Category: <span>History</span>

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

1910: Massillon 30, Mansfield 0

MASSILLON WINS
FROM MANSFIELD
Game Was Clean, Fast and Snappy

THE FINAL SCORE WAS 30 TO 0

Massillon Team Shows Great Improvement in Team Work
Forward Passes Used Successfully
No Penalties in Entire Game

In a clean, fast game the Massillon high school football team defeated the Mansfield team by the score of 30 to 0, Saturday afternoon on the high school grounds.

The locals outplayed the visitors in every respect and never was the Massillon goal in danger, while the Mansfield line was crossed five times by the orange and black. The game was one of the cleanest ever played on the local grounds and neither team was penalized throughout the entire game. The teams were about equal in weight but the Massillon backs plunged through the opposing line at all times for substantial gains, while Mansfield was usually held.

The local team showed great improvement in team work over the beginning of the season, and the forward passes were carried out in great shape. Two of the touchdowns were made by the use of them.

At 2:30 the teams lined up with Massillon kicking to Mansfield. Longsdorf received the kick and advanced the ball ten yards. Mansfield made five yards around right end and then two at the same place. A run around left end gained five yards, two yards were made through left tackle and two through right tackle and a forward brought no gain. Massillon’s ball.

Kester made three yards through left tackle; Heyman gained twelve yards around right end; Clay tore off ten yards through left tackle and Heyman made five yards at the same place. Kester gained four yards at left tackle and Huffman went twelve yards through center for a touchdown after four minutes of play. Heyman kicked goal. Score 6 to 0.

Massillon again kicked to Mansfield and the runner was thrown back for a loss. Mansfield made six yards through center; four yards at left tackle and one yard at right tackle and was then thrown for a loss and punted thirty-five yards.

Miller received the punt and returned it a short distance. Clay tore off ten yards at right tackle; Custer rammed five yards through left tackle and Kester ran for five yards around left end. Huffman made no gain around right end; Heyman gained twenty yards on a forward pass from Zintsmaster; Heyman was held on the one yard line and Huffman failed to gain; Zintsmaster received a forward pass from Miller and made a touchdown. Heyman kicked goal. Score 12 to 0.

Massillon kicked to Mansfield. Runner tackled after a ten yard run. Mansfield gained ten yards, and on the next two downs was thrown back for losses. End of first period with ball on Massillon’s forty yard line.

Second period: Heyman received Mansfield’s punt. Kester gained nine yards around left end; Heyman gained five yards at left tackle, and Custer gained twelve yards at right, and Huffman gained five yards at the same place. Kester got ten yards at right guard and Heyman three yards at left tackle and Kester five yards at right. Custer gained twelve yards at right tackle and Huffman held for no gain. Heyman made a short punt. Mansfield was held for a down and Massillon regained the ball on a fumble. Heyman gained three yards at right tackle, and was held the next down and Mansfield got the ball.

Mansfield gained eight yards through left tackle; two yards at left tackle and three yards through right tackle, and was forced to punt. Heyman returned the ball thirty yards before being downed.

Zintsmaster made three yards around left end; Custer made four yards at right tackle; Kester made twelve yards through left tackle, and Heyman made on yard at the same place. Half ended with ball on Mansfield’s twelve yard line.

Third period: Massillon kicked off to Mansfield and the ball went over the line. On second kick the runner advanced twelve yards. Mansfield made one yard through left tackle; and was thrown back five yards and punted thirty yards. Heyman returned the punt.

Zintsmaster gained twelve yards on a forward pass; Kester gained fifteen yards around left end and Zintsmaster again made twelve yards on a forward pass. Clay made five yards through left tackle; Heman made one yard at left tackle, and Miller made a touchdown on a forward pass from Zintsmaster. Heyman kicked goal. Score 18 to 0.

Massillon kicked to Mansfield. Mansfield gained seven yards at right tackle; two yards at left tackle; one yard at right guard; was thrown back on next down; gained eight yards on a forward and was held for downs and the ball went to Massillon.

Miller gained eight yards at right end; Kester gained two yards at left tackle; Clay gained twenty yards at left tackle, and Custer made a gain of ten yards for a touchdown. Heyman kicked goal. Score 24 to 0.

Massillon kicked to Mansfield and was thrown back for three yards loss. Heyman got Mansfield forward and was tackled one yard from the line. Heyman went around right end for a 30 to 0.

