Category: History

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A Look Back at Past Massillon Teams – Part…

A Look Back at Past Massillon Teams – Part 8 – The 1997 Season

This is the eighth of a 10-part series looking back at all of the Massillon teams of the 1990s.

Head Coach: Jack Rose (6th Year)
Overall Record: 7-3
Regular Season Record: 7-3
Playoff Results: Division I, Region 2, 12th; did not qualify
Key Players: Quarterback Tip Danzy. running back Christian Morgan, running back Dave Hodgson, linebacker Jared Stafenko, linebacker Seth Venables, defensive back Josh Krieder, punter Luke Shilling,
All-Ohio: Josh Krieder (1st), Christian Morgan (SM), Josh Hill (SM)

Massillon was led by two outstanding running backs: Christian Morgan, who rushed 181 times for 1,061 yards (5.9 ave.) and 11 TDs, and Dave Hodgson, who rushed 115 times for 810 yards (7.0 ave.) and 7 TDs.  Hodgson was also the team’s leading receiver with 12 catches for 188 yards (15.7 ave.) and 2 TDs.  The Tigers finished the season unbeaten at home, but lost all three road games to outstanding teams, including to Lima Senior, Cincinnati Moeller and Canton McKinley.  Lima qualified for the playoffs, while Moeller and McKinley faced each other in the playoff state finals.  Also, in the Moeller game the Tigers led 24-7 early in the fourth quarter, but then surrendered three TDs to lose by four.  Luke Shilling had a great year punting, placing 5th in the Massillon record book with a 39.9 yard average.

PIVOTAL GAMES

Lima Senior – In 1996 Massillon gave state champion Lima Senior its only loss of the season.  In the return game the Spartans got revenge in a big way, winning 25-7.  Lima scored two touchdowns in the second quarter on a short run and a return of an intercepted pass to take a 12-0 lead into the locker room.  They increased the lead to 18-0 on another short run, before the Tigers finally got on the board.  It came on a 59-yard punt return by Josh Kreider, as Massillon’s offense failed to score a point in this one.  The Spartans added one final TD in the fourth on a 17-yard pass.  In a game of complete dominance, Lima led in total yards, 209-38.  Lima would finish the season 8-2, but lose to unbeaten Upper Arlington in the first round of the playoffs.

Walsh Jesuit – Walsh was the only significant opponent that the Tigers beat, by the score of 27-14.  Two Massillon TDs came in each of the first two quarters, with Dave Hodgson scoring on two short runs, Christian Morgan scoring on a 41-yard jaunt and Josh Hill returning a fumble 25 yards to the end zone.  With the Tigers on top 27-0, the Warriors finally found the end zone on a 72-yard pass, giving Massillon a 27-7 lead at the half.  There was only one score in the second half, that by Walsh on a fumble recovery at the end of a drive.  Morgan rushed 23 times for 146 yards, while Hodgson added 96 yards on 15 carries.  The Warriors would finish the season with a 10-3 record.  In the Division III playoffs they advanced to the regional finals, only to lose 13-7 to state runner-up Youngstown Chaney.

Cincinnati Moeller – This is the one that got away.  It’s hard enough to defeat a team like Moeller, which was ranked No. 3 in the state entering this the game.  But, giving away a 17-point advantage with one quarter left and losing 28-24 put a dagger into the heart of all Tigers.  The Crusaders opened the scoring in the second quarter on a 21-yard pass, but Massillon tallied the next 24 points to take a presumed comfortable lead.  Christian Morgan’s 3-yard run and Josh Hose’s PAT gave the Tigers a 7-6 lead at the half.  In the third quarter Morgan hit paydirt again, this time from 80 yards out.  That was followed by a 28-yard pass from Tip Danzy to Tyrie Clifford and a 36-yard fourth-quarter field goal by Hose.  There might have been additional points, but dropped passes were an omen of the doom to come.  It came when the Crusaders changed offensive tactics by going to a 3-receiver spread formation.  First was a 77-yard touchdown pass.  Then came a 2-yard run.  Finally, the go-ahead was a 5-yard TD run with three minutes left in the game.  Moeller led in total yards, 430-341, including 12 of 17 passing for 292 yards.  Both Morgan and Hodgson eclipsed the 100-yard mark rushing.  But the passing game was effective only 8 times in 23 attempts.

Game Action vs. Canton McKinley 1997

Canton McKinley – The season ended on a down note with a 27-14 road loss to Canton McKinley, in spite of a gallant effort by the over-matched Tigers.  Massillon fell behind 21-0 in the first half on three Bulldog TD runs.  Massillon finally converted a first down and eventually found the end zone on a 14-yard run by Tip Danzy.  But McKinley answered right back on a 17-yard return of a blocked punt to take a 24-7 lead into the locker room.  That score remained until the fourth quarter, when Danzy connected with Neil Buckosh on an 8-yard pass.  Dave Hodgson rushed 18 times for 109 yards.  Danzy completed 15 of 31 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown.  Ironically, McKinley led just slightly in total yards, 317-297.  And the 27 points was their lowest-scoring output of the season.  But in the end, the Tigers couldn’t overcome three turnovers.  For the undefeated Bulldogs, they would go on capture a well-earned Division I state title, which included during the run a second victory over Cleveland St. Ignatius (35-32, 20-19) and a state finals win over Cincinnati Moeller (31-16).  For the 7-3 Tigers, this would be the final  game for head coach Jack Rose.

Opp.Rec.Loc.Mass.Opp.Res.Att.MediaStats
Cordozo, DCH726W11,000StoryStats
Lima Senior8-3A725L5,500StoryStats
Akron Garfield6-4H2014W9,000StoryStats
Mansfield Senior1-9H420W8,340StoryStats
Austintown Fitch2-8H346W7,862StoryStats
Walsh Jesuit10-3H2714W11,023StoryStats
Canton Central Catholic6-4H416W11,350StoryStats
Cincinnati Moeller12-2A2428L5,074StoryStats
Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary4-6H103W7,000StoryStats
Canton McKinley14-0A1427L22,512StoryStats
TOTALTOTAL29112998,661Season Stats
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Big Plays Highlight Massillon Win over Cardinal Ritter

Big Plays Highlight Massillon Win over Cardinal Ritter

Statistics

Across four long quarters of football Massillon and Cardinal Ritter slugged it out.  Back and forth they went.  Ground-pounding, old-style football.  Gaining yardage little by little.  But by the end of the night, it was the big plays that spelled the difference, giving the Tigers a hard-earned 28-14 victory over a very good opponent.

Cardinal Ritter, a private school from St. Louis, Missouri, came into the contest with a 2-2 record.  But all four opponents were ranked in the Missouri Top 50, including No.1 Christian Brothers, which had a close win over previous Massillon opponent Rabun Gap, GA, on this same night.  The Lions were huge up front, with an offensive line that averaged nearly 300 pounds.  In addition, every skill player had extreme speed and was very athletic.  And the Lions knew how to play the game.  It was quite a challenge for Massillon, coming off last week’s one-sided loss to Canada’s Football North.  But by game’s end they had made more big plays than Ritter and that really made most of the difference in the game.

