Statistics

A History of Massillon Football Comeback Victories

A History of Massillon Football Comeback Victories

Few events in football are more exciting than watching a team come from behind in the fourth quarter to win the game.  Perhaps not surprisingly, Massillon has not seen a lot of that, since the vast majority of its games are well into the right end of the score by that time.  But who can forget the ones that weren’t.

Including the time of Paul Brown, starting with 1932, Massillon has played 1,030 games through 2025.  That occurring across 94 different seasons.  Of those, the Tigers have won 78% of the time (807 wins, 195 losses and 18 ties).  And 86% of those wins were by a touchdown or more.  But the other 14% were a bit of struggle in that the Tigers were behind at some point in the fourth quarter, but were able to pull out a win by game’s end.  It is indeed a small number over a long period of time: just 32 times, or 4% of the 807 wins.

When factored with the total number of losses, the comeback success ratio is 14%.  In other words, Massillon has recovered to win 14% of the games in which they fell behind in the fourth, around one in seven.  Conversely, Tigers have lost games after having the lead entering the fourth period 32 times, or just 4%.

The chart below lists all 33 comebacks.  The yellow highlights indicate the games in which Massillon trailed by more than a touchdown.

The Greatest Comeback Victories

The largest fourth quarter deficit occurred in the 1964, in front of the largest crowd ever at Tiger Stadium (22,685).  Both teams entered the game with 9-0 records and ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in the state.  The Bulldogs put two scores on the board in the first quarter and that 14-0 lead held up as the two foes entered the fourth quarter.  But the final frame belonged to the Tigers.  Jim Lawrence and Bob Hewitt each scored from the one yard line and quarterback David Sheegog, who had replace the injured starter, converted the PAT after the second TD to tie the game at 14 apiece.  With one chance remaining to win the game, Sheegog returned a McKinley punt 33 yards to the Bulldog 17.  Then, on third and seven, he faked a handoff and broke clear of the line, only to be met by the goal line by two defenders.  But by shear determination, Sheegog was able to will himself into the end zone for the winning points.  It came with just 54 seconds left in the game.  With the 20-14 victory, the Tigers were awarded their 22nd state title.

Next in line was a 12-point deficit against Cleveland St. Ignatius in the 2005 game at Byers Field.  The fourth quarter began with the Wildcats up 26-14.  That’s when Massillon engineered a 16-play, 90-yard drive, closing the margin to 26-21 when Brian Gamble went over from the one.  It then took another long drive, of 13 plays and 72 yards, to pull out the victory.  Substitute quarterback Shawn Weisend was the difference maker with a 5-yard run, coming with just ten seconds remaining in the game.  The Tigers went on to play in the Division I state finals.

In 2014 Massillon trailed Perry by 11, 30-19, entering the fourth quarter, but then rebounded to score 18 unanswered points to secure a 37-30 victory.  Included in the barrage was a 49-yard field goal by Andrew David, a 5-yard run by JD Crabtree that tied the score and a 16-yard scamper by Danny Robinson for the winning points, which came with just under a minute remaining in the game.

Twice Massillon came from ten points behind in the fourth.  In 1978, the Tigers trailed McKinley 10-0, but quarterback Brent Offenbecher passed his team to a pair of TDs for a 13-10 victory.  Then in 2005, Massillon trailed Lakewood St. Edward 17-7 in the state semifinal game.  Gamble again stepped up, with an 18-yard TD pass from Bobby Huth and a 5-yard run with 1:56 remaining in the game for a 21-17 win.  Gamble also converted a 3^rd and 30 situation on a pass reception from Huth during the second drive.

One of the more exciting comebacks had to be the 2018 game against East St. Louis, Missouri.  Massillon was down 20-7 in the second quarter and clawed back to take 24-20 lead.  Then they were down 34-24 late in the third, but came back to take a 38-34 lead midway through the fourth.  But once again they fell behind, 40-38.  But the Tigers were not done.  With three minutes left, quarterback Aidan Longwell hoisted a perfect 39-yard touchdown pass to Jayen Ballard.  The defense then played the final few minutes to perfection to take home the victory.   The two teams ended up combining for 960 yards of offense.  The win also preserved a potential undefeated season, with the Tigers not losing a game until the state finals.

In 2000, in a game at St. Edward, the Tigers fell behind 27-18 in the fourth.  But a 20-yard halfback pass from Terrence King to Montale Watkins was followed by a 36-yard David Abdul field goal to complete a 28-27  comeback victory.  The final score came with just 12 seconds remaining in the game.  The field goal followed a 52-yard pass/run completion from quarterback Justin Zwick to Watkins that moved the ball into scoring territory.

Older fans will remember the 1974 McKinley game when Greg Wood connected with Eddy “Tinker” Bell on a 33-yard pass into the end zone with just seconds left to give the 5-4 Tigers a 20-15 victory.  In that one, the Bulldogs roared back from a 14-point deficit to go up by one with less than two minutes remaining.  But Bell engineered the final drive using several key pass receptions, including the game winner.  The upset also knocked the unbeaten Bulldogs out of the playoffs.

Then there was the 1961 game against Parma Senior, which was played at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.  Massillon was behind 20-8 at halftime and then 20-15 entering the fourth quarter.  But Ken Dean’s 1-yard TD run at the end made the difference in a 21-20 victory.  The following week the Tigers bested Canton McKinley 7-6 to wrap up a perfect 11-0 season.  Subsequently, they were awarded their third consecutive state championship and second national championship in three years.

Comeback Data for the Head Coaches

Below is comeback data for all of the coaches, starting with Paul Brown, through the 2025 season.

Some interesting information among long-term coaches:

• Chuck Mather won 57 of 60 games, for a winning percentage of 95%, tops among all coaches. Paul Brown is second at 90%.
• Nate Moore has the most games decided by less than a touchdown, while owning a 10-4 record in these games. Jack Rose has the highest percentage of close games, at 20%, with an 8-5 record.
• Moore has the most games pulled out in the fourth quarter, with 6. Leo Strang has the best comeback success ratio in the fourth quarter, recovering 20% of the time.
• Jason Hall and Lee Owens lost 10% of the time when leading in the fourth quarter. At the other end of the spectrum, Brown never lost a game in which his team was ahead in the fourth.  However, Brown also never won a game in which he was behind in the fourth, joining Bob Commings and Chuck Mather in this category.

