being downed near the thirty-five yard line. Massillon failed to make the required gains and lost the ball. Canton, hitting the line hard and making some good end runs, steadily advanced near the goal. Knox, the left half for Canton, made the first touchdown after about ten minutes of play, Myers kicking goal. On the next kick off Burkhart received the ball and reached the forty yard line. Here there were some fierce scrimmages, Massillon losing the ball to Canton on downs. Vleit, the opposing fullback, plowed through the line and several end runs brought Canton to the twenty yard line. Here Holl, Canton’s right half, managed to get through the line and shook McFarren off. Kirchhofer made a flying tackle but failed to stop the man with the ball who scored the second touchdown of the game, Myers again kicking goal, the score now standing 12 to 0. Albright secured the ball on the next kick off and was downed by Myers after a twenty yard run. The home boys now tried line bucks making fine gains for a short time, but again lost the ball on downs. Canton was held now and was penalized for an offside play, losing the ball. Massillon tried hard but lost the ball on a fumble, but held the Cantons for downs, thus regaining the ball. It was soon lost again, near their own goal, and Canton again went through the line, Holl making the third and last touchdown of the game. Myers kicked goal. Benedict, the home fullback, caught the ball on the kick off and made a good run. Massillon now hit the ends hard and made fine and steady gains when time for the first half was called. A number of the Canton players were laid out in this half, fresh men being substituted. At the end of the half the teams again lined up, Albright securing the ball. After a few scrimmages Wener, the Canton right guard, went out of the game with an injured knee, Oner taking his place. Canton took the ball and made a long run, McFarren finally tackling. Massillon secured the ball on a fumble and steadily forged their way up the field the “backs over” formation going through in great style, but the ball was lost on a fumble. Canton was now penalized for a trick that was noticeable throughout the game, the quarterback running with the ball, but failing to go the required five yards from where the ball was put in play when the man who should properly have taken the ball failed to get into place in time. On the next down “Sugar” Gibson, Canton’s center, who seemed to have a knack of getting into trouble, was laid out for some time with a kick in the “wind.” Canton was now held for downs, Massillon going rapidly through Canton’s line and around ends, but in turn lost on downs. Canton tried end runs but these were spoiled by Smith and the star fullback, Benedict. Canton lost the ball on a fumble and it was secured by Tucker who made a small gain when time was called, not a single touchdown having been made in the last half.
The lineup was as follows:
Canton Pos. Massillon
Gould, Griflin L.E. Smith
Dannemiller, Schaffer L.T. Jones
Hershey, Barnhart L.G. Kaylor
Gibson Center Tucker
Wenger, Clark, Oner R.G. Ratchford
Clark, Meyers R.E. Kirchhofer
Hall, Robb R.T. Merwin
Brown, Hall R.H.B. Burkhart
Know L.H.B. Albright
Vleit F.B. Benedict
Dr. March, the Canton coach, complimented the Massillon players on their game, which was a good clean one.
The usual amount of “hot air” from the Canton bunch was in evidence, though no disputes took place. Every Massillon player may be proud of the part he took in the game and the work of the backs, Benedict, Albright, McFarren and Burkhart, was most noteworthy. The way they plowed up the line and formed interference called forth even the plaudits of Canton. Smith and Kirchhofer broke up Canton’s interference in fine shape while Merwin and Jones were always ready to block Canton’s line bucks. Kaylor and Ratchford at guard usually opened up holes when called upon and Tucker and “Sugar” Gibson at center battled royally for honors. For Canton, Vleit, Knox, Myers and Clark played an especially good game.
The field was in poor condition, being laid off only in ten yard lines and two fishing poles and a rope doing service for goal.
The rooting propensities of Canton seem poorly developed, the Massillon crowd, though smaller in size, being able to give them pointers in this in even a losing game. Professor Collier looked after the Massillon boy’s interests in a thorough manner, this fact being highly appreciated by the Massillon players and students.
The boys, meanwhile, will go through hard practice and on October 22 will try to hold the east end aggregation down in both halves as they did in yesterday’s last half.
History 1904: Massillon 0 Wooster 5
STORY OF 1st actual game follows this story
Wooster vs. Massillon
(This Game Considered a Scrimmage or Exhibition)
THE FOOTBALL SEASON OPENED
High School is Defeated 15-5 by Rowdies
MANY STARS ARE DEVELOPED
Rowdies Too Heavy for High School Players,
but the Latter Fought a Brave Fight Against Big Odds
H.S. Gives Promise for the Coming Season
Sheehan Shows Good Points
The High School and Rowdy football teams made a march on the Tigers and Reserves Friday and ushered in the 1904 football season with the first practice game in this vicinity. The High School lads have been practicing for the past week and their formations went off well. The Rowdies, a team on which were two of last year’s Reserve team, played aggressively, but without team work, the score standing 15-5 in their favor at the end of twenty and fifteen minute halves.