The other difference was a Massillon defense that refused to let the Lions cross the goal line when they got close.  They stopped the Lions with an interception at their own 29.  They recovered a fumble at their own 13.  And they held on downs at their own 7 late in the game.

But some of Ritter’s undoing was their own fault.  Sixteen times they were whistled for a penalty, accounting for 144 lost yards.  Add to that three turnovers and it became just too much to overcome.

Nevertheless, the Tiger fans could never get comfortable unless the lead was at least two touchdowns.  That’s because the Lions had the talent to score on any play, either running or passing.  In fact, several times they launched a long bomb to a slightly open receiver, only to have the ball sail just past his hands.

Savior Owens

Massillon wasted no time getting on the scoreboard.  On the first play from scrimmage junior running back Savior Owens ripped off a 14-yard run, setting the tone for the night.  Two plays later he sped around the right side of the line and raced 45 yards for a touchdown.  Mateo Herrara’s PAT then put the Tigers up 7-0.

On Ritter’s second possession they drove 46 yards in 10 plays to the Massillon 13, but fumbled the ball away to Joe Karder.

Early in the second quarter, the Tigers scored again, after first stopping the Lions on downs at the Massillon 46.  The 10-yard TD by Owens came at the end of a 7-play drive that covered 54 yards.

But Ritter got right back into it when Manny Ellis sped 70 yards to the end zone.  Lacking a kicker, the Lions went for two and were successful on a pass from Kashmir Manuzuk to Elijah Lucas, making the score 14-8.

Massillon responded by driving to the Ritter 17, but Manny Patterson lost control of the ball while scrambling out the pocket and the Lions took possession at their own 27.  Only, they gave it right back on a punt snap that literally dribbled along the ground, never reaching the punter.  The stop gave Patterson a chance to redeem himself. Lining up in the slot, he took a reverse lateral from Owens, who first took the snap from the shotgun, and launched a perfectly thrown ball to Jadyce Thigpen in back corner of the end zone for the score.

Although there were just 19 seconds left in the half, it  was enough time for the quick-strike Lions to have the last say.  It came in the final play when Manuzuk fired a 46-yard “Hail Mary” dart into end zone and somehow Ryan McDavis found the ball for a TD.  The PAT pass was incomplete.  So, the two teams headed to the locker room with the Tigers up, 21-14.

The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with the Tiger defense keeping the Lions out of the end zone and the offense finding a way to score one more time.  It came early in the fourth quarter when Christian Culler, who was in the game for the injured Owens, broke loose for a 44-yard run down the right sideline.  It was Culler’s first carry of the season, having been relegated so far exclusively to defense.

Cardinal Ritter led in total offense, 321-259.  For Massillon, Owens rushed 27 times for 168 yards and two touchdowns.  Patterson was 3 of 8 for 30 yards and one score, that pass going to Thigpen.  Isaac Maxheimer led the defense with 9 total tackles, one TFL and a fumble recovery.  Ja’Dyn Williams had seven total tackles and 0.5 TFLs.  Chayce White intercepted a pass to spoil a Lion drive.

For Ritter, Ellis rushed 22 times for 164 yards and one TD.  Rylan Moore completed 6 of 10 passes for 91 yards, while Manuzuk completed 3 of 9 for 42 yards and a touchdown.  The defense was led by Da’Ryan Stringer, who had 11 total tackles and 0.5 TFLs.

Next week Massillon (4-3) will entertain Cornerstone Christian (4-2), from San Antonio, Texas.  Ritter (2-3) will host Roosevelt (1-4).

 

Ja’Dyn Williams (9), Tra’Yon Williams (27), Eli Moore (8)

Head Coach Nate Moore

Savior Owens (1)

Deontay Malone (6)

Savior Owens (1), James Wallace Jr.  (50)

Samuel Doussous (91), Joe Karder (94), Christian Culler (2), Chayce White (35), Ja’Dyn Williams chance after the loose ball.

Jadyce Thigpen (44)

Jadyce Thigpen (44)

Anthony Mullen Jr. (24)

Christian Culler (2) scoring run, Kevin Elliott (74)

Christian Culler (2), Chayce White (35), Ja’Dyn Williams (9)

 

Tra’Yon Williams (27), Deontay Malone (5)

Savior Owens (1)

Andrew Holland (36), Isaac Maxheimer (20), Tra’Yon  Williams (27), Noah Jenkins (16)

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A Look Back at Past Massillon Teams – Part…

A Look Back at Past Massillon Teams – Part 7 – The 1996 Season

This is the seventh of a 10-part series looking back at all of the Massillon teams of the 1990s.

Head Coach: Jack Rose (5th Year)
Overall Record: 9-2
Regular Season Record: 9-1
Playoff Results: Division I, Region 2, 1st; lost in first round
Key Players: Ben Hymes (QB), Christian Morgan (RB), Devin Williams (WR), Ben Mast (OL), Milo McGuire (DL), Eric Lightfoot (DB)
All-Ohio: Ben Mast (1st), Milo McGuire (1st), Eric Lightfoot (SM)

The season was highlighted by an weeks-long No.1 ranking in the state A.P. Poll, plus victories over Cincinnati Moeller and eventual Division I  state champion Lima Senior.  Nevertheless, what started out as a promising season ended with a whimper, owing to a Week-10 loss to a dominant Canton McKinley team and a first round upset by Brunswick in a snow-covered Rubber Bowl.  Christian Morgan led the offense, rushing 202 times for 1,044 yards (5. ave.) and scoring 102 points.  Devin Williams caught 21 passes for 211 yards and 2 TDs.  Eric Lightfoot contributed with three pass interceptions, a fumble recovery and exceptional punting.  Josh Kreider had six takeaways: four picks and two loose balls.

PIVOTAL GAMES

Christian Morgan

Lima Senior – This was an early showdown of the season’s state powers and it was a classic, at least for Massillon.  For, they came away with 28-14 victory over Lima Senior, a team that went on to win the Division I playoff state championship.  It was also Lima’s only loss of the season.  The Tigers scored first on a 77-yard run by 6′-4″ Christian Morgan.  In in the second quarter the Spartans responded with a short run, but then Morgan followed with his second TD of the game, from two yards out, to put the Tigers out in front again.  Following the halftime break the momentum fully swung in Massillon’s favor when Eric Lightfoot intercepted a pass and returned it 37 yards for a score.  In the final period Morgan got his third touchdown of the game on a short run, making the score 28-7, although Lima did push one in late in the game to make the final margin respectable.  Morgan ended with 22 carries for 156 yards.

Walsh Jesuit – Walsh entered the game with a 4-1 record and a close loss to Lake Catholic, but was summarily pummeled by a surging Tiger team, 34-10.  Morgan again led the way with three rushing touchdowns, of 2, 21 and 2 yards, while Dusty Limbaugh returned a blocked punt for a TD and Elijah Blake scored on a 1-yard run.  It turned out to be the Warrior’s only regular season loss, although they failed to make the Division III playoffs.