For short-term coaches:

• Earle Bruce won all three games in which his teams were behind in the fourth quarter. He also never lost a game in which the Tigers were ahead in the fourth.  He joins a list of Tom Harp, Bud Houghton, Elwood Kammer and Augie Morningstar in the latter category.
• Augie Morningstar had the most close games, with five. Interestingly, all five games ended in ties during his 5-0-5 season.

 

 

Here are the Top Massillon Kickers and Punters of…

Here are the Top Massillon Kickers and Punters of All Time

Like with most sports, football is not immune to evolution of the game.  Take kicking the ball, for example.  Throughout perhaps the first fifty years, kicks were made by first dropping the ball or setting it on a mound of dirt.  Then, in the late 1940s tees were introduced for kickoffs, extra points and field goals, with the heights of the tees varying over time.  The style of kicking also changed, from the drop kick, to the straight-on kicker with the flat toed shoe, to the present-day soccer-style kicker.  Even the lengths of field goals at the high school level have increased remarkably over time.

The extra point, at least in Ohio, initially involved three options: kicking the ball through the goal post, running the ball over the goal line or passing ball, with each option worth a single point.  In 1958, the high school extra point rules were changed such that a kick was worth one point and a run or pass worth two.  However, owing to the lack of accuracy of straight-on kickers at that time, coaches more often than not preferred to go for two.  Field goals were also used as a last resort. How that changed when the soccer-style kicking became popular.  Now, kicking PATs is simply an afterthought.

This story attempts to recognize all of the good kickers and punters that Massillon has had throughout its many years.  Unfortunately, except for scoring data, limited individual statistics are available prior to the late 1950s.  That problem is especially true for punters.  It was not until 1958 that Massillon began to officially record game stats.  As a final note, the Ohio High School Athletic Association did not award All-Ohio status to kickers and punters until 1989.  In essence, it was extremely difficult to select the deserving players from those earlier years.

Please enjoy the final entry in this series.

1920s

Bob Pflug (Kicker, 1922-23) – Pflug played under head coach Dave Stewart.  He recorded his first points as a kicker during his junior year when he booted three extra points.  As a senior he was the primary kicker, accumulating 26 extra points and three field goals, with the final tally a 17-yard field goal against Canton McKinley in a 9-0 victory.  Pflug was also a fine football player overall.  He is a member of the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Bill Edwards (Kicker, 1922-1924) – Edwards played three years under head coach Dave Stewart.  He was also the starting kicker in two of those years, sandwiched around Bob Pflug.  In 1922 Edwards recorded 13 points, all via extra points.  In 1924 he converted 32 extra points and two field goals, one of 40 yards vs. Alliance.  Later, he played running back for New York University and was named NCAA All-American.  Edwards is a member of both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Art McConnel (Punter, 1925) – McConnel played under head coach Dave Stewart.  Against Warren Harding he set a record with an 81-yard punt.

1930s

 Henry Krier (1933-34) – Krier played under head coach Paul Brown.  In addition to being an outstanding running back, he was also the starting kicker for two years, in a era when most teams just went for two following a touchdown.  In 1933 he recorded 17 points kicking and the following year he upped that to 21.  He was also named 1^st Team All-Ohio (as a running back).

 1940s

Horace Gillom (Punter, 1938-40) – Gillom played three years under head coach Paul Brown, while experiencing three state titles and two national titles.  In addition to being an outstanding end, he excelled in the punting game.  Twice he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Later, he played for Nevada and then was the punter for the Cleveland Browns.  He holds one record book top ten.  He is also a member of both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Ray Getz (Kicker, 1938-40) – Getz played three years under head coach Paul Brown.  In two of those years he was the designated kicker.  In 1939 he recorded 29 points and in 1940 he had 35, all extra points.  Following the season, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio as a running back.  Getz is also a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

1950s

Jerry Krisher (Kicker, 1948-50) – Krisher experienced three state titles and one national title under head coach Chuck Mather.  In 1949 he kicked 36 extra points.  The following year he had 45 extra points and one field goal.  Following the season Krisher was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio as an offensive center.

Tom Boone (Kicker, 1952-53) – Boone was the kicker during both his junior and senior seasons under head coach Chuck Mather.  In each year he kicked 44 points after touchdown.  And both of his teams finished as state and national champions.  Following his senior year, he was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio as a defensive lineman.

1960s

Wilbur Paisley (Kicker, 1961) – Paisley enjoyed an 11-0 state and national championship campaign under head coach Leo Strang.  He did not become the kicker until five games left in the season, and only after there was a dearth of missed opportunities throughout the first half of the season when attempting to run the ball for 2-point conversions after touchdowns.  Paisley ended up with 16 successful PATs, including the difference maker in a 7-6 victory over Canton McKinley.

1970s

Mark Westover (Punter, 1976-77) – Westover played two years of varsity ball as a linebacker under head coach Mike Currence.  He was also the starting punter during his senior year, when he kicked 19 times, averaging 37.8 yards per try.

Jeff Fry (Kicker, 1978-79) – Fry played under head coach Mike Currence.  During his senior year the team finished the regular season with a 10-0 record and regional championship.  Fry was the starting kicker that year and he recorded 35 points, including three field goals.

1980s

Lee Hurst (Kicker, punter 1986-89) – Hurst played four years of varsity football: two under head coach Chuck Shuff and two under head coach Lee Owens.  His primary position was quarterback, but he also had kicking duties during each of the four years.  In his freshman season he kicked 23 extra points and four field goals.  The next year he had 25 PATs and two field goals, including seven extra points against Warren Harding.  He also did kickoffs.  During his junior year, Hurst recorded 13 PATs.  He also kicked a 23-yard field goal in overtime to defeat Canton McKinley, 10-7.  And he was the kickoff specialist and punter.  In his senior year he focused more on his quarterback duties and just did kickoffs.  His team also captured the regional championship that year.  Following his career, he was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio.  He holds three records book top tens.  Later, he played for Kent State University.