Mansfield kicked to Massillon. Clay received the kick and made a gain of five yards. Mansfield regained the ball on a fumble but lost it when Zintmaster got a Mansfield forward pass. Kester gained seven yards at left tackle; Heyman gained one yard at left tackle; Kester gained two yards at left guard and five yards at right guard; Heyman gained ten yards around left end. The period ended with the ball in the middle of the field.

Fourth period: Heyman gained twenty-five yards around right end; a forward pass gained nothing; Kester made five yards around left end; Mansfield got Massillon’s forward pass.

Mansfield gained three yards at left and five yards through right tackle; two yards through center; no gain around right end; twenty-five yards around left end; eight yards around left end; was thrown back for five yards loss; Mansfield punted and Miller returned the ball ten yards.

Zintsmaster gained one yard at left end; Custer gained eight yards through right tackle; Clay seven yards through left tackle; Zintsmaster twenty-five yards on a forward pass; Kester lost on a fake forward; Clay gained seven yards through left tackle; Heyman kicked a short punt.

Mansfield failed to gain and punted; Kester returned the ball five yards. Mansfield got the ball on a fumble. Held for no gain; two yards around right end; seven yards around right end; one yard through right tackle; one yard through left tackle; Zintsmaster got the ball on a fumble when the whistle blew for the end of the game.

The line-up:

Massillon Pos. Mansfield
Miller le King
Keeton lt Lehman
Wagner lg Cunningham
Arthur c Hughes
Portmann rg Starden, Free
Clay rt Kallmerter
Zintsmaster re Thuma
Huffman qb Shaw
Custer lh Remy
Heyman rh Longsdorf
Kester fb Schad

Touchdowns:
Massillon – Huffman; Zintsmaster; Miller; Custer; Heyman.

Referee and umpire, alternating – Bast and Davis.
Field Judge – Merwin.
Head Linesman – Menke.

Length of periods — 12y minutes.

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

1910: Massillon 8, Oberlin Academy 8

MASSILLON AND OBERLIN PLAY TIE
Game was Fast and Exciting Throughout

THE FINAL SCORE WAS 8 TO 8

Oberlin Made a Touchdown and a Goal from Field
Massillon Scored Safety and Touchdown
Locals Played a Fine Game Individually and in Team Work

In a game of slipping and sliding the Massillon high school and Oberlin Academy played a time game of football Saturday afternoon, the score being 8 to 8.

Oberlin came to the city early Saturday afternoon with about as husky a bunch of pigskin chasers as ever bumped against the local high school team. The Oberlin team expected to win and thought Fugates’ aggregation nice eating, but alas, it thought in the wrong direction.

On the other hand the local boys made up their minds to hold the Oberlin team down or “bust,” and they did not “bust.” The team has had hard luck throughout the season, and a great many persons were pessimistic about the outcome of Saturday’s game. Coach Fugate remarked on Saturday morning that if the team did not hold Oberlin he would miss his guess, and happily “Happy” did not miss it.

Before the game a moving van appeared upon the field and sawdust was scattered over the muddiest places. It was agreed before the game that instead of having the time divided into quarters it would be divided into two twenty-five minute halves, on account of the cloudy condition of the weather, and the expected early darkness.

At 2:30 the whistle blew and the game was on. Massillon kicked to Oberlin and the runner was downed after a short gain. Then the visitors started to pound the line, but without result and they were forced to punt. The ball was passed high and the punter fumbled it. Immediately an orange and black player pounced upon it. Massillon advanced the ball within five yards of Oberlin’s goal and was held for downs. Oberlin punted out of danger. The ball kept changing hands and going up and down the field. When on Massillon’s thirty yard line, McMillan received the ball just as the whistle blew and immediately all the players stopped but McMillan, who kept on going. No effort was made to stop him as it was thought the ball would be brought back and one of the teams penalized, but instead the touchdown was declared legal. Goal failed and the score stood 5 to 0 in favor of Oberlin.

A few minutes before the close of the half Kelner was called on to try a goal from field and dropped one from the thirty yard line that hit the post but passed between the bars. In the next few minutes the ball was kept in the middle of the field, when the whistle blew for the end of the first half.

In the second half the Massillon team started in on the jump and kept the ball moving up the field. Kester and Heyman tore the Oberlin line to shreds and maintained a steady advance. Massillon was held and punted. Heyman sent a long spiral over the heads of the waiting Oberlin players and the ball was downed behind the line, making a safety and scoring two points for Massillon.