Naperville Central, IL – Naperville Central, owning a 6-1 record, played a competitive game with the host Tigers.  In fact, they led Massillon 13-0 at halftime.  But the second half was a complete reversal and the Tigers left the field with a 21-13 victory.  In the third quarter Jared Sefanako scored on an 8-yard run.  Then in the fourth, Ben Hymes tallied from one yard out, with Josh Hose adding the PAT, to give Massillon a 14-13 lead.  The  clinching points were scored by Morgan on a 1-yard run.  The overall stats were fairly even, while the Tigers held a sizeable edge in the rushing game.  Naperville finished the season with a 7-2 record.

Cincinnati Moeller – Massillon defeated the Crusaders for a second straight time, by the score of 20-15.  Massillon was ahead 14-13 at the break off a 10-yard pass interception return by Josh Kreider and 25-yard run by Elijah Blake.  Moeller had a short run and kicked field goals of 32 and 45 yards.  Neither team found the end zone in the third quarter, but in the fourth Dave Hodgson got loose on a 74-yard TD run to put the Tigers ahead 20-12.  Meanwhile, the Crusaders could not dent the end zone and were forced to settle for a 46-yard field goal, which simply closed the gap.  Hodgson ended with 8 carries for 134 yards.  Moeller finished the regular season with an 8-2 record, the other loss coming at the hands of Cincinnati Elder.  In the second round of the playoffs the Crusaders again lost to Elder.

Canton McKinley – The two titans faced off in yet another classic.  Massillon came in unbeaten, while  McKinley had one loss, 47-19, to eventual state finalist Cleveland St. Ignatius.  As good as the Tigers were throughout the season, it all came crashing down in this one with a 21-0 defeat.  The Bulldogs scored twice in the second quarter and once in the third, while the Tigers gained just 110 yards for the game and were forced to punt six times.  They also turned the ball over twice on pass interceptions.  In the playoffs the Bulldogs, after defeating Brunswick, lost 31-24 in the state semifinals to St. Ignatius,

Brunswick – A driving snow storm at the University of Akron’s Rubber made playing conditions nearly impossible, with up to six inches of the wet stuff blanketing the field.  The snow came down so hard that attempts to plow it proved fruitless.  In a game that should have been postponed, the Tigers lost 7-6.  The difference?  Massillon attempted their PAT immediately following their touchdown, with the kicker lining up from within a bed of snow, while Brunswick called time out to first shovel the snow suitable enough for the kicker to have some footing during his ultimately successful kick.  After a scoreless first half, Christian Morgan sped through the line and plodded 89 yards for a touchdown.  The Blue Devils, employing a 2-tight end set, scored their TD late in the fourth quarter on a short run, capping a drive that covered just over half of the field.  Massillon’s size and speed advantage was negated by the poor field conditions and they managed just over 100 yards of offense, aside from Morgan’s long run.  Also, they couldn’t take advantage of four Brunswick fumbles.  Of course, the Blue Devil’s couldn’t cash in on the Tiger’s four turnovers.  The following week Brunswick would lose in the playoffs 36-15 to McKinley, on a dry field.

Opp.Rec.Loc.Mass.Opp.Res.Att.MediaStats
Mansfield Madison8-2H336W12,131StoryStats
Lima Senior13-1H2814W7,363StoryStats
Akron Garfield5-5H366W10,223StoryStats
Mansfield Senior5-5H4228W11,934Story Stats
Austintown Fitch4-6A109W5,500StoryStats
Walsh Jesuit7-2H3410W12,811StoryStats
Naperville Central, IL7-2H2113W11,852StoryStats
Cincinnati Moeller9-3H2015W13,102StoryStats
Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary3-7H477W8,766StoryStats
Canton McKinley11-2H021L19,303StoryStats
SUBTOTAL72-35271129112,985
PLAYOFFS
Brunswick11-1N67L6,500StoryStats
TOTAL83-37277136119,485Season Stats
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2025 Booster Club Report – Week 6 – Post-Football…

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 6 – Post-Football North; Preview of the Cardinal Ritter Game

Massillon (3-3) lost to Football North from Ontario, Canada (2-3), 34-2.  This week Massillon hosts Cardinal Ritter from Missouri (2-2).

Link to the Football North Story

Link to the Football North Game Statistics

Other scores:

  • 7th Grade (4-0): Defeated Canfield, 30-8.  Plays at Massillon Perry on Wednesday, October 1, at 6:00 pm.
  • 8th Grade (1-4): Lost to Medina Highland, 13-8; plays at Austintown on Wednesday, October 1, at 6:00 pm.
  • Freshmen (1-4): The game vs. Football North was canceled.  Plays home to Medina Highland on Thursday, October 2, at 6:00 pm.
  • Junior Varsity (0-5-1): Lost to Football North, 40-10.  Plays at Avon on Saturday, October 4, at 10:00 am.

Review of the Football North Game

Rasmus Haines

Massillon played from behind the entire game in a 34-2 loss.  North won the battle in the trenches on both sides of the ball and also took advantage of seven Tiger turnovers.  North’s Josh Martin-Pendkey was the whole offense  for North as he rushed 26 times for 192 yards and scored four touchdowns.  The North defensive front, along with a constant linebacker blitz, put tremendous pressure on the Massillon quarterback.  The stout defense also kept the Tigers bottled up in their own end of the field, with the average starting field position being the 25 yard line.  Massillon also failed to score an offensive point, the first time since 2015.  For the Tigers, Savior Owens rushed 14 times for 51 yards.  Quarterback Manny Patterson completed 13 of 24 passes for 117 yards.  Giorgio Jackson Jr. had four receptions for 16 yards.  Isaac Maxheimer led the defense with 11 total tackles, a quarterback sack and two tackles for loss.  Junior Rasmus Haines punted four times with an average of 42.5 yards per attempt.

“A terrible loss,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore at the Monday Booster Club meeting.  “We got our butts kicked on both sides of the ball, on the line.  We weren’t physically strong enough to handle them.  It’s a tough pill to swallow.  We need to correct the mistakes.  That was an excellent football team.  Very physical.  If we can’t move people physically to run the ball, we need to find another way.”

Moore also said that the defense was placed in tough positions as a result of the turnovers.  Otherwise, he felt that side of the ball played well.  As did special teams, particularly Haines with his ever-improving punting.

The guest players were junior offensive lineman Dayvionne Floyd and junior defensive back Braylon Gamble.

  • Floyd – We did not play to  our capability.
  • Gamble – We were prepared, but we weren’t ready for what they brought.

Cardinal Ritter Scouting Report

Cardinal Ritter plays in the AAA League along with four other area parochial schools.  Last year they finished with a record of 10-2, while losing 30-18 in the third round of the playoffs to Lafayette.  Over the past five years they have a record of 49-15, with state championships in 2022 and 2023.  The Lions (2-2) are currently ranked 11th in Missouri among all schools and 3rd in Division 5 (Division 6 is the largest).  The top player returning from last year is junior linebacker Marshaun Ivy (6’-3”, 220) (71 tackles).  He is a 3-star athlete that has offers from several Power-5 schools.  For the purposes of Harbin points, Ritter is classified as Division V, but compete above their enrollment classification.