Ken Hawkins (Punter, 1985-86) – Hawkins played two years under head coach Chuck Shuff.  During his junior year he punted 32 times, averaging 38.8 yards per kick.  In his senior year he punted 37 times, averaging 36.0 yards per punt.  He holds four records book top tens.  Later, he played for Syracuse.

 1990s

Chris Roth (Punter, 1989-90) – Roth played two years under head coach Lee Owens.  The 6’-7”, 240 lb. tight end was also the punter.  During his junior year he punted 36 times, averaging 33.7 yards per punt.  The following year he punted 41 times, averaging 38.7 yards per punt.  He owns six records book top tens.

Luke Shilling (Punter, 1997-98) – Shilling was the starting punter for two years, with one under head coach Jack Rose and then a second under head coach Rick Shepas.  During his junior year, he punted 51 times, averaging 39.9 yards per try.  As a senior year, on a team that finished the regular season unbeaten, he punted 33 times, averaging 33.2 yards per kick.  Following that year, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio as a punter.  He holds game records with ten punts vs. Glen Mills, PA, and 373 yards punting vs. Walsh Jesuit, both coming in 1998.  He also holds career records with 60 punt attempts and 2,392 punt yards.  And he has 12 records book top tens.  Later, he played for the University of Akron.

Josh Hose (Kicker, 1995-97) – Hose started at the kicking position for three years under head coach Jack Rose.  As a sophomore he connected on 24 PATs.  During his junior year he hit 29 extra points.  He also had a 23-yard field goal in a 10-9 victory over Austintown Fitch.  Hose concluded his career with 28 PATs and four field goals as a senior.  He was also the kickoff specialist.  Hose is the current head coach of the Massillon basketball team, which recently captured the Division II state title.

 2000s

David Abdul (Kicker, 2000-01) – Abdul was the starting kicker for two years under head coach Rick Shepas.  He was also Massillon’s first soccer-style kicker.  As a junior he was true on 33 extra points and set a season record with 14 converted field goals.  In a road game against Lakewood St. Edward he kicked a game-winning field goal of 36 yards as time expired to give the Tigers a 28-27 victory.  Against Lima Senior he was good on four of five field goal attempts.  He also set distance records of 50 and then 56 yards, the latter coming against Akron Garfield.  Following the season, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  During the next year Abdul converted 61 of 62 PATs and broke his season field goal record with 15.  In the Mansfield game he hit a 54-yard field goal in a 17-14 victory.  Again, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  During his career his kicks were true on eight different field goals of 50 or more yards.  Abdul holds game records with four field goals made and five field goals attempted.  He also holds season records for 15 field goals made and 23 field goals attempted.  In addition, he has 26 records book top tens.  Meanwhile, his two teams finished with records of 8-3 and 12-2 (regional champions).  After Massillon, Abdul played for the University of Pittsburgh.  He is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Max Shafer (Kicker, punter, 2002-03) – Shafer was the kicker and punter for two years under head coach Rick Shepas.  During his junior year he converted on 48 of 61 extra points and 4 of 10 field goals.  His big kick came in the playoffs against Perry when he connected on a field goal of 35 yards as time expired in a 23-21 victory over Perry. He also punted 40 times, averaging 33.6 yards per attempt, with a long of 62 yards.  The team that year finished with a record of 11-3 and a regional championship.  As a senior he shared the kicking duties and was true on 9 of 13 PATs and 4 of 7 field goals.  He also punted 37 times, averaging 36.0 yards per try, with a long of 50 yards.  Shafer holds 12 records book top tens.

Shawn Weisend (Punter, 2003-05) – Weisend was the starting punter in 2004 under head coach Rick Shepas and in 2005 under head coach Tom Stacy.  As a junior, he punted 24 times, with an average of 34.7 yards per kick and a long of 50.  During his senior year he punted 48 times, while averaging 38.9 yards per attempt and a long of 70 yards.  Following the season he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio as punter.  The team also finished with a record of 13-2 and state Division I runner-up.  Weisend holds eight records book top tens.

Steve Schott (Kicker, punter, 2005-07) – Schott was the starting kicker for three years under head coach Tom Stacy.  As a sophomore he converted 61 of 63 PATs and 7 of 14 field goal attempts.  The team that year finished with a record of 13-2 and as state Division I runner-up.  During his junior year he kicked off and was also good on 40 of 41 extra points and 10 of 14 field goal attempts.  His highlight came when he kicked a 47-yard field goal against Canton McKinley in the 3^rd quarter to break a 7-7 tie and win the game 10-7.  Following the season, he was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio. As a senior he was good on all 38 PATs and 7 of 13 field goal tries.  In the game against McKinley he was good on a 41-yard field goal early in the game in a 23-20 victory.  He also kicked off, with 33 touchbacks, and punted, averaging 36.3 yards per kick. After the season, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Schott owns the season record with 100% success rate in PATs in 2007.  He also has 23 records book top tens.  Later, Schott played for Ball State University.  He is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Jeremy Geier (Kicker, 2008-09) – Geier was the starting kicker for two years under head coach Jason Hall.  In 2008 he converted 34 of 36 extra points and 9 of 13 field goals attempts.  He also kicked off.  In 2009 Massillon recorded a 10-4 record and captured the regional championship.  Geier was good on all 45 of his PAT attempts and also connected on 9 of 13 field goals.  Against Twinsburg in the playoffs he kicked a 40-yard field goal, his career long, in the fourth quarter to secure a 10-7 victory.  The following week, Geier connected on a 21-yard field goal against Canton McKinley for another 10-7 win.  He holds the season record for 100% PAT conversion rate, along with 14 records book top tens.

2010s

Andrew David (Kicker, Punter, 2012-14) – David was a 4-year varsity player under head coach Jason Hall, and for all four years he was the starting kicker and punter.  Throughout his career he converted 162 of 174 PAT kicks (93%) and 32 of 55 field goals (60%).  As just a freshman, David kicked four field goals in excess of 40 yards including a long one of 46 yards in a 38-16 victory over Akron Hoban.  In 2012 the Tigers finished with a record of 11-2 and advanced to the regional championship game, while David conntinued his kick accuracy.  In his junior year he hit 40 of 43 extra point attempts and was 7 of 14 on field goal tries, including a 20-yarder against Canton GlenOak to win the game 23-20 in the third overtime period.  Following the season, he was named 3^rd Team All-Ohio.  As a senior David was 34 of 36 on PATs and 12 of 17 on field goals, including a record long of 58 yards against St. John’s Collegiate, Ontario.  In the kickoff department, 59 of 63 went into the end zone on the fly.  He also averaged 50.0 yards per punt against Warren Harding.  After the season, he was awarded 1^st Team All-Ohio.  David owns career records with 32 field goals made and 58 field goals attempted.  He also has 29 entries in the records book top ten.  Four times he was named 1st Team All-County, the first Tiger to ever receive this honor.   Later, he was the punter for the University of Michigan, Texas Christian University and Northwestern.

