Category: <span>History</span>

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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Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

1909: Massillon 21 New Philadelphia 5

M.H.S. IS STILL INVINCIBLE
New Philadelphia Beaten Thursday 21 to 5
RECORD CROWD IN ATTENDANCE

The Visitors Played a Fast, Open Game,
but Were No Match for Massillon’s Weight, Speed and Skill
Massillon Scored on in Last Gasp

The Massillon high school football team today lays claim to the championship of Ohio.

The Massillon high school football team capped the climax of an unbroken series of victories and cleared its claim to the state title by defeating New Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day afternoon at the Massillon ball park by the score of 21 to 5.

The game was played before the largest Massillon crowd that ever witnessed a high school game.  Two thousand people packed the bleachers and filled the sidelines of four sides of the field.

The game, although perhaps the most erratic played this season, was never-the-less the prettiest in point of real interest and good open new style football.  Both teams had a series of open shifts and double passes which kept the game in the air from start to finish and put the defensive eleven off its guard at all times.  The forward pass was worked time and again for large gains by both teams, although Massillon was least successful with this new style game against the lightning New Philadelphia defense than against any other team which they have met this season.   The first five minutes of play was perhaps the fastest and most exciting five minutes the Massillon squad has been through this season.  New Philadelphia tore about the field at a great rate and it was some time before the Massillon team could see through their slight attack of over confidence and realize that they  were once more up against it.

Slowly the Massillon team by great effort pulled itself together and worked itself into the old time form which had cleaned up the large mid-season games in such perfect and invincible manner.  The machine which through nine long games had upheld and carried to victory the orange and black against the strongest teams in this part of the state, was soon in working order.  It had allowed New Philadelphia to carry the ball to within thirty yards of the goal while Massillon was getting into the game.  Here Massillon held and then the tables turned.  Massillon’s one hundred and fifty-eight pound touchdown machine had come to its own.  By a few of the great assortment, by end runs, double passes, forward passes,  the plays from every conceivable formation the ball with little resistance was carried down the field.

When Massillon’s team came to its own there the complexion of the game changed completely.  Instead of fighting a nip and tuck game for the goal the Massillon team soon outgeneraled and outplayed New Philadelphia for the rest of the first half.  After the first touchdown Massillon hardly punted once.  The ball was carried to the three yard line and Wells went over for the first touchdown through right tackle.  The teams changed and in a short time Blackburn was forced over for the second.  A few minutes later Blackburn kicked a perfect goal from the thirty yard line and before the half ended Wells went over for the last score Massillon was destined to make Blackburn kicked three faultless goals.
THE SECOND HALF
In the second half the complexion of the game again changed.  Massillon after winning the game beyond a doubt started to take things easy.  The game was as fast and exciting as ever.  New Philadelphia playing to the limit of its power and endurance and ringing in every resource in the shape of fake plays.  Massillon seemed to be attempting only to hold its own.  Toward the end of the second half the climax of the game arrived.  On a long end run from a place kick formation Giligan broke around right end for a run within two yards of the goal.  After pushing off one tackle after another he was nailed by Atwater.  Excitement was intense.  The crowd surrounded the players in a howling mob. New Philadelphia’s small crowd of rooters shouted themselves hoarse for a touchdown, while with Massillon it was one desperate, “Hold! Hold! Hold!”  New Philadelphia was desperate and Massillon in the hour of trial was weak.  A crashing fullback plunge through right tackle placed the ball over the line for the only score made through Massillon’s hitherto invincible line on straight football.  Goal was lost on the kick out and the game ended.

Massillon did not play her best game against New Philadelphia but it was above the average, and more than that it was sufficient.

Following is the line-up:

Massillon – 21                 Pos.               Phila. – 5
Miller                                le                 Broadhurst
Erb                                    lt                 McPherson
Heyman                            lg                 Melhorn
Leahy                                c                 Boyd
Clay, McConnell               rg                 Lahmer
Wagner                             rt                 Gintz
Ellis, Zintsmaster               re                 Smith
Atwater                            qb                Myers
Wells                                lh                 Englehart
Blackburn                         rh                 Schwab
Sonnhalter                         fb                 Giligan

Touchdowns:
Massillon – Wells  2; Blackburn  1.
New Philadelphia – Giligan  1.

Goals from touchdown:
Massillon – Blackburn  3.

Umpire – Garvin, of Wooster.
Referee – Johnson, of Wooster.
Timekeeper – Coleman.
Head Linesman – Bast.

Time of halves – 25 minutes.