Cardinal Ritter’s schedule to date:

  • No. 9 Jackson (5-0), 20-23 L
  • No. 1 Christian Brothers (5-0), 12-34 L
  • No. 33 Howell Francis (3-2), 50-0 W
  • No. 44 St. Pius X (2-3), 36-8 W

“Ritter is a good team,” said Moore.  “No let up for Massillon this week.”

Once again the Tigers will be facing a team that has a huge offensive line that knows how to play.  This one averages 6′-3″, 294 lbs.   The wide receivers in their 10-personnal formation are really, really fast, according to Moore.  The two best are senior Elijah Lucas (6′-3″, 200) and sophomore Ryan McDavis (6′-1″, 150).  They play two underclass quarterbacks in freshman Rylan Moore (5′-8″, 155) and sophomore Kashmir Manuzuk (6′-0″, 175).  Both are good players.  They also feature two alternating running backs in senior Manny Ellis (5′-7″, 165) and sophomore Kenny Robinson (5′-8″, 175).  The Lions like to run the ball first, but won’t hesitate to go deep.

Defensively,  Ritter employs an even front with four linemen.  They average 6′-2″, 225 lbs., with a couple 275 lb. backups in the wings.  The best of the two inside linebackers is Ivy (see above).  The 5-man secondary is very fast and aggressive and uses a lot of man-to-man coverage.  They will align mostly in cover-0 and cover-1, with occasional cover-3.  Not much blitzing.

On special  teams, they are not a great at kicking, but have good return players.

“This is a good football team,” Moore said in closing.  “Strong and physical.  They play the game the right way.  Another great challenge.”

Go Tigers!

 

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A Look Back at Past Massillon Teams – Part…

A Look Back at Past Massillon Teams – Part 6 – The 1995 Season

This is the sixth of a 10-part series looking back at all of the Massillon teams of the 1990s.

Head Coach: Jack Rose (4th Year)
Overall Record: 7-3
Regular Season Record: 7-3
Playoff Results: Did not qualify
Key Players: George Whitfield (QB), Vinnie Turner (RB), Devin Williams (WR), Brett Wiles (WR), Ben Mast (OL/DL), Paul Salvino (OL/DL), Elijah Blake (DB), Eric Lightfoot DB)
All-Ohio: Vinnie Turner (SM)

Senior quarterback George Whitfield was under center leading a predominantly underclass team.  After college, George founded a professional quarterback training business.  Massillon defeated Cincinnati Moeller for the first time in eight tries by the score of 21-18.  The Tigers hosted one of the best teams from Florida in Miami Southridge (8-1), losing 21-7, with the visitors breaking a 7-7 tie in the fourth quarter.  The Tigers nearly overcame a 17-7 halftime deficit against Canton McKinley with a courageous second half comeback.  For the season, running back Vinnie Turner carried the ball 204 times for 1,227 yards (6.0 ave.) and led the team in scoring with 108 points.  Whitfield of completed half of his passes for 929 yards and six touchdowns.

PIVOTAL GAMES

Cincinnati Moeller – Massillon led the entire way in defeating Moeller for the first time in eight tries, by the score of 21-18.  The two teams combined for seven fumbles, three by the Tigers and four by the Crusaders.  Massillon took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when Turner sped for 38 yards.  Turner scored again on a 1-yard run in the second to up the margin to 14-0.  Moeller then responded with a 27-yard field goal before halftime.  In the third quarter the Crusaders closed the margin to 14-11, before Turner scored his third TD of the night on a 13-yard run.  Josh Hose then added his third PAT kick.  Moeller tallied their final points with three minutes left in the fourth on a short run, but the Tigers held on  for the win.  Team statistics were slightly in favor of the Crusaders, but Turner had perhaps his best night of the season, rushing 25 times for 196 yards (7.8 ave.) and three touchdowns.

Miami Southrange, FL – Massillon took a foray into the national scene with a home game against Southrange and put up a good fight in a 20-7 loss.  The Tigers opened the scoring in the second quarter when Turner caught a 6-yard pass from Whitfield in the end zone and took that lead into the locker room at halftime.  Southrange tied the score in the third on a 1-yard run and then tallied again in the fourth from 12-yards out to complete a 15-play drive.  Their final points came on a 12-yard pick-six.  Turner gained 129 of Massillon’s total 180 yards.  But the speed of Southrange really made the difference in this game.  That and a pair of turnovers.

Canton McKinley – The Bulldogs led 17-7 at the half and then needed to stave off a hard-charging Tiger team, eventually winning 24-21.  But not before Massillon fumbled at the McKinley five yard line with under a minute left to play.  That, and four turnovers cost Massillon dearly in this one in an evenly played game yardage-wise.  Adrian Brown (Youngstown State) scored all three of McKinley’s touchdowns, on long runs of 72, 72 and 24 yards.  Massillon’s scores came from Lavell Everett/Weaver (1-yard run), Brett Wiles (17-yard pass from Whitfield) and Vinnie Turner (12-yard pass from Whitfield).  In his final Tiger game, Whitfield completed 18 of 30 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns.

George Whitfield lets loose on a  pass against Canton McKinley
Opp.Rec.Loc.Mass.Opp.Res.Att.MediaStats
Youngstown Rayen2-8H2621W10,307StoryStats
Cincinnati Moeller5-5H2118W15,394StoryStats
Akron Garfield4-6H2114W10,872StoryStats
Mansfield Senior6-4A2021L9,100StoryStats
Austintown Fitch4-6H2114W10,922StoryStats
Barberton5-5N2220W8,500Story Stats
Southridge, Miami, FL8-1H720L9,500StoryStats
North Park, ON4-5-1H517W7,041StoryStats
Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary4-6H2821W7,930StoryStats
Canton McKinley8-3A2124L20,000StoryStats
TOTAL50-49-1238180109,566Season Stats

 

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A Look Back at Past Massillon Teams – Part…

A Look Back at Past Massillon Teams – Part 5 – The 1994 Season

This is the fifth of a 10-part series looking back at all of the Massillon teams of the 1990s.

Head Coach: Jack Rose (3rd Year)
Overall Record: 10-2
Regular Season Record: 9-1
Playoff Results: Division I, Region 2; Regional finals
Key Players: Willie Spencer (QB), Leon Ashcraft (RB), Ryan Shanor (WR), Devon Williams (WR), Courtney Herring (LB), Mark Wells (OL/DL), Kevin Bouder (OL)
All-Ohio: Kevin Bouder (1st), Willie Spencer (1st), Courtney Herring (SM), Mark Wells (SM)

Massillon was led by dual-purpose quarterback Willie Spencer (Akron/Tiffin).  The highlight of the season was Massillon’s 42-41 overtime victory over Canton McKinley in the 100th game of this long rivalry .  Ironically, it was Jack Rose’s only win over the Bulldogs in the seven times he served as the head coach in this game.  Aside from that, the Tigers did fashion a 9-1 regular season mark and won a first-round playoff game.  But, McKinley would enact revenge the following week in the regional finals with a 27-21 turnaround.  But they too would falter in their next game against eventual state champion Cleveland St. Ignatius.  Prior to the second McKinley game, Massillon would play a spirited affair with Fremont Ross, led by future pro Charles Woodson, winning 35-28.  The lone regular season loss was against 9-1 Akron Garfield, 21-6.