Klay Moll (Kicker, 2015, 2017) – Moll kicked two years for the Tigers under head coach Nate Moore.  As a sophomore he connected on all 19 PAT attempts and his lone field goal attempt.  He returned as a senior to convert 54 of 55 extra point attempts and 6 of 8 field goal tries, including a 21-yard field goal against Canton McKinley in a 16-15 victory.  Moll holds the season record with 100% PAT conversion.  He also holds career records with 98.6% PAT conversion and 77.5% field goal conversion.  And he has seven records book top tens.

Alex Bauer (Kicker, 2018-20) – Bauer was a 3-year starting kicker under head coach Nate Moore.  In 2018 he made 78 of 83 PAT attempts and 7 of 8 field goal attempts.  Against Sun Valley, PA, he converted all 14 of his PAT tries, along with a 39-yard field goal, setting game records for PAT attempts, PAT conversions and points scored.  In 2019 he was good on 81 of 83 extra points and 6 of 8 field goals, including the game-winning points in the playoff game against Akron Hoban, when he pushed through a 31-yard field goal.  As a senior, Bauer was 46 of 47 on extra points and 8 of 11 on field goals, with a long of 42 yards.  He had a great experience during his career with the Tigers winning 38 of 42 games and advancing to the state finals in each of the three years.  Bauer holds season records with 83 PAT kicks attempted (2018), 87.5% field goal conversion (2018), 83 PAT kicks attempted (2019) and 81 PAT kicks made (2019).  He also holds career records with 213 PAT kicks attempted; 205 PAT kicks made and 77.8% field goal conversion.  And he has 26 records book top tens.

 2020s

Magnus Haines (Kicker, Punter, 2017-20) – Haines was a 4-year starter under head coach Nate Moore.  His punting averages steadily increased throughout his career, with successive yards per kick stats of 32.7, 34.6, 39.4 and 41.5.  He also had the opportunity to kick for some excellent Massillon teams, with two teams recording unbeaten regular seasons and three finishing as state runner-up.  Following his junior year he was named 3^rd Team All-Ohio.  The next year he was named 2^nd All-Ohio.  Haines holds career records with 119 punt attempts and 4,405 punt yards.  Plus, he owns 17 records book top tens.  Later, he played for Kent State University, Arkansas State University and Ohio University.

Nolan Hendricks (Kicker, punter, 2021-22) – Hendricks was the starting kicker for two years and the starting punter for one under head coach Nate Moore.  In 2021 he converted all 13 PAT attempts, tying a record with 100% success.  The following year he was good on 9 of 15 extra points and 3 of 4 field goals.  And he punted 37 times, averaging 31.5 yards per kick.  He holds six records book top tens.  Last season as a true freshman at Wooster College, Hendricks converted all 29 PAT kicks and averaged 36.5 yards per punt on 47 attempts, with a long of 65 yards.

Mateo Herrera (Kicker, 2023-present) – Herrera is about to start his fourth year as a varsity kicker, while playing under head coach Nate Moore.  He has proven to be one of the most accurate kickers that the Tigers have ever had, based on having converted throughout his career a whopping 133 of 137 PAT attempts.  He has also made 7 of 11 field goal tries.  Playing as a backup as a freshman, he was good on all 22 PAT attempts.  He has since been the starter.  During his sophomore year he converted 55 of 58 PAT tries and 6 of 8 field goal attempts.  He also kicked a 36-yard field goal against Canton McKinley in a 16-7 victory.  As a junior, he was true on 56 of 57 PAT attempts and 1 of 3 field goal tries.  Herrera holds the season record with a 100% PAT conversion rate (2023).

Here are the Top Massillon Defensive Backs of All…

Here are the Top Massillon Defensive Backs of All Time

The integration of the spread offense, a concept that began during the late 1990s, had a major impact on the game.  Additional wide receivers were now in the lineup and twice as many balls were in the air, forcing defensive coaches to cover the entire field.  So, they compensated by stripping the front line of players.  But suddenly, defenses began struggling to control the run game.

It took a few years for coaches to figure it out, but the answer to controlling the run was to empower the free safeties to focus not only on the pass, but also on the run, particularly at the edges of the line. Suddenly, the defensive back position was thrust into the spotlight.  It now required a very athletic player, one who had the speed to match that of the wide receiver, while also having the size, quickness and fortitude to run downhill and challenge the running back.

Several Massillon players have filled that bill quite nicely, some even leading the team in tackles.  This story, hopefully, recognizes all of those that are deserving.  But the story does not forget those before the spread who were good in their own rights in defending the pass.

1940s

Tommy James (1938-40) – James played three years for Coach Paul Brown, during which time the Tigers never lost a game, winning three state championships and two national championships.  Following the 1940 season, James was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Later, he played halfback for Ohio State University, sandwiching two spans around a 3-year stint in the U.S. Army.  After OSU, he played defensive back for the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Colts.  James is a member of both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Bob Graber (1940-42) – Graber was a 2-year varsity starter at Massillon under coaches Paul  Brown, Bud Houghton and Elwood Kammer.  In 1941 the team finished 10-0, with a state championship.  The following year the Tigers were 9-1.  Graber holds the single season record with nine quarterback hurries.  He also has ten records book top tens.

 1950s

Andy Stavoroff (1954) – Stavoroff played one year for the Tigers on a Tom Harp team that finished with a 9-1 record and was voted in the A.P. as the state champion.  He owns three records book top tens.

 1960s

Floyd Pierce (1963) – Pierce was a varsity player for Massillon 1963 on Leo Strang’s 9-1 team that finished second in the state.  He holds three records book top tens.