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

1909: Massillon 9 Oberlin Academy 0

LOCALS
DEFEATED OBERLIN ACADMEY
Outplayed the Collegiate’s in Every Department.
SCORE – MASSILLON   9,     OBERLIN   0

The Visitors Were Fairly Bewildered
With Massillon’s Exhibition of Fast, New-Style Football
Oberlin Made First Down but Once Through Massillon

Displaying perhaps the greatest exhibition of fast and open football witnessed on a Massillon gridiron, the local high school defeated the Oberlin Academy, Saturday afternoon on the high school grounds by the score of 9 to 0, before two thousand people, by far the largest crowd that ever surrounded the North street field.

The Massillon team worked together like a machine and playing individually like so many Carlisle Indians, outplayed the visitors in every department of the game.  Oberlin arrived, backed by a successful season and expecting to win handily, but departed in no way dissatisfied with itself at being able to hold so well against the quality of football displayed by the Massillon team.  Although at no time during the game did they have a ghost of a show through Massillon’s stone wall defense, they fought doggedly to the last to keep Massillon’s offense from carrying them altogether off their feet.  Not until the situation became hopeless in the latter part of the last half did they lose heart.

The local high school is still the undefeated claimant of the state title.  The team in every game this season has played up to and just above the strength of its opponents.  Such was the case against Oberlin and to what bounds the limit of its possibilities extend no one is able to guess.

The game proved every player on the Massillon team an individual star, yet it would be almost impossible, by any comparison, to place one above another.  Team work won the game.  It was team work that held the Massillon line against Oberlin’s constant attack, and it was team work each time which carried the ball within striking distance of the goal.  As long as team work was needed the Massillon machine was on the spot and when circumstances called for individual playing each man called upon stepped up and delivered the goods.  Coupled with an invincible determination which has become a habit with the locals, Massillon had to win.  There was no choice.

Oberlin’s offense showed form, but was clearly faded by the Massillon defense, which did not allow the Academy to make first down more than once.  This was when Boger, the quarterback, broke around Massillon’s left end in a desperate run of fifteen yards.  Oberlin, feeling from time to time the sting of defeat, tried to become desperate but with this exception Massillon smothered its passionate aspirations easily.  Once in a great while Oberlin would make an unexpected gain of a few yards but never enough in succession to make first downs.  Punting was their only game and although not as strong as Heyman in this department the Oberlin kicker was very shrewd in placing the kicks out of reach of the Massillon backs.  Massillon never lost the ball although it touched the ground often.  Time after timer the Oberlin quarter called forward passes but so keen were the Massillon smashers in getting to the runner that the ball was never in the air once.  Aside from these forwards Oberlin tried but once to break into tricky football but so effectually was the play stopped that Massillon could not decide what the trick was supposed to be like.

Massillon’s offense at need could undoubtedly have battered the Oberlin defense to smithereens and won the game on straight football, but as it was, the game was won on tricky and skillful team work, directed by good headwork on the part of Atwater in mixing up Massillon’s almost unlimited repertoire of irregular formations and triple passes.  These plays, all new in this vicinity and mostly original, have been given to the team one at a time by Coach Fugate and worked out to perfection.  Massillon fairly bewildered the visitors with their ever changing front and tricky formations.  The plays were mixed just enough to keep the Academy guessing and wondering what new thing would come next.  Time and again double passes into the line would throw the Academy ends off their guard and allow a Massillon player to skirt the end alone for a substantial gain.  The first touchdown was made on a double pass into the line from a fake punt formation, twenty-five yards from goal.  Blackburn kicked goal after it successfully put out to Wagner.  Massillon’s other three points were made by a freak drop kick made during the second half.  The ball which started low struck Sonnhalter in the back and rose in a high arch over the cross bar.

When line plunging was the order of the day, the Massillon backs tore through the Oberlin line at will.  Blackburn plunged through on cross bucks and Sonnhalter marched down the center for several yards each time.  Miller, at left end, besides playing a good defensive game, carried the ball often for gains.  Ellis on the other wing, played a great smashing game and received forward passes.  Erb and Wagner at the tackles, were as usual, the mainstays of the line, opening large avenues for the backs to march through.  Clay, on the defensive, held his position like a stone wall.  Heyman, besides playing his usual strong game at guard, beat Oberlin each time on an exchange of punts, driving the spheroid far into the enemy’s country on long, high spirals, which the Massillon ends could get down under and nail.  Leahy played his usually first class game at center.  Captain Hopkins at left end, Boger at quarter and Neill at center, played well for Oberlin.

Line-up and summary:

Oberlin – 0                      Pos.               Massillon – 9
Kelner                               le                 Miller
Heller, Barr                        lt                 Erb
Andrus                              lg                 Heyman