PIVOTAL GAMES

Akron Garfield – The Golden Rams were a formidable opponent in that time period and these two teams hooked up for some classics.  This one went the wrong way in a 21-6 Garfield win, which turned out to be Massillon’s only regular season loss.  After a scoreless first half, the Rams scored twice to take a 14-0 lead before the Tigers got on the board in the 4th on a 4-yard run by Spencer.  But Garfield answered with a short scoring run, salting the game away.  The team stats were fairly even.  Individually, Leon Ashcraft led the Tiger rushing attack with 19 carries for 142 yards.  Garfield ended the season at 9-1, while giving up just eight touchdowns throughout.  Their lone loss was at the hands of McKinley, 15-12 in the season opener, the impact of which placed them 5th in Region 2 computer rankings, one place shy of qualifying for the tournament.

Austintown Fitch – Massillon traveled to Fitch in Week 5, which has always proven to be a tough place to win.  As expected, it was defensive game throughout, but the Tigers found a way and prevailed, 10-7.  The undefeated Falcons scored first, in the second quarter, on a 43-yard pass, and held that 7-0 lead going into the fourth quarter.  That’s when Spencer ripped off an 83-yard run to tie the score.  Nick Pribich then tacked on a 40-yard field goal with three minutes remaining to secure the victory, snapping Massillon 4-game losing streak at that facility.  Fitch was well-ahead in the statistics, but they couldn’t finish the drives when needed.  Spencer rushed 15 times for 122 yards and a TD.  Ashcraft added 18 carries for 90 yards.  The Falcons finished the season 7-3, with close losses to Youngstown teams Ursuline and Mooney.

Canton McKinley – Attendance: A sellout crowd of 19,125 at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium witnessed a 42-41 overtime Massillon victory in the 100th game of this great rivalry.  After a scoreless first quarter the offenses took over in the second and the two teams combined to score four touchdowns, two by each team.  For the Tigers, Spencer ran one in from the three and Ashcraft went over from the two.  McKinley’s second score came with 18 seconds left in the half, sending the teams to the locker room tied at 14.  The points continued into the third with Massillon scoring twice. The first was a 62-yard pass to Victor Redrick from Spencer, who had handed off the ball to the running back and immediately received it back for the throw.  On McKinley’s next possession, Adrian Brown (Youngstown State) scored on a short run and then the Tigers responded with another Spencer TD pass, this one going six yards to Vaughn Mohler.  That gave Massillon a 28-21 lead going into the fourth. But the onslaught continued, with McKinley’s Kinta Mitchell scoring his third touchdown of the day to re-tie the game and Ashcraft putting Massillon back ahead on a 20-yard run.  Not to be outdone, the Bulldogs then drove 68 yards in seven plays to tie the game at 35 and send it into overtime.  It was fitting indeed that this classic continue on.  Mitchell scored his fourth touchdown on McKinley’s initial overtime possession, but McDaniels, who was also the kicker, missed the extra point, leaving the door open for the Tigers.  On second down from the 20, Spencer initially kept the ball on a run off-tackle, but then lateraled to Victor Redrick, who grabbed the pigskin at the 16 and sped untouched to the end zone to tie the score.  Nick Pribich’s kick was true and it was all pandemonium on the home side. The two teams had combined for over 700 yards of offense, with Leon Ashcraft rushing for 109 yards and two touchdowns and Spencer rushing for 94 and a score, while passing for another 103 yards and two scores.  McDaniels was 14 of 20 for 148 yards. But for Massillon fans, they partied well into the night.  McKinley would finished the season 8-2 and be the top seeded team in playoff Region 2.

Willie Spencer pitches the ball to Victor Redrick for the winning touchdown in the 1994 100th Massillon-McKinley game

Fremont Ross – The Little Giants entered the first round playoff game with an 8-2 record, while averaging 39 points per game.  And their special weapon?  Future Heisman Trophy winner and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Charles Woodson (U. Michigan/Oakland Raiders/Green Bay Packers) at running back.  And what show a he put on.  He had 28 carries for 231 yards and four touchdowns.  Nearly unstoppable.  But Massillon found a way.  Each team scored three times in the first half, with the score tied at 21 at the break.  For the Tigers, Spencer had two short runs and he connected with Devon Williams on a 51-yard touchdown pass for the third.  For the Giants it was all Woodson, with TD runs of 3, 44 and 3 yards.  Ashcraft tallied in the third on a short run, but Woodson found the end zone in the fourth on a 13-yard run to tie the game again.  But Massillon had the last say with three minutes left in the game, on a 7-yard pass from Spencer to Vaughn Moeller, to finish off an 83-yard drive.  Only, Fremont Ross did threaten one last time when they drove the ball to the Tiger two yard line.  But a pass interception in the end zone by Matt Robinson ended the threat, giving the Tigers a well-earned 35-28 victory.  Ashcraft had a fine night, rushing 25 times for 136 yards and a touchdown.  Spencer was 7 of 11 passing for 132 yards and two TDs.  Williams caught three passes for 89 yards and a score.

Canton McKinley (P.O.) – The Bulldogs proved to be the better team that night on the scoreboard with a 27-20 victory in Akron’s Rubber Bowl, although the final stats were even.  Unfortunately, the Tigers were forced to finish the game without their star quarterback Spencer due to an injury.  Massillon held a 14-13 lead at the half behind two Spencer touchdown runs and they led 20-19 entering the fourth on yet another Spencer short run.  But, McKinley then retook the lead early in the period on a 46-yard pass.   Only, the Tigers were unable to respond owing to the loss of Spencer.  Ashcraft had 20 carries for 128 yards.  Spencer completed 7 of 11 passes for 93 yards, four going to Victor Redrick.  McKinley would lose in the next playoff round to Cleveland St. Ignatius, 32-11.

Opp.Rec.Loc.Mass.Opp.Res.Att.MediaStats
Youngtown Rayen4-6H416W10,756StoryStats
Trotwood Madison5-5H3918W10,201StoryStats
Akron Garfield9-1H621L15,772StoryStats
Mansfield Senior4-6H2113W10,752StoryStats
Austintown Fitch7-3A107W8,000StoryStats
Barberton4-6H150W10,034StoryStats
Cuyahoga Falls9-1H2111W13,796StoryStats
Alliance3-7A200W6,000StoryStats
Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary4-6H3115W10,312StoryStats
Canton McKinley10-3H4241W o.t.19,125StoryStats
SUBTOTAL59-44246132114,748
PLAYOFFS
Fremont Ross8-3N3528W12,000StoryStats
Canton McKinley10-3N2027L29,110StoryStats
TOTAL77-50301187155,858Season Stats
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A Look Back at Past Massillon Teams – Part…

A Look Back at Past Massillon Teams – Part 4 – The 1993 Season

This is the fourth of a 10-part series looking back at all of the Massillon teams of the 1990s.