Chuck Stoner (1967-68) – Stoner was a 2-year varsity player for head coach Bob Seaman.  During his senior year, the team finished 7-3, with Stoner contributing with six pass interceptions.  He also holds two records book top tens.

 1970s

Tom Hannon (1971-72) – Hannon was a 2-year starting defensive back, and also a starting running back during his senior year, under head coach Bob Commings.  In 1971 the Tigers finished sixth in the state with an 8-2 record and Hannon intercepting five passes.  The following year they finished 10-0 during the regular season, along with Hannon’s three interceptions, and qualified for Ohio’s first ever state playoffs.  At the end of his senior year, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio at running back.  He also has two records book top tens on defense.  Later he played defensive back for Michigan State and the Minnesota Vikings. Hannon is a member of both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Mark Streeter (1973-74) – Streeter was a 2-way player in both of his varsity years.  His coach was Chuck Shuff.  The 1973 team finished 9-1, while the 1974 team struggled to a 6-4 finish, but did upset unbeaten McKinley.  Following Massillon, Streeter played for Arizona University and the professionally for the Detroit Lions, the Winnepeg Blue Bombers, the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger Cats.

Darren Longshore (1977-78) – Longshore was a 2-year starter for the Tigers under Coach Mike Currence.  In 1977 Massillon recorded an 8-2 record, while suffering a 2-point loss to Barberton and a 1-point loss to Warren Harding.  However, the Tigers did beat eventual state runner-up Canton McKinley, 21-0.  Longshore had two pass interceptions that year.  In 1978 Massillon was undefeated, posting a 9-0-1 record.  The tie was against Warren.  Longshore had six interceptions that year, along with 62 return yards. Following the season, he was named 3^rd Team All-Ohio.  He holds two records book top tens.  Later, he played for Iowa State.

 1980s

Mike Spicer (1979-80) – Spicer was a starter on a 1980 team that finished 10-2-1 and advanced to the playoff state finals.  His coach was Mike Currence.  Spicer led the team that year in pass interceptions with six, which qualifies for the records book top ten.  Following the season, he was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio.

Jerome Myricks (1986-87) – Myricks was a 2-year varsity starter under head coach Chuck Shuff, playing on both sides of the ball.  In his senior year as a defensive back, Myricks intercepted four passes on a team that finished 6-4.  Following the season he was named 1st Team All-Ohio.

 1990s

Dan Hackenbracht (1991-92) – Hackenbracht was a 2-year starter first under Lee Owens and then under Jack Rose.  In 1991 the team finished 10-3 and captured the Division I regional title.  Hackenbracht that year recorded 22 tackles and one pass interception.  The following year the team went 5-5, with Hackenbracht named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He holds two records book top tens.  Later, he played for Michigan State and was then an assistant coach for Massillon.  Hackenbracht is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Willie Spencer, Jr. (1993-94) – Spencer started at safety in 1993 and then quarterback in 1994, under head coach Jack Rose.  In 1993 the team finished with a record of 10-2 and advanced to the playoff regional finals.  Spencer had a knack for baiting the opposing team to throw in his direction.  Six times he was successful.  He owns two records book top tens.  In his senior year as a quarterback, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Following Massillon, Spencer played quarterback for both the University of Akron and Tiffin University.  Spencer is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Josh Krieder (1996-97) – Krieder started two years for the Tigers under head coach Jack Rose.  During his junior year he led the team with four pass interceptions.  Massillon finished 9-2 that year.  During his senior year the Tigers finished 7-3, while he added three more picks.  For his exceptional play, Krieder was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.

2000s

Jamaal Ballard (2000-02) – Ballard was a 2-year starter under coach Rick Shepas.  In 2001 the team compiled a record of 12-2, while defeating Canton McKinley twice and winning the playoff regional championship.  Ballard led the team with five pass interceptions.  During his senior year the Tigers finished 11-3 and repeated as regional champs.  Ballard that year had six picks, one of which he returned 30 yards for a touchdown.  Three takeaways alone came in a 34-17 victory over McKinley.  He also returned a fumble for a score.  Ballard owns two records book top tens.

Billy Relford (2001-03) – Relford started two years under head coach Rick Shepas and made the most of it, by setting four career defensive records and finding the records book top tens fourteen times.  In 2002 the Tigers recorded an 11-3 record and captured the playoff regional championship.  During his junior year Relford intercepted 12 passes, two of which were returned for touchdowns.  He had four picks alone against North Canton Hoover in a playoff game, including a 50-yard return for a TD.  He also had three against McKinley.  During his senior year he had four pass interceptions, along with 89 return yards.  He also had six pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.  After the season he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Relford set single game records for pass interceptions (4) and return yards (133), those coming against Hoover.  He also set career records for pass interceptions (12) and pass interception yards (260).  He was also a team captain and named 1^st Team All-Ohio.

Troy Ellis (2003-05) – Ellis was a 3-year starter, as a sophomore and junior under Rick Shepas and as a senior under Tom Stacy.  In 2003 he was fourth on the team with 33.0 tackle points, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.  During his junior year he was fifth on the team with 26.0 tackles, two intercepted passes and five breakups.  It was during his senior year that he had his most success.  That year, Massillon finished with a record of 13-2 and was state runner-up in the Division I playoffs.  Ellis had 39.0 tackle points, ten pass interceptions, eight pass breakups and a recovered fumble, that one a 25-yard return against Cincinnati Elder.  He also returned two interceptions for scores: against Eastlake North (42 yds.) and against Canton McKinley (50 yds.).  Following the season Ellis was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio.  He holds the single game record for pass interceptions (5 vs. Elder), along with 14 records book top tens.  Ellis is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Andrew Dailey (2004-06) – Dailey started two years for the Tigers, under Tom Stacy and Jason Hall.  In 2005 the team finished with a record of 13-2 and was state runner-up.  Dailey, playing hybrid defensive back / outside linebacker, was third on the team with 68 tackle points.  He also had 7.5 tackles-for-loss, one pass interception, four pass breakups, four forced fumbles, one recovered fumble and two blocks.  In the state championship game, he recorded a team-high 7.5 tackle points.  For his effort he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  In his senior year Massillon finished 7-5.  Daily was limited to 23.0 tackle points, as opponents tended to stay away from his side of the defense.  He also had 5.5 TFLs and a pass interception.  Plus, he repeated as 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Dailey holds the career record with five forced fumbles.  He is also a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

 Corey Hildreth (2007) – Hildreth was a 2-year starter under head coach Tom Stacy.  During his junior year, with the team finishing 7-5, he recorded 18.0 tackle points and intercepted two passes.  In his senior year he led the team with 64.5 tackle points.  He also had 8.5 TFLs and five pass breakups.  Following the season Hildreth was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He holds one records book top ten.