Massillon got the ball again in its own territory toward the end of the game and once more the steady march was started up the field till the locals were within striking distance of the goal. Twice the Massillon team was held but on the third down a forward pass was made to Zintsmaster, who, escaping any opposing tackles, crossed the line for a touchdown.

The Massillon fans went almost frantic with joy, which increased when Heyman kicked goal, tying the score. During the remaining few minutes of play nothing of consequence was done.

By holding and outplaying a team that had defeated some fast teams and some that outweighed it heavily, the members of the Massillon team have brought much credit upon themselves.

On the ends Miller and Zintsmaster were there with all kinds of speed and tackling ability, and many an Oberlin runner felt a sore spot where he was tackled by them. Reinoehl and Keeton held down the tackles in great shape, breaking through and smashing up plays and opening holes for the Massillon backs. Wagner and Portmann were like two telephone posts when it came to defense, but like two battering rams when they landed into the opposing line. “Bill Arthur,” was in the game over his head and has the distinction of being the first man this season in front of whom the Oberlin center had to lie down.

Huffman at quarter, was here and there and everywhere, making things every disagreeable for the visitors and never losing his smile. On the halves, Heyman and Custer played the game of their lives, circling the ends for good gains and smashing the line. Heyman showed up his great punting ability. Last, but not least, came “Jake” Kester, the star of the game. When Kester with his 170 pounds of bone and muscle hit the line there was always something doing and he pulled off gains of five and ten yards at times when they were needed. Whenever the team was in need of several yards, “Jake” was there poking his head through the line.

The Oberlin team played a good, clean game and Mr. Millan probably played the star game for the visitors.

The line-up:

Massillon Pos. Oberlin
Miller le Shirtliff
Keeton lt Ferret
Wagner lg Baxter
Arthur c Neill
Portmann rg Brown
Reinoehl rt Heron
Zintsmaster re Graham
Huffman qb Kaley
Custer lh Smith
Heyman rh Boise
Kester fb McMillan

Touchdowns:
Massillon – Zintsmaster.
Oberlin – McMillan.

Goal from the field – Kelner.

Referee – Bast.
Umpire – Houghton.
Field Judge – Grinnell.

Time of halves – 25 minutes.

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

1910: Massillon 0, Ashland 6

MASSILLON
MEETS ANOTHER DEFEAT
High School Beaten 6 to 0
by Ashland High, Saturday

THE EAGES HAVE REORGANIZED

New Eagle Team Will Play
the Baker Athletic Club, of Canal Fulton, on Election Day
Eagle Juniors Tie Eclipse Team 0 to 0

With every fan waiting for the news of victory from Ashland Saturday evening, the disappointment was hard to bear, for the high school got it in the neck by a score of 6 to 0.

The game was the same old story. The ball kept zig-zagging back and forth across the field and twice when Ashland got the ball within striking distance, Spreng’s trusty toe booted it between the bars, scoring six points.

Once Massillon was on Ashland’s fifteen yard line, but was held and could not score. Massillon gained most of her yards on forward passes and trick plays. In the fourth period Massillon started playing in her old time form and marched rapidly up the field, but was held for downs near the danger line. The teams were about evenly matched in weight, but Massillon’s light line was at a disadvantage as the field was slippery from the light snowfall in the morning. The team reports good treatment.

Massillon Pos. Ashland
K. Miller le G. Miller
Keeton lt Egger
Portmann lg Kosht
Arthur c Lamprecht
Wagner rg C. Miller
Reinoehl rt Pifer
Zintsmaster re Winlinger
Huffman qb Moore (c)
Custer lh McDowell
Helman (c) rh Spreng
Kester fb Ganyard

Goals from field: Ashland – Spreng 2.
Referee – Matthews, of Ashland high school
Field Judge—Kempler, of Ashland college.
Head Linesman – Brindle, of O.S.U.

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

1910: Massillon 0, New Philadelphia 2

MASSILLON LOSES
IN HARD LUCK GAME
Defeated by Score of 2 to 0 by New Philadelphia
LOCALS OUTPLAY OPPONENTS

Safety Scored in Second Period Makes Only Points in Game
Ball Generally in New Philadelphia’s Territory
Several Drop Kicks Tried

With the Massillon team outplaying the New Philadelphia team in every point of the game, except the score, the local high school lost to New Philadelphia at that place Saturday by a score of 2 to 0.