Head Coach: Jack Rose (2nd Year)
Overall Record: 10-2
Regular Season Record: 9-1
Playoff Results: Division I, Region 2; Regional finals
Key Players: Mike Danzy (QB), Leon Ashcraft (RB), Ali Dixon (RB), Alonzo Simpson (WR), Jerry May (WR), B.J. Payne (OL), Mark Fair (OL), Trevor Paisley (DL), Chad Buckland (DB), Willie Spencer, Jr. (DB)
All-Ohio: B.J. Payne (1st Team), Trevor Paisley (2nd Team), Alonzo Simpson (SM)

Massillon won its first nine games, before dropping a 21-13 decision to Canton McKinley.  In the the first round of the playoffs the Tigers defeated  Mansfield (9-1), 46-6.  It was the second time these two faced each other that year, with Massillon winning the regular season encounter, 53-22.  But, the Tigers lost in the second round to unbeaten Walsh Jesuit, 30-20.  Ironically, Walsh had defeated Canton McKinley 19-0 in their first round game.  Quarterback Mike Danzy was a true dual-purpose quarterback, passing for 948 yards (17.2 ave.) and rushing for a team-high 702 yards (7.5 ave.).  Ashcraft and Dixon combined for 1,358 yards (6.4 ave.).  The team’s total rushing average of 6.56 yards per attempt ranks 5th in the Massillon record book, while their 3,223 rushing yards ranks 7th and their 47 rushing touchdowns ranks 10th.  Their 42 points per game ranks 9th.

PIVOTAL GAMES

B.J. Payne

Akron Garfield – The Golden Rams entered the contest with a 7-0 loss to McKinley and a 28-7 win over Akron St. Vincent.  Garfield scored first on a 23-yard pass, but Massillon then reeled off the next 28 points to win convincingly, 28-7.  The Tigers were ahead just 14-7 at the start of the second half, but Payne came up big on defense with three successive stops, forcing the Rams to punt.  The Tigers then drove 53 yards in eight plays to score and take a commanding 21-7 lead.  For the game, Danzy completed 7 of 11 passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns, including one to Dixon, who also scored a rushing touchdown.  The Rams would win the rest of their games that year and finish 8-2.

Austintown Fitch – Both the Tigers and the Falcons entered the game undefeated at 4-0.  In front of nearly 15,000 fans, Massillon scored first on a 2-yard Ashcraft run.  But Fitch, with their misdirection attack, would score the next 15 points on two touchdowns and a safety to lead 15-7 at halftme.  Only, the second half belonged to the Tigers as they tallied four times to win 34-15.  Two of the scores were off of interception returns by Tim Menches (67 yards) and Spencer (54 yards).  For the game, Danzy rushed 11 times for 136 yards and threw a touchdown pass.  Fitch would finish the season at 7-3, including a 1-point overtime loss to McKinley and 1-point loss to Youngstown Ursuline, with wins over Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, Warren Harding and Boardman.

Canton McKinley – On a muddy Fawcett Stadium turf Massillon’s potent offense, which was averaging 47 points per game coming into the game, was ground to a halt in a 21-13 defeat by the Bulldogs.  It was also the Tigers’ first loss of the season.  Massillon’s vaunted rushing game managed just 108 yards in the quagmire, while Danzy’s passing was not enough to overcome the deficit.  McKinley, which had a much larger team, managed the conditions better and led 14-7 at the half.  The two teams split touchdowns in the fourth quarter.  The Bulldogs finished the season with a 9-2 record, including a first round loss to Walsh Jesuit, 19-0.

Walsh Jesuit – The Warriors jumped out to a 16-0 lead by halftime and maintained a lead throughout the rest of the game in a 30-20 win.  Walsh had a pair of brothers at quarterback and wide receiver and that combo proved deadly throughout the game.  Nevertheless, the Tiger did cut the deficit to 23-20 in the fourth quarter when Danzy connected to Simpson on a 55-yard pass.  But, Walsh had the last say with a final TD on a 48-yard scoring drive following a 39-yard kickoff return.  The total yards in the game were relatively even and Massillon’s rushing average was a fine 7.4 yards per carry.  But three turnovers contributed to the loss.  Danzy finished with 120 yards rushing off of 10 carries, but managed to complete just 3 of 13 passes for 108 yards and one TD.

Opp.Rec.Loc.Mass.Opp.Res.Att.MediaStats
Alliance4-6H406W10,326StoryStats
Grove City5-5H4210W13,352StoryStats
Akron Garfield8-2H287W13,245StoryStats
Mansfield Senior8-2A5322W8,000StoryStats
Austintown Fitch7-3H3415W14,792StoryStats
North Park, ONH613W10,275StoryStats
Youngstown Rayen1-5H620W10,021StoryStats
Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary4-5H427W10,412StoryStats
Youngstown East2-4H636W8,975StoryStats
Canton McKinley8-2A1321L19,625StoryStats
SUBTOTAL43897119,023
PLAYOFFS
Mansfield Senior8-2N466W10,312StoryStats
Walsh Jesuit11-1N2030L11,765StoryStats
TOTAL504133141,100Season Stats
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2025 Booster Club Report – Week 3 – Post-Rabun…

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 3 – Post-Rabun Gap; Preview of the Bennett Game

Massillon (1-2) lost to Rabun Gap, GA (1-2), 50-35.  This week Massillon hosts Buffalo Bennett, NY (1-0).

Link to the Raybun Gap Game Story

Link to the Raybun Gap Game Statistics

Other scores:

  • 7th Grade (1-0): The game with Wadsworth was canceled.  Plays at Maple Heights on Wednesday, September 10, at 6:00 pm.
  • 8th Grade (1-2): Lost to North Royalton, 36-30.  Plays at home against South Range (MJHS) on Wednesday, September 10, at 6:00 pm.
  • Freshmen (1-2): Lost to Lakewood St. Edward, 42-0.  Plays at Cincinnati Moeller on Saturday, September 13, at 11:00 am.
  • Junior Varsity (0-2-1): Lost to Lakewood St. Edward, 42-7.  Plays at Cincinnati Moeller on Saturday, September 13, at 1:00 pm.

Review of the Rabun Gap Game

Christian Culler

Massillon played national power Rabun Gap and lost 50-35 in an offensive shootout.  Rabun Gap is a boarding school located in northern Georgia that is stocked high-profile athletes from seven different countries, including Canada and some in Europe.  At least eight players have offers from Division I colleges.  The game was tied at halftime with 21 points apiece and the Eagles held a 35-28 lead entering the fourth quarter.  But a Tiger fumble led to a Rabun Gap touchdown and the 2-score deficit was just too much to overcome.  The difference in the game was Rabun Gap’s massive offensive line, which contains three players with Power-5 offers (1 @ Auburn, 2 @ TBD), and its ability to pass block for their very accurate quarterback (Menphis).  In addition, the Eagles returned two kickoffs for long distances, one for a touchdown and another that set up a short TD run.  For Massillon, quarterback Manny Patterson completed 11 of 17 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.  The scoring receptions went to Jadyce Thigpen and Deontay Malone.  Running back Savior Owens carried the ball 21 times for 182 yards and three TDs, including a 42-yarder near the end of the game during which he broke numerous tackles.  Defensively, Ja’Dyn Williams had 15 total tackles.  Christian Culler had 8 total tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and caused a fumble.