J.T. Turner (2008) – Turner was a starter for two years under Tom Stacy and Jason Hall.  As a junior starter he had 33.0 tackle points, intercepted three pass and broke up another five.  The following year the Tigers finished 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship.  Turner that year had 24.5 tackle points, intercepted three passes and broke up another four.  Following the season, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He holds four records book top tens.

Bo Grunder (2007-09) – Grunder was a 2-year starter under head coach Jason Hall.  During his junior year he recorded 20.0 tackle points, including 5.5 tackles for loss, three pass interceptions and four breakups.  The following year the Tigers finished 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship.  Grunder led the team with 88.5 tackle points.  He also recorded 7.0 TFLs, nine interceptions, five pass breakups and four fumble recoveries.  In a 17-10 playoff victory over North Canton Hoover Grunder was in on 16 tackles.  Following the season he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He also owns 11 records book top tens.  Grunder is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.  He is currently entering his sixth season as assistant coach for the Massillon Tigers.

 2010s

Gareon Conley (2010-12) – Conley was a 2-time starter on defense under head coach Jason Hall.  In 2011 the team finished with a 7-3 record.  Conley recorded 25.0 tackle points, four pass interceptions and six breakups.  The Tigers improved drastically the following year, posting an 11-2 record and advancing in the playoffs to the regional finals.  Conley that year was a shut-down corner as evidenced by his 13 pass breakups.  Following the season, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He holds six records book top tens.  Later, he played for Ohio State, the Oakland Raiders and the Houston Texans.  He is currently playing for the D.C. Defenders of the UFL.  Conley is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Anthony Ballard (2015-17) – Ballard was a 3-year starter for the Tigers under Coach Nate Moore.  During his sophomore season he broke up six passes.  The following year the team finished with an 8-3 record.  Ballard was fourth on the team with 27.0 tackle points, including 6.5 during the 21-19 victory over Canton McKinley.  He also had 15 pass breakups.  In his senior year Massillon went 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship.  Ballard had 43.0 tackle points, to along with five pass breakups.  He holds one records book top ten.

Max Turner (2018) – Turner was considered a “shut down” corner during two years as a starter.  In 2017 the team finished 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship.  Turner had three pass interceptions and broke up nine others.  The following year the Tigers finished 14-1 and played for the state championship.  Turner contributed with 33.0 tackle points, 4.5 tackles for loss, six pass interceptions and 19 pass breakups.  Included in that was two picks vs. Cincinnati Winton Woods, one of which was returned 38 yards for a TD.  Following the season, he was named 3^rd Team All-Ohio.  He holds single season records with 19 pass breakups and three interceptions returned for scores.  He also holds the career record with 28 pass breakups.  And he owns ten records book top tens.

Luke Murphy (2017-19) – Murphy was a starter for two years under head coach Nate Moore.  During his junior year the Tigers finished with a record of 14-1 and runner-up in the Division II state finals.  Murphy had 30.5 tackle points, two pass interceptions and four breakups.  In his senior year Massillon repeated as state runner-up, with a 14-1 record.  This time Murphy led the team with 85.5 tackle points, including 13 against Perry in a playoff game.  He also had five tackles for loss, two pass interceptions and six pass breakups.  Following the season, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Murphy holds three records book top tens.  Later, he played for Kent State University and Coastal Carolina University.

Dean Clark (2016-18) – Clark was a 2-year starter for the Tigers under head coach Nate Moore.  In 2017 Massillon finished 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship.  Clark was second on the team with 63.0 tackle points, including 4.5 TFLs.  The following year the Tigers finished with a record of 14-1 and runner-up in the Division II state finals.  Clark was again second on the team in tackle points, with 80.0.  He also had 10.5 TFLs, three sacks, a pass interception and two pass breakups.  Following the season, he was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio.  Later he played for Kent State University and Fresno State University.  He is currently with the New York Jets.

 2020s

 Austin Brawley (2019-21) – Brawley started two years at safety for Massillon under head coach Nate Moore.  In his junior season the Tigers finished with a record of 10-2 and advanced to the playoff state finals.  Brawley was fourth on the team with 47.5 tackle points.  He also had three pass interceptions and seven pass breakups.  Included in that was 7.5 tackle points in the 35-7 victory over Canton McKinley.  As a senior Massillon finished 11-3 and advanced to the regional championship game.  This time Brawley was second on the team with 71.5 tackle points, to go along with two pass interceptions.  Following his career as a Tiger, he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He holds six records book top tens.  Later, he played for Ohio University.  He is currently on the roster of New Mexico.

Ryan Zentkovich (2019-21) – Zentkovich saw action in 9 of 12 games as a junior and then became a starter as a senior, under head coach Nate Moore.  In that year, he led the team with 74.0 tackle points, including three tackles for loss.  He also recorded two pass interceptions and four pass breakups.  Following the season Zentkovich was named 2^nd Team All-District.

Tyler Hackenbracht (2022-24) – Hackenbracht was a 2-starter at safety for the Tigers under head coach Nate Moore.  He was a also a part-time starter as a sophomore.  In 2023 Massillon finished with a record of 16-0 and captured the Division II state championship.  Hackenbracht was fourth on the team with 39.5 tackle points and three pass interceptions.  For his effort he was awarded Honorable Mention All-Ohio.  During his senior year the Tigers recorded an 11-3 season and advanced to the playoff regional finals.  Hackenbracht lead the team with 83.5 tackle points and five pass breakups.  Against McKinley, in a 16-7 victory, he participated in 13 tackles.  Following the year Hackenbracht was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He holds six records book top tens and currently plays for the University of Toledo.