The practice served to show up the strong and weak points of both teams and incidentally unearthed a player, heretofore unthought of, in the person of Sheehan, who played fullback for the picked team during the second half. Sheehan is a novice at the game. He weighs about one hundred and sixty pounds, and the way he tore the High School line to pieces on line bucks and broke up interference shows that he will be a valuable addition to the second team squad. On three occasions he broke up end runs and tackled Albright for losses of from ten to twenty-five yards.
Tim Nolan, another Reserve player, was a star of the game, his end runs, line bucks and tackles assisting his team to win. Pat Nolan, a younger brother to Tim, played like a little Tiger at end and tackled on numerous occasions for losses. With more weight young Nolan would be a valuable man to the Reserves.
For the High School Albright made the largest gains on the offense and his defensive work was up to the standard. B. McFarren ran the team in good shape from the quarterback position. Smith at left end for the High School made many star tackles on the defensive. Kirchhofer’s line bucks from the fullback position were surprisingly effective for one so light, and with practice the High School team promises to show well against the average high school teams of the state. Merwin looks well after the right end, tackling fiercely and stopping end runs effectively.
Nick Myers, captain of the Rowdies, began the game at the fullback position and played a hard game, sustaining a slight injury in one scrimmage which necessitated a change in the lineup, Lipps going to half and Myers to center, where he and Tucker battled royally for honors. Trotter, at right guard for the Rowdies, gives promise of developing into a valuable man for the Reserves. Burkle who played the quarterback position for the Rowdies, did some star tackling, on one occasion saving a touchdown after a long run by Albright. Another player who gives promise for the second team is Buchman, who played left halfback for the Rowdies.
The lineup with scored and summary was:
Rowdies – 15 Pos. High School – 5
Lipps, Myers Center Tucker
Hammer R.G. Ratchford
Trotter R.T. Pierson
Nolan R.E. Merwin
Slicker L.G. G. Kaylor
Fricker L.E. Smith
Meinhart L.T. Jones
Burkle Q.B. McFarren
N. Myers
Sheehan F.B. Kirchhofer
Buchman, Nolan L.H. Albright
List R.H. Burkhart
Referee – Stewart.
Time of halves – 20 and 15 minutes.
Score,
first half – 5 to 5;
final score – 15 to 5 in favor of Rowdies.
WOOSTER vs.
MASSILLON HIGH
This afternoon the Massillon High School and Wooster High School football teams open the season in Massillon. The new park grounds have been laid off in good shape by Manager Charles Breiter and the crowd of spectators will probably see a good game, unless the visitors come loaded with foreign talent.
The Massillon High vs. Wooster High School game Wednesday showed that the locals have some strong material for the season in spite of the handicap which they have to work against when pitted against such husky opponents as was their lot Wednesday. Wooster’s beef and brawn proved too much for the locals at times during the game. The score should have been 0-0, however, as the touchdown made by Wooster was a fluke pure and simple, a Wooster man making a thirty-five yard run for a touchdown on a fumble.
History 1903: Massillon 0 Canton Central 8
CANTON H.S. – 8,
MASSILLON – 0.
High School Football Team Beaten
OUTWEIGHED BY MANY POUNDS
Showing of the Massillon Team Was Fine Considering Handicap Which They Were Forced to Give in Weight
A Touchdown, Goal and Safety Responsible for the Score
Although defeated by the Canton high school by the score of 8-0 in the game at Meyer’s Lake Friday afternoon the Massillon high school football team has every reason to feel proud of the showing made, in view of the great disparagement in the average weight of the two teams. After having held the heavy Cantonians to a 5-0 score on the Massillon high school grounds last Friday, the local students were inclined to feel that with more coaching and practice they would defeat their heavier opponents in the second game. It was impossible, however, for the lighter linemen of this city to push aside the heavy guards, center, tackles and ends of the Canton team for any substantial gains. On the other hand Canton was forced to abandon the end running game and resort to line bucking where their weight soon told on the light Massillon forwards and a touchdown was made, not, however, until after a stubborn resistance of every inch of territory on the part of Massillon’s plucky team. The touchdown was followed by a goal. Previously, the Canton team had carried the ball almost to the goal line of the Massillon players, where they were held and the ball went to Massillon. On a few attempted line plunges the locals were unable to score and were forced back for a safety, probably the first instance of the kind in this vicinity for several years. A safety counts two points for the opposing team, and this with the touchdown and goal made the score 8-0, all in the first half, no scoring being done in the second half.