“They were an excellent team,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore at the weekly Booster Club meeting.  “I was really proud in a lot of ways.  We did a lot of good things.  But we came up short.  We scored 35 points and still thought we left some points on the field.  Defensively, we made them drive the field.  They were high-powered and explosive.”  Moore cited the two long kickoff returns and said that really hurt. “We need to get better this week and move forward,” said Moore.  “Rabun Gap was not the last really good team we’re going to play this year”.

The guest players were Eli Moore and Isaac Maxheimer.

  • Moore – Said that the team needs to toe the line to win these big games.  But he assured that the team will be there for 48 minutes.
  • Maxheimer – Remarked that the team needs to finish four quarters, even when tired (note that Rabun Gap ran 76 offensive plays).

Bennett Scouting Report

Bennett High School, located in Buffalo, New York, has been in existence for exactly fifty years.  In 2018 the school introduced a new curriculum and is now referred to as, “Lewis J. Bennett High School of Innovative Technology.”  It also boasts of several dozen notable alumni, including NBA basketball great Bob Lanier.

The Tigers compete mostly against other Buffalo schools and in New York Playoff Division AA.  They are considered the Number 1 team in Buffalo.  For Ohio computer ranking purposes they are classified as Division IV.  Last year they finished with a record of 7-2 and have a 5-year record of 40-14, with five playoff qualifications.  This is the first time that they have faced Massillon.

Bennett played their first game of the season last week and defeated Niagara, NY, 18-13.  They are currently ranked No. 11 in Division AA (A is the highest in New York).  While they have several very good players in their starting lineup, according to Moore what they are lacking in is the level of execution.  Moore said that they are a step below that of Massillon in that category, particularly since the orange and black has already played three games.  Special teams also have issues in execution.

Offensively, they want to run the ball first, using a heavy set with an I-formation.  They will run iso, power and counter off of that.  They will also switch to the spread with they need to throw the ball.  The offensive line has good size, averaging 6′-2″, 270 lbs.  Both running backs are very good, according to Moore.  The starter is senior Jimmy Valentine (5′-10″, 185), wihle the backup is junior Dontre Hampton (6′-2″, 170).  At times both will be in the backfield.  Valentine last year rushed 51 times for 508 yards (10.0 ave.) and five touchdowns.  He also plays on defense.  The quarterback is just a sophomore in Jacob Dowell (6′-0″, 155).  Another player to watch is senior wide receiver Jack Eskridge IV (5′-6″, 150), who last year caught 26 passes for 281 yards (10.8 ave.) and 8 TDs.

The defense aligns in a 4-front with cover-1 and some cover-3.  Occasionally, they will switch to a bear defense.  The like to pressure the quarterback at times with a blitz.  The best players are in the linebacking corps.  Valentine is at outside linebacker, where last year he recorded 49 tackles and four tackles-for-loss.  In the inside are senior Nyree Feaster (5′-9″, 215) and junior Dontre Hampton (6′-2″, 170).  The best player on the back end is junior Donte Parker (6′-2″, 185).  The defensive line averages 5′-11″, 245 lbs.  Five players on this side of the ball also start on offense.

“We need to be ready to go and get back on the win track,” said Moore in closing.  “We need to get after them (Bennett) so they don’t get any momentum,”

Go Tigers!

 

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Massillon Loses to Powerhouse Georgia Team in Offensive Shootout…

Massillon Loses to Powerhouse Georgia Team in Offensive Shootout – Game Story and Photos

Statistics

If you’re a six foot six, 285-pound athletic high school kid living Belgium it doesn’t take too long for you to realize that European soccer is just not going to be your sport.  So, you pack your bags and head for the States and Rabun Gap, a private boarding school nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia.  With an emphasis on top-level football, you will surely find a place that fits your needs, along with the hope of earning a scholarship to a U.S. college.  Assemble enough of these special out-of-towners and you suddenly have a hellava of a football team.  In fact, Raybun Gap has players from fifty different countries.  AND they are VERY good.

It was a great challenge for Massillon to take on the Eagles, especially for the youthful players sprinkled throughout the lineup.  There are no average players on the field for Rabun Glen.  They have great size and they have exceptional speed and well-developed skill.  But the Tigers hung in there as best they could and played their hearts out for four quarters.  But by the end it was just too much to overcome and they fell by the score of 50-35.

It was a back-and-forth contest for the better part of three quarters, but then came a turning point.  The Eagles held a 35-28 lead and were driving to gain their first 2-score lead.  But on second and ten at the Tiger 29 they lost the ball on a fumbled snap.  Massillon then took over at the 45 and were in prime position to once again tie the score.  Only, on the first play of the series they fumbled the handoff on a jet-sweep and that quickly negated the opportunity.  The Eagles went on to score five plays later, upping the margin to 42-28 and putting the Tigers in a difficult situation from which they never recovered.

Massillon received the ball to start the game and drove 62 yards in six plays, scoring when quarterback Manny Patterson connected with Jadyce Thigpen on a 15-yard touchdown pass.

That’s when the penalties began.  On three successive kickoffs following the TD, Mateo Herrara booted the ball out of bounds in failed attempts to reach the coffin corner.  In each case Rabun Gap accepted a 5-yard penalty requiring a re-kick.  It was a precursor of three things to come:

  • Penalties: The Tigers were flagged 16 times for 142 yards; the Eagles 17 times for 173 yards.
  • Field position: Rabun Gap’s average starting position was near midfield.
  • Special teams: The Eagles returned a kickoff to the end zone and another to the Massillon 12; three successive PAT attempts by the Tigers began with errant snaps, making life difficult for the holder and kicker; fortunately, they did a marvelous job of converting the points.

The Eagles scored on that first drive on a 31-yard pass from quarterback Gavin Owens to Obrokta.  It was evident in that early stage that, given the size of the Rabun Gap offense line (6’-286 ave.), the accuracy of the quarterback and proficiency of the line in pass blocking, Massillon was in for a tough fight in the passing part of the contest.

The Tigers scored again on their third possession when Patterson threw across the field to a wide open Deontay Malone for 20-yard strike.  Then it was the Eagles turn, with back-to-back rushing touchdowns of 12 yards by Grayson Clary, following a 76-yard kickoff return, and 8 yards by Walker Bryson, making the score 21-14 in their favor.