 

Here are the Top Massillon Linebackers of All Time

Here are the Top Massillon Linebackers of All Time

There are two prevailing axioms in the game of football.  The first is that a consistently winning team is one that both runs the ball and stops the run.  The second is that defense wins championships.  Sounds good on paper.  But, to achieve this ultimate degree of success, a team still needs skilled players that can control the action and make the necessary tackles.  And that begins with the linebackers.

A good linebacker is cut from a different cloth.  For starters, he has a Type A personality.  As such, he doesn’t connect the pain of contact with the joy of success.  He is aggressive and tough.  He is strong and has good speed.  He possesses outstanding linebacker skills and football instincts.  He can shed blocks, pursue ball carriers and tackle fundamentally.  And he has a above average leadership aptitude.  If he brings all that to the table, success will surely follow.

Massillon is fortunate to have had many exceptional linebackers in its long history.  The best may have been Chris Spielman (All-American, Ohio State, NFL), who owns three of the top five spots in the records book for tackle points per game.  A couple of other great ones were Steve Luke (Ohio State, NFL) and Dorian Pringle (All-American, Bowling Green).

This story presents what is perceived to be Massillon’s best linebackers of all time, disbursed by decade.  The selections are based primarily on post-season awards (All-Ohio status and Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame) and secondarily on statistics (note that detailed player statistics were recorded only during 1981-88, 1990-91 and 2003-present), football life after Massillon and team defensive performance.  The story does not, however, attempt to rank the players from top to bottom.   That is left up to the reader.

1930s

Don Snavely (1935-36) – Snavely was a 2-year starter for the Tigers under head coach Paul Brown.  In 1935 the team finished with a 10-0 record, while outscoring the opposition by an average of 48-1, and was rewarded with state and national championships.  After the season Snavely was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  The following year the Tigers again posted a 10-0 mark, with a scoring advantage of 44-1, with Snavely named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  Then he was off to Columbia for more football.  Snavely is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

1940s

None

1950s

Chuck Vliet (1949-50) – Vliet is credited with setting a record for the most tackles in a single game.  It was against Warren Harding that head coach Chuck Mather advised Vliet just prior to the game that he was to make every tackle, while advising the rest of the players to keep him free of any potential blockers.  The strategy worked and behind Vliet’s 42 tackles Massillon won the game 23-6.  The Tigers finished the year with a 10-0 record, with an average scoring advantage of 41-4.  They also captured state and national championships.

Gary Bednar (1957-59) – Bednar was a key player in the 1959 team that finished 10-0 and was awarded with state and national championships.  The Tigers that year outscored their opponents by an average of 43-5.  Following the season Bednar was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.

1960s

Paul Marks (1963-65) – Marks had a stellar year in 1965 leading his team to a 10-0 mark and a state championship, the second consecutive crown for head coach Earl Bruce.  Marks was named 1^st Team All-Ohio after the season and later played for Memphis University.  He is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Ron Ertle (1966-67) – A 7-6 loss to eventual state champion Upper Arlington was the only blemish on a 1967 team that finished as state runner-up.  Ertle was a force on defense and was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  After Massillon he played for the University of Cincinnati.  He is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Pat Midgley (1968-69) – Midgley was the primary focus on defense for head coach Bob Commings, who finished 7-2-1 in his inaugural season at Massillon.  Midgley was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio and later played for Ohio University.

1970s

Steve Luke (1969-70) – In 1970 Luke led his team to a perfect 10-0 record, along with a state championship and runner-up finish in the national poll.  The Tigers were tremendous on defense and outscored their opponents by a 41-3 margin, including a 28-0 defeat of Canton McKinley, the state’s No. 3 team.  For his effort, Luke was named 3^rd Team All-Ohio.  He later played defensive back for Ohio State University and then enjoyed a long career with the Green Bay Packers.  Luke is a member of both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Tim Gutshall (1972-74) – Gutshall was a 2-year starter at inside linebacker.  As a junior, under head coach Bob Commings, the team finished 8-1-1.  A season-ending loss to McKinley prevented the Tigers from achieving a second consecutive playoff qualification (one team qualified per region).  The following year Massillon finished 6-4, with new coach Chuck Shuff at the helm.  Gutshall later played for the University of Iowa.

1980s

Chris Spielman (1981-83) – Spielman may be the best linebacker to have ever played for Massillon.  A 3-year starter, he holds career records for unassisted tackles (246), total tackles (352) and tackle points (299).  Spielman was so adept at the position that he was earmarked even as a sophomore to call the defensive alignment prior to each play.  During that first year he recorded 7.8 tackle points per game, which is ranked 5^th all-time.  The team finished 7-3.  Although the Tigers lost to eventual state champion McKinley 9-6, they managed to hold the Bulldogs to a mere 55 yards rushing in 31 attempts.  The following year Massillon posted a 12-1 record, while besting the opposition on average 28-4, and advanced in the playoffs to the Division I state title game.  Spielman set four single-season records for unassisted tackles (113), total tackles (156), tackle points (134.5) and tackle points per game (10.4).  He was also named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  In 1983 the Tigers were a game away from qualifying for the state playoffs, finishing with a 9-1 record and outscoring the opponents on average 28-6.  Spielman recorded 9.5 tackle points per game (2^nd all-time) and was again named 1^st Team All-Ohio, along with All-American.  He holds twelve records book top tens.  Later, he played for Ohio State University, Detroit Lions (NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year), Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns.  He is a member of both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Wall of Champions.

Pete Johnson (1983-84) – Johnson was a starter at inside linebacker for the 1984 season,   leading the team in tackles with 82 solos and 21 assists on a team that finished 6-4.  He also produced 9.3 tackle points per game, which is ranked 3^rd all-time.  Johnson owns three records book top tens.

Pat Spicer (1983-84) – Spicer also had a good year as a starter in 1984 with 77 solo tackles to go along with 30 assists.  His 9.2 tackle points per game ranks 4^th all-time.  Spicer holds three records book top tens.

1990s

Eric Wright (1990-91) – Wright was a 2-year starter at middle linebacker.  In his junior year he led the team with 102 total tackles.  During his senior year, Wright again led the team in total tackles, this time with 103.  The team finished 10-3, while outscoring the opposition by an average of 36-14 and was regional champion in the playoffs.  Following the season, Wright was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He is also a member of the Massillon Tiger Football of Fame.