For Massillon Wert, Albright, Myers and Smith played the star game and were ably supported by the entire team. For Canton, there was no particular stars, the entire team playing steady, consistent football. No great variety of plays were tried, the Canton team contenting itself with line plunges, principally the “tackles over” formation, which was a good ground gainer. For Massillon, the quarterback tricks, end runs and line plunges were but partially successful. Wert and Kirchhofer ran the team in good shape at quarterback and easily out-generaled the captain of the other team, whose judgment was somewhat poor at critical times in the selection of plays. For the Massillon high school Smith, who has been playing left tackle, showed promise of developing into one of the most valuable men on the team. He was in every play, and showed that quality of “nerve” which is required in a successful football player.
Captain Albright, of the local team was also a star in many of the plays. It was his tackle in the first half which prevented another touchdown, after Canton’s right half had circled the end for a forty yard run, and was almost over the line. In line plunging Albright was at his best; although he is still inclined to hit the line a little high, his form was otherwise good.
For Canton, Captain Buckwalter, at quarter, ran his team in good shape, but was guilty of considerable fumbling at critical times. It is this feature which in all probability saved the locals from a higher score. The visitors had weight enough on the line to run up a much higher score under favorable circumstances, but lacked the spirit which characterized the play of the Massillon boys.
Line-up:
CANTON Pos. MASSILLON
Lowman L.E. Smith
Marsh L.T. Limbach
Winger L.G. Stoner
Gibson C Tucker
Brambaugh R.G. Hollinger
Holl R.T. Burkhart
Williams and R.E. Wert
Lowenstein
Buckwalter (capt.) Q.B. Kirchhofer
Gould R.H. Kaylor
Kennedy L.H. Schnierle
Robb F.B. Albright (capt.)
Officials:
Canton – Unfair.
Massillon – Markel; Willenborg; and Harrison.
NOTES OF THE GAME
In the last half it took the combined efforts of Chief Ertle and Officers Wittmann and Wissmar to keep the crowd back.
When Wert broke through the crowd in the last half it looked good for a touchdown, but he stumbled over the feet of Buckwalter, whom he had “stiff armed,” and fell.
Benny Gans, who was on the grounds ready to line up with the high school team, was barred by the vigorous kicking of Captain Buckwalter on the grounds that he was not a bona fide student of the school.
With Gans at the other end of the line to Wert, the Canton team would never have had a ghost of a show to score on ends runs.
About four hundred people witnessed the contest and evinced the utmost excitement at times. The principal “rooters” were the girls from Massillon and Canton high schools, who formed into “rooters” bands with horns and made considerable noise.
History 1903: Massillon 0 Canton Central 5
September 24, 1903
The Massillon high school football players are beginning to organize and expect to turn out a strong team this season. According to the Canton schedule, published in the Canton papers some days ago, the first game of the season will be played against the Massillon team at Canton. If this is correct it would behoove the local high school stars to begin their work at once.
September 29, 1903
The Massillon high school football team held practice Monday evening on the high school grounds in anticipation of the game Friday afternoon against the Canton high school team, in Massillon. Placards advertising the coming game have been placed in conspicuous places about town and the management expects a large attendance. The local team is putting in some hard work at practice and expects to make a good showing.
CANTON WON
BY SMALL SCORE
Massillon High School Team Defeated 5-0
LOCAL TEAM WAS OUTWEIGHED
The Cantons Averaged
Twenty Pounds More Per Man Than the Local line
Wert and Albright the Stars for the Locals
Benny Gans Ruled Out as Ineligible
Although outweighed almost twenty pounds to the man, the Massillon high school football team succeeded in holding the strong Canton high school team down to a single touchdown in thirty-five minutes of play on the high school grounds Friday. This, too, was made after Massillon had been given the opportunity to boot the ball out of danger and only a short time before the first half was over.
In the second half, the Massillon team not only did the greater part of the work, but almost scored a touchdown within the last few seconds of play, on a beautiful fifty yard run by Wert, who was playing left end for the high school boys. Wert was easily the star of the game. His tackling and running with the ball were the best. At times when a few yards were needed on the last down, Wert could be depended upon to make the required distance.
History 1903: Massillon 15 New Philadelphia 0
This newspaper article for this game has not been converted to digital form.