New Philadelphia’s two points were made on a safety when Heyman punted, but the punt was blocked and the ball rolled behind the line, where Heyman fell on it. The Massillon team was there on the jump and played a good game. It was mainly played in New Philadelphia’s territory. Several times Massillon almost pushed the ball over, but the New Philadelphia line held. Heyman tried for several drop kicks but the field was covered with grass and made perfect kicking difficult. One of the kicks missed the bars by only about a yard.

The game began at about 3 o’clock. Massillon kicked to New Philadelphia and the runner was downed after a short run. New Philadelphia rushed the ball down the field and it changed hands several times. When the period closed it was near the Massillon goal. In the next period the ball see-sawed back and forth and about the middle of the period a safety was made against Massillon. Then the game took on a different aspect and the ball was taken to New Philadelphia’s territory, when Heyman tried for a drop kick but failed.

In the second half Massillon again kicked to New Philadelphia, but it was held for downs and punted. With the ball in its possession the Massillon team started up the field, smashing the line for good gains, and working some fine forward passes. On one of the passes Zintsmaster almost got away for a touchdown, but the New Philadelphia end was too near and he was downed. After several downs Heyman tried for another drop kick but failed by a yard. During the third period the game was played furiously by both teams and when the smoke of battle cleared away New Philadelphia had two points and Massillon had to be satisfied with a goose egg.

The New Philadelphia school spirit did not show up to an advantage on Saturday and the little handful of Massillon rooters made almost as much noise as the combined efforts of the fair sex of the New Philadelphia high school. The spirit of the sidelines was manifested when the Massillon rooters started to give some yells between the periods and New Philadelphia immediately started shoving and threatened to do something worse. One individual was persistent in his threats to clean up the entire Massillon aggregation. The Massillon rooters were well satisfied with the game the entire team put up.

The line-up:

Massillon Pos. New Philadelphia
Kester le Broadhurst
Reinoehl lt Melborn
Wagner lg Lemick
Arthur c Boyd
Huffman rg Wilkin
Keeton rt Batterschell
Zintsmaster re Smith
Miller qb Getz
Custer lh Bowers
Sonnhalter(capt.) rh McPherson (capt.)
Heyman fb Lehmer

Referee and umpire, alternating:
Bast, of Massillon.
Farrell, of New Philadelphia.

Field Judge – Ebright.
Head Linesman – Merwin of Massillon

Time of periods – 10 minutes.

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

1910: Massillon 14, Alliance 0

MASSILLON HIGH
BEATS ALLIANCE
Game was Hotly Contested Throughout

THE FINAL SCORE WAS 14 TO 0

Alliance Puts Up a Good Game, but Locals Put Up a Better
Both Touchdowns Made in First Half
Custer and Sonnhalter Make the Touchdowns

Fourteen to nothing tells the tale of the Alliance-Massillon football game Saturday afternoon. The weather was ideal for football , the air was cool and the field was in good condition, except in several spots where it was too soft. At 3 o’clock the teams lined up for the kickoff.

Massillon kicked to Alliance and the ball was returned a short distance. Alliance was held and forced to punt. With the ball in its possession the Massillon team started a series of runs and bucks that carried the ball within striking distance, but was held for downs. Alliance punted out of danger and Massillon duplicated her feat by carrying the ball to the twenty yard line and losing it on downs. Alliance tried a forward pass, but Custer was quicker than the Alliance man and securing the ball he ran for the first touchdown of the game. Heyman kicked goal. Score 6 to 0.

Massillon again kicked to Alliance but after a few minutes play the period ended.

In the second period the ball was carried back and forth and on the thirty yard line Heyman tried for a drop kick. The ball sailed swift and true for the goal, but the wind drove it over and it passed about two inches on the outside of the post. Alliance lined up for scrimmage but was forced to punt. Massillon now started it machine going and Sonnhalter was sent over the line for another touchdown and Heyman kicked goal. Score 12 to 0. Soon afterward the whistle blew for the end of the first half.

At the beginning of the second half Alliance kicked to Massillon. In this half the Alliance team took a brace and started to pull off some good runs that netted it the necessary number of yards, but it did not long continue, for Massillon promptly put a stop to it. The Massillon team got the ball and advanced it to the ten yard line, where it was held for downs. Alliance punted. Massillon got the ball and after several downs Heyman tried for another drop but failed. A few minutes later he made a long punt and the Alliance man was downed behind the line, adding two more points to the score, making it fourteen. No more scoring was done and the game ended with the score 14 to 0.