With three minutes remaining in the half Rabun Gap was facing a 4th and 27 from their own 19 and was lined up to punt.  But the punter, apparently sensing an opportunity, elected to try running for a first down.  Only, Massillon’s Ja’Dyn Williams showed why he’s headed to Indiana when with a burst of speed ran down ball carrier after a gain of just eight yards.  Massillon then, on the third play of the drive, tied the score when Savior Owens broke through the line for a 26-yard score.

The Eagles did drive to the Massillon four following the ensuing kickoff, but after a fumble on the ensuring play set them back,  they ended up missing on a 37-yard field goal attempt.  So, the two teams headed to the locker room tied at 21.

Savior Owens

The third quarter resumed the back-and-forth action.  First Joshua Buckhalter return Hererra’s kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown.  The Tigers then responded with a 2-yard run by Owens, which he set up with a prior 29-yard run.  The Eagles came right back with a 14-play drive that ended when Gavin Owens completed a 15-yard pass to Buckwalter for a TD.  That was followed by the two fumbles described above.

Buckwalter would score again from two yards out and his team would convert a fake PAT to up the margin to 50-28, before Savior Owens would have the last say on a 42-yard TD run.

Savior Owens finished the game with 21 rushing attempts for 182 yards and three touchdowns.  Patterson completed 11 of 17 passes for 138 yards and two scores, to Jadyce Thigpen and Malone.  Unfortunately, Patterson left the game with eight minutes left on account of an injury and his status for next week is unknown.

For Rabun Gap, Gavin Owens completed 13 of 23 passes for 196 yards and two TDs.  Buckwalter caught 7 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown and also scored a rushing touchdown.

Teamwise, the Eagles led in total yards, 404-316, although in yards per play, the Tigers were slightly ahead, 5.9 ave. on their 54 plays to Gap’s 5.3 ave. on their 76 plays with their ball control scheme.

The difference in the game?  Both had equal talent in the skill positions, but Raybun Gap had those big lines.  On offense their tight splits across it kept the Tiger rushers at bay, providing ample time for the quarterback to locate his receiver.  And on defense, they put Patterson under constant pressure, often forcing him to step up  into the pocket to avoid a sack.  Nevertheless, Patterson did handle it very well.  But it also led to his injury.

Next week Massillon will entertain another out-of-state team in L.J. Bennet, which hails from Buffalo, New York.  Raybun Gap hosts Ambassador in the first of several games against North Carolina opponents.  Due to their sports structure the high school athletic association in Georgia bars them from playing in their post-season tournament.  Thus, the Eagles secured a home with the Carolina teams.

 

Ja’Dyn Williams (9), Noah Jenkins (16), Christian Culler (2), Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

 

Anthony McMullen (24)

Anthony McMullen (24)

Mateo Herrera (7), Savior Owens  (1)

Christian Culler (2), Ja’Dyn Williams (9)

Deontay Malone (6)

Will Hymes (34), Savior Owens (1), Owen Sirgo (53)

Jadyce Thigpen (44)

Will Hymes (34)

Deontay  Malone (6)

Kevin Elliott Jr. (74), RJ Harris (23), Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

Savior Owens (1)

 

Kevin Elliott Jr. (74), Manny Patterson (10)

 

Kevin Elliott Jr. (74), Savior Owens (1)

 

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A Look Back at Past Massillon Teams – Part…

A Look Back at Past Massillon Teams – Part 3 – The 1992 Season

This is the third of a 10-part series looking back at all of the Massillon teams of the 1990s.

Head Coach: Jack Rose (1st Year)
Overall Record: 5-5
Regular Season Record: 5-5
Playoff Results: Division I, Region 3; did not qualify for the playoffs
Key Players: Mike Danzy (QB), Andre Stinson (RB), Alonzo Simpson (WR), Jerry May (WR), Dan Hackenbracht (DB), Marty Gugov (DB), Leon Ashcraft (RTN), Jason Brown (K)
All-Ohio: Dan Hackenbracht (1st Team), Brandon Jackson (SM)

Assistant Coach Jack Rose was promoted to head coach following Lee Owens’ departure and began the first season of a 6-year career in this position.  Typical of a new head coach, he struggled to a 5-5 record.  But his team did register a few quality wins, one of which snapped a 4-game losing streak to Akron Garfield (6-4), Cincinnati Moeller (7-3), Austintown Fitch (8-2) and North Central of Indianapolis (8-3).

PIVOTAL GAMES

Alliance – Massillon opened the season with a 17-8 victory over the Aviators, which finished the year with an 8-2 record and runner-up spot in the Federal League to unbeaten Perry.  The Tigers scored the first 17 points on a 20-yard field goal by Brown, a 27-yard touchdown pass from Danzy to Simpson and a 10-yard run by Hackenbracht.  Alliance scored their lone TD in the fourth quarter.

Walsh Jesuit – Week 2 brought the Warriors to town.  Down 14-0 at the end of the third quarter, Massillon exploded in the fourth to win in overtime, 27-24.  In that fourth, the Tigers scored three consecutive touchdowns: a 5-yard pass to Simpson, a 75-yard punt return by Hackenbracht and a 59-yard pass from Danzy to May.  But Walsh clawed back and tossed a TD pass to tie the score, finishing off a 78-yard drive with just 19 seconds remaining in regulation.  In the overtime, the Warriors moved to the one, but needed to settle for a 24-yard goal due to a penalty.  The Tigers then found paydirt when Danzy connected with May on a 15-yard pass.  Walsh finished the year with a 7-2 record.

Bloomington South, IL – The Panthers were cruising through the season unbeaten with seven consecutive victories and a defense that had given up less than seven points per game.  But a 3-4 Massillon squad found something in tank and came out with a superb defensive performance to grab a convincing 38-0 victory.  In the first half alone they scored 32 points to put the game away early.  For the game, the Tigers held South to just 134 total yards, with negative two on the ground.  Following the game the Panther head coach said that Massillon was very physical and hurt his team with the blitz.

 Canton McKinley – The Bulldogs, with a 8-1 record entering the contest, were a clear favorite.  But the Tigers played them tough, at least on the scoreboard, and lost by just 14-6.  The six came in the form of two field goals by Brown, of 22 yards and 24 yards.  And Massillon even led 3-0 at the half.  But McKinley scored in the third on a long pass off a double screen and in the fourth with a 15-yard run.  The Bulldogs finished the season with a 9-1 record, but failed to qualify for the 4-team regional in the playoffs due to insufficient second-level points.

Opp.Rec.Loc.Mass.Opp.Res.Att.MediaStats
Alliance8-2H178W11,640StoryStats
Walsh Jesuit7-2H2724W11,731StoryStats
Akron Garfield6-4H1314L9,950StoryStats
Cincinnati Moeller7-3H1424L16,762StoryStats
Austintown Fitch8-2A014L8,000StoryStats
North Central, Indianapolis, IN8-3N2035L11,000StoryStats
Bloomington South, IL9-1H380W9,571StoryStats
Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary3-6H440W10,497StoryStats
Youngstown East2-8H5520W7,000StoryStats
Canton McKinley9-1H614L17,000StoryStats
TOTAL67-31234153113,151Season Stats