Jason Woullard (1990-91) – Wollard also a 2-year starter at outside linebacker.  In his junior year he recorded 86 total tackles, second best on the team.  In his senior year he was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio.  Woullard owns two records book top tens.  Later, he played for Bowling Green.

 2000s

Shawn Crable (2000-02) – Crable was a 2-year starter at outside linebacker, using his size (6’-5”) and speed to brandish a dominating pass rush.  In his junior year the team finished 12-2 and advanced to the state semifinals.  Crable was awarded Special Mention All-Ohio.  In his senior year, Massillon recorded an 11-3 season and again advanced to the state semifinal game, where the Tigers lost in overtime to Warren Harding.  For his exceptional play, Crable was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio.  Later, he played for the University of Michigan, the New England Patriots and the New York Jets, plus the Hamilton Lions and Hamilton Tiger Cats of the CFL.  He is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Paris McCall (2003-05) – McCall started at middle linebacker in 2005 and recorded 6.4 tackle points per game.  He also set a record with 4.5 quarterback sacks in the game against Dover, to go along with 14 records book top tens.  The team finished 13-2 and was playoff state runner-up.  Following the season, McCall was named 2^nd Team All-Ohio.  Later, McCall played football for Northern Iowa Community Junior College and arena football in Texas.

Spencer Leno (2007-09) – Leno was a 3-year starter at linebacker.  His best year was in 2009 when he recorded 6.1 tackle points per game on a 10-4 team that advanced to the state semifinal game.  He was also named Honorable Mention All-Ohio.  Leno holds career records for assisted tackles (173), plus four records book top tens.  He later coached at Massillon, first as an inside linebackers assistant and then as offensive coordinator.  Leno is currently the head coach at Massillon Perry.

2010s

JD Crabtree (2012) – Crabtree was a starter on the 2012 team that finished 11-2 and advanced to the regional finals game.  During the season he averaged 5.1 tackle points per game and was a force in the playoff contest against Canton McKinley, participating in 13 tackles.  He also holds nine records book top tens.

Danny Robinson (2012-14) – Robinson saw significant playing time as a sophomore and then became a starter for the following two years.  In 2013, the Tigers finished 9-3 and advanced to the regional semifinals.  Robinson that year averaged 5.3 tackle points per game, with 14 tackles in the game against Medina Highland.  The following year the team finished 7-4, with Robinson averaging 6.1 tackle points per game, including 15 tackles vs. Akron St. Vincent.  In both years he was named Special Team All-Ohio.  He also owns four records book top tens.

Ben Krichbaum (2017-19) – Krichbaum played in all but two games during a 3-year varsity career, with the Tigers winning 38 of 44 games.  In 2018 he set a single season record for assisted tackles with 78, while averaging 5.4 tackle points per game.  His high was 11 tackles against Akron Hoban.  The following year he averaged 5.1 tackle points per game, with 13 tackles vs. Avon.  He is also credited with a key quarterback sack in the regional finals game against Akron Hoben to preserve the victory.  He has eight records book top tens.

Caiden Woullard (2018-20) – Woullard comprises a father-son duo of All-Ohio players.  He started as a junior on the 2019 Massillon state runner-up team that finished 14-1 and held opponents to just 12 points per game.  During the year he recorded 18.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 quarterback sacks.  For his play he was named 2nd Team All-Ohio.  The following year the team recorded a 10-2 season, with Woullard contributing 10.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.  This time he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He also owns five records book top tens.  Later, Woullard played for Miami of Ohio and Oklahoma.  He is currently involved in TFL tryouts.

2020s

Jaiden Wise (2020) – Wise started at outside linebacker on the 2020 team that finished 10-2 that advanced in the playoffs to the state championship game.   Wise recorded an average of 4.5 tackle points per game on a defense that surrendered just 14 points per outing against a very formidable schedule.  Fourteen of his tackles came against Cleveland Benedictine.  Following the season Wise was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.

Cody Fair (2021-23) – Fair was a starting inside linebacker on the 2023 state championship team that held opponents to just seven points per game.  For the season he averaged 5.4 tackle points per outing, with ten tackles each against Valdosta, GA, and Akron Hoban (state finals).  He was named 3^rd Team All-Ohio.  The previous year, Fair averaged 4.5 tackle points per game and achieved Honorable Mention All-Ohio recognition on a team that finished 12-2 and advanced to the state semifinal game.  He holds six records book top tens and currently plays for the U.S. Naval Academy.

Dorian Pringle (2022-23) – Pringle was a 2-year starter at inside linebacker and was an impact player on both sides of the ball, while having his best games against the top competition.  In his junior year, on a team that finished 12-2, he recorded 5.4 tackle points per game, with 16 total tackles against Lakewood St. Edward and 14 vs. Akron Hoban.  He was also named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  In his senior year he had 4.7 tackle points per game for the state champion Tigers, which held opponents to just seven points per game.  His top performances were 14 tackles against Akron Hoban and 10 vs. St. Edward.  His most memorable play came at the end of the game against Hoban when he broke up a fourth down pass at the goal line to preserve a 7-2 Massillon victory and a state championship.  Following the season, he was again named 1^st Team All-Ohio, along with achieving All-American honors.  Pringle holds single season records for tackles for loss (24.5) and tackles for loss yards (126).  He also owns fifteen records book top tens.  Pringle currently plays for Bowling Green.

Mylen Lenix (2022-24) – After playing exclusively offense in 2023, Lenix became the starting outside linebacker the following year.  And he had a successful season, recording 5.3 tackle points per game, three records book top tens and 2^nd Team All-Ohio honors.  The team that year finished 11-3, while surrendering just 12 points per game, and advanced in the playoffs to the regional finals.

Ja’Dyn Williams (2023-25) – Williams was a 2-year starter for the Tigers after serving as a primary backup during his sophomore year.  In 2024 he recorded 6.1 tackle points per game on a team that finished 11-3 and advanced to the regional finals game.  As a senior, he led the team with 6.4 tackle points per game and accumulated 5.5 quarterback sacks.  He also recovered five fumbles.  And he had 17 total tackles against Division IV state champion Cleveland Glenville.  For his performance he was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He currently plays for defending national champion Indiana University.