The Alliance team put up a straight, clean game. The two teams were matched about evenly in weight, the Alliance team having averaged 150 pounds at the beginning of the season.

Fugate’s aggregation put up a fine game and made an excellent showing. The line was like a wall and the backs were on the job with all kinds of steam and used it also. Many times the Massillon men got through the line and broke up the plays before they were started. Heyman showed up in especially fine shape on his punts. He averaged over 50 yards on all that were made during the game and many went much farther.

The rooters were out in force Saturday and made things lively. The boys were out and with Rudy at their head, kept up with the girls who have here-to-fore done most of the noise making.

The line-up:

Massillon Pos. Alliance
Huffman le Geltz
Keeton lt T. Tanner
Reinoehl lg G. Tanner
Portmann c Jones
Wagner rg Scott
Kester rt Wingert (capt.)
Zintsmaster re Schultz
Miller qb Davis
Custer lh Kallenbaugh
Sonnhalter (capt.) rh Stahl
Heyman fb Beck

Touchdowns:
Massillon – Custer and Sonnhalter.

Referee and Umpire, alternating – Bast and Friend.
Head Lineman – Merwin.

Length of periods – 10 minutes.

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

1910: Massillon 0, Akron 16

AKRON HIGH DOWNS MASSILLON HIGH
Locals Outweighed About 12 Pounds to Man

MASSILLON OUTPLAYED AKRON

Line Could Not Hold Heavy Men Playing Against Them
Locals Went Into the Game Without Practice
Akron Forced to Fight for Every Yard

In one of the hardest fought battles of the year the Massillon high school team met its second defeat of the season at Akron, Saturday, by the score of 16 to 0.

The local boys did not lose out because of their playing ability, as they outplayed Akron, but the game was won by Akron’s weight. The Akron team outweighed the local team by at least twelve pounds to the man and with the heavy backs pounding at Massillon’s light line substantial gains were made. A few end runs were tried by the Akron team but these being quickly broken up, they would start on the line again.

The Massillon line played hard but were forced back on account of the weight of their opponents, fighting hard for every yard that was lost. The Massillon backfield played a great game, stopping the bucks that came through and carrying the ball for good gains at times.

The game began about 1:30, as soon as the Massillon team arrived on the field. The local team was handicapped on account of having no practice before the game as they did not get to the grounds until a half hour after the game was scheduled.

At the start Akron kicked to Massillon, Kester fumbled the ball, Sonnhalter regaining it. Massillon was held for downs and Heyman punted. Akron started down the field with their heavy backs tearing up Massillon’s light line and finally shoved Williams over for the first touchdown.

Massillon pitched to Akron and they again started down the field, when the Massillon line took a determined stand and Akron was forced to punt. Heyman received the ball and returned it a short distance. Massillon tried a forward but an Akron player got the ball and advanced it to the ten yard line, when the period closed.

At the beginning of the second period Massillon held Akron for downs and Massillon took the ball. Heyman punted and Barber recovered. Massillon again lost the ball on a forward pass. Akron got the ball within striking distance of the goal then tried for a drop kick that failed. Massillon got the ball and Heyman punted to the middle of the field. Time was called for the first half. Score 5 to 0.
The second half was a repetition of the first. In the third period, Palmer got a Massillon forward pass and made the second touchdown. Goal was kicked. Score 11 to 0.

In the fourth period, Doyle was pushed over the line for the last touchdown of the game. Goal was again kicked. Score 16 to 0. Several minutes afterward, the whistle blew for the end of the game.

A dozen or more of Massillon rooters who saw the game were satisfied with Massillon’s playing if the weight had been equal on both sides, the score might have been different.

The line-up:

Massillon Pos. Akron
Miller le Palmer
Keeton lt Saalfield
Wagner lg Swinehart
Arthur c Woldsmith
Hoffman rg Haag
Reinoehl rt Crisp
Zintsmaster re Smith
Kester qb Marshall
Custer, Barber lh Williams
Sonnhalter rh Foltz
Heyman fb Doyle

Touchdowns:
Akron – Palmer and Doyle.

Referee and umpire – Bast and Snyder.

Time of periods – 10 minutes.

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

1910: Massillon 6, Cleveland Shaw 17

SHAW HIGH SCHOOL
BEATS MASSILLON
Cleveland Team Too Fast for Locals

BLACKBURN BACK IN THE GAME

Makes Massillon’s Only Touchdown and Kicks Goal
Local Boys Put Up Fast, Clean Game but are Downed
Large Crowd Lines Field

In one of the fastest and most exciting games ever played on the local grounds, Shaw high school, of Cleveland, Saturday defeated Massillon high school by a score of 17 to 6.

Every foot of ground was fiercely contested from the beginning of the game till the time keeper blew his whistle for the last time. Shaw high has one of the fastest teams Massillon ever tackled, and although the home boys were defeated they put up a good, straight, clean game, as did Shaw.

Massillon kicked off to Shaw and the runner did not return it far before being downed. After the ball had changed hands several times, Smith made the first touchdown on a forward pass and as the attempt at goal was missed the score stood 5 to 0.

At this moment a husky player was seen replacing Barber at end. It was Blackburn, who got in the game at the last moment and threatened to stampede the crowd. Then things began to happen. With Massillon in possession of the ball, a forward pass was made to Blackburn and made a sensational run of over 60 yards for a touchdown and he also kicked goal, making the score 6 to 5 in favor of the locals. The whistle then blew for the end of the first quarter. The local rooters yelled themselves hoarse.

In the second quarter the players went after the game harder than ever and after a few minutes of play Taylor broke through Massillon’s line and after a long run, made a touchdown. Goal was kicked and the score stood 11 to 6, in favor of Shaw. Toward the end of the second quarter the ball was carried within twenty yards of Massillon’s line, and Yost received a forward pass for another touchdown. Goal was kicked and the score stood 17 to 6 at the end of the first half.

Neither side scored during the second half, but the ball zig-zagged back and forth across the field. Massillon made many gains during this half, but Shaw managed to hold them on the second and third downs, although Massillon made her yards many times. The whistle blew with the score at 17 to 6.

The local boys put up a good, stiff, clean game and were beaten fairly by the Cleveland aggregation. Shaw’s players are as clean and square as any with whom the locals ever played. The attendance was about 600. All were orderly and no trouble was experienced in keeping them off the field.

The line-up:

Massillon Pos. Shaw
Huffman re Yost
Kester rt Omisser
Rudy rg Morgan, Folgen
Portmann c Wagner
Clay, Wagner lg McNamara
Keeton lt Gender
Barber, Blackburn le Hense
Miller qb Bushnell
Sonnhalter fb Allen
Guster lh Smith
Taylor fb Heyman

Touchdowns:
Massillon – Blackburn; Taylor.
Shaw – Smith, Yost.

Referee and umpire, alternating – Bast and Hym, of Canton.
Field Judge – Menke.
Head Linesman – Merwin.

Time of quarters – 10 minutes.

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

1910: Massillon 11, Barberton 0

BARBERTON
WANTED TO PLAY THE GAME
And They Got All the Game They Wanted.

THE FINAL SCORE WAS 11 TO 0

Through “Mud, Blood, Slush,” the Knights of the Gridiron
Chase the Pigskin Over Line for Two Touchdowns
Sonnhalter Makes First Touchdown

Barberton wanted to play Saturday. Rain or no rain, they had come to Massillon with the intention of playing football, and they were not to be disappointed. So, while the heavens wept for them, they were walloped about the field to the tune of 11 to 0.

The team from Barberton arrived on the 2:30 o’clock interurban car, and were escorted by Managers Gorrell and Moody to the gymnasium to change their habiliment for something better fitted for the gridiron. They had not been in the gymnasium very long when the rain began to fall, and once it had begun it didn’t seem to know when to stop. The lightning flashed and the thunder roared while the wind blew a tornado from the west, and the players lounged on the door mats at the gym and wished that it would dry up.

After a half hour or more of steady downpour it let up sufficiently for Coach Fugate to make an examination trip to the high school grounds. Upon returning he said that the field was in no condition at all to play and that he would not take the team on the field. The Barberton aggregation showed their evident displeasure at this. They had come here to play and they wanted a game. Finally Massillon was prevailed upon, and after a council of war it was decided to give them a game. They got all the game they wanted, it is to be hoped.

Under rows of dripping trees the two teams trooped from the gym to the grounds, where
they found a generous crowd of loyal supporters waiting for them under the welcome protection of umbrellas. Here and there the field resembled a miniature lake, and one lad of tender years was seen behind the sidelines with a fishing pole over one shoulder, though he did not say what use he intended to make of it.

Massillon kicked off to Barberton. After vainly attempting to make their ten yards, Barberton punted, allowing Massillon to recover the ball. Massillon gained steadily, and was soon within several yards of the goal. Barberton’s coach, who was getting somewhat excited, forgot where he belonged and had to be ordered off the field of play. Massillon needed but a few yards for a touchdown. The ball was given to Captain Sonnhalter, who came tearing through right tackle and the biggest mud puddle on the field, and made the first touchdown of the season within less than ten minutes of play. Portmann attempted goal but failed.

Barberton kicked off to Massillon who recovered. The ball was given to Custer, left half, who made a long gain around right end. Again and again Custer made this play, resulting with long gains almost every time. Sonnhalter and Heyman both carried the ball for gains. Barber caught a pretty forward. Time was called for the end of the first period, Massillon’s ball, second down, and a yard and a half to gain.

After the three minute intermission the teams again faced each other on the slippery field. Several plays were called, and the ball neared the goal. When within a few feet of the line, Massillon fumbled the ball and Barberton recovered it. Barberton made a long punt, and Miller fell on the ball.

Massillon returned the punt and Barberton repeated, Miller making a fair catch. Massillon lost the ball to Barberton on downs. On Barberton’s first play, Heyman got through and tackled his man behind the line. Barberton punted; Sonnhalter catching. Time was called for the first half. Score 5 to 0.

During the ten minute intermission Thompson and his worthy rooters made the field ring with songs and yells that could chill the blood of an Apache Indian.

At the beginning of the second half Barberton kicked off to Massillon, Sonnhalter catching. Up and down the field slipped and splashed the pigskin chasers, Sonnhalter, Heyman and Custer handling the ball for long gains time and again. Keeton, who only handled the ball once, made a big gain around right end. When within about three yards of the goal, Heyman took the ball for an off tackle buck, making the second and last touchdown of the game. Heyman kicked goal.

During the remainder of the game but little of interest happened. Barberton had to be penalized several times for pushing, obviously because they were not acquainted with the new rules.

As the clouds were gathering for another shower and the darkness was becoming “visible,” the timekeeper blew his horn and the game came to an end.

The line-up:

Massillon Pos. Barberton
Barber le Brooks
Keeton lt Lamiell
Rudy lg A. Yachee
Portmann c G. Eberhard
Huffman rg Barnett
Kester rt Hollinger
Zintsmaster re L. Eberhard
Miller qb McCleary
Custer lh Foust
Heyman fb B. Yachee
Sonnhalter, captain rh Ayres

Touchdowns:
Massillon – Sonnhalter; Heyman.

Goals:
Massillon – Heyman.

Referee – Cranz and Bast.
Umpire – Bast and Cranz.
Field judge and timekeeper – Manke.
Head Linesman – Dalsky.

Time of periods – 10 minutes.

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

1909: Massillon 11 Canton Central 6

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MASSILLON HIGH
DEFEATED CANTON
Fast Enders Downed by the Score of 11 to 6.

IN LINE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Massillon Scored Twice on High Class Football,
Canton Once by Good Fortune
Locals Out-classed Home Team in Every Department of Game.

In fifty minutes of fast and brilliant play the Massillon high school football  team trampled in the dust the championship aspirations of the team representing the Canton school, and for the third consecutive time asserted Massillon’s superiority over the east enders, who have grown supercilious in the conceit that they hold by divine right an athletic precedence over the local school.  The game, bitterly contested every inch of the way, places Massillon in a position to claim the championship of this section of the state.  Canton, which has been defeated twice by Massillon, defeated Rayen, of Youngstown, which in turn defeated Akron.  In order to decide the issue conclusively Rayen must take up Massillon’s gauntlet.  Although Akron tied Massillon, a defeat of Rayen would put Akron out of the race and leave Massillon undisputed title to the championship.

“Poor Massillon!” remarked a Canton paper in large headlines Saturday morning, and in the article which followed the local school was given about as much chance of existing against Coach Hazlett’s much touted protégés as a fried snowball in June.  It didn’t take Canton long to realize that it was really a football game when Massillon led off with one of Coach Fugate’s smashing, crashing series of silent signals which carried the ball for first downs; the first crack out of the box.  During the rest of the contest Massillon out-weighed and out-played its opponents in every department of the game.  In brief, Massillon’s two touchdowns were made on straight football, the first by Sonnhalter, who carried the ball over after bucking it fourteen wards in four straight downs; and the second by Wells after a run of twenty-five yards; while Canton scored on luck by having Gauchatt fall on the ball after Lothamer had blocked one of Blackburn’s punts.  Blackburn kicked the second goal after Clay had caught the put out.  Kahler kicked Canton’s only goal.

Massillon might easily have blanked Canton by a larger score had not the feelings of Umpire McFarren been so susceptible to injury.  Massillon high never had a bunch of kickers and this season it has stood all decisions on plays good and bad, without a kick, but there is a limit to human endurance and this was reached when McFarren, losing all self control, flew into a rage and displayed a despicable degree of petit officiousness by putting Leahy, Massillon’s center, out of the game for alleged slugging; not in the game, but in an argument; not of a Canton player, but of McFarren himself.  While settling a decision on a play Leahy stepped up to McFarren and tapping him on the shoulder, started to explain his part of it.  McFarren turned in a rage, “Out of the game for yours,” he shouted, “you can’t slug me.”  Massillon had no recourse and Leahy was forced to leave.  Without a sub-center McConnell was sent in to do the best he could.  Massillon has no charge to make against any other decision, good or bad.

The fact that the game was practically all Massillon from start to finish does not detract from the fact that Canton put up a game and plucky fight against greater weight and skill.  McCoy was Canton’s particular star.  He fought like a tiger from the time the whistle blew until he was carried from the field completely played out.  In him lay Canton’s one hope and when he was smothered Massillon had nothing to fear.  He ran with remarkable speed and skill, but was no match for Massillon’s defense.  Carrying the ball most of the time he received a lion’s share of Massillon’s terrific tackles.  Kaylor replaced him at quarter, and was in turn replaced at full by Blanchard.  Kaylor played a good game both at full and quarter, and Howells and Lash on the end blocked the Massillon interference in a manner which was not at all agreeable to the visitors.

Canton’s interference although a stiff proposition at times, had little show against Massillon’s terrific plunges and bucks.  All that the linemen could not clear away the backfield smashed a hole through.  Canton’s ends were tough problems on regular plays, but were easily drawn in on tricks.  Massillon’s offense consisted chiefly of tricks and plays from shifted formations so that Canton was up in the air most of the time in a vain effort to follow the ball.  Canton had some chance against straight football, when it was tried, but there was little hope against Coach Fugate’s foolers.  The forward pass was worked several times successfully by Massillon.

Massillon’s defense was practically impregnable.  It is true Canton made her downs several times but not within striking distance of the goal.  When ever Canton came anywhere near Massillon’s sacred goal the Massillon team would take a mighty brace and throw it for three consecutive losses.  This great fighting spirit has pulled Massillon out of several bad holes this season.  Erb at left tackle, with the trusty Heyman at guard, held the hefty Lefkovitz and the Canton’s right wing in good order.  Wagner and Clay on the other wing, held Canton’s left with ease.  Atwater at quarter ran the team to victory on a well mixed up assortment of tricks and shifts which kept the opponents in the air.  Ellis played a great defensive game at right end and Miller on left and gained several times around the opposite end on Massillon’s trick double pass.  Leahy played his usual brilliant game at center both on offense and defense until forced to leave.  McConnell played a hard game in his strange position at center.

Massillon’s three hundred rooters greatly outnumbered the Canton section and in the fine points of the rooting game drowned them completely out.  Massillon will play Oberlin Academy on the high school grounds next Saturday.

The line-up and summary:

Massillon – 11                 Pos.               Canton – 6
Miller                                le                 Howells
Erb                                    lt                 Lothamer
Heyman                            lg                 Rippeth, Austin
Leahy, McConnell             c                 Bonar
Clay                                  rg                 Lefkovitz
Ellis                                   re                 Sweet, Lash
Atwater                            qb                McCoy, Kahler
Wells                                lh                 Price
Blackburn                         rh                 Steiner
Sonnhalter                         fb                 Kachler and Blanchard

Touchdowns:
Massillon – Sonnhalter; Wells.
Canton – Gauchatt.

Goals from touchdowns:
Massillon – Blackburn.
Canton – Kahler.

Punt out:
Massillon – Blackburn; Clay.

Referee and umpire, alternating – Wittmann and McFarren.
Head Linesman – Speck.
Linesman – Fugate, of Massillon.
Timer – Vogt, of Massillon.

Time of halves – 25 minutes.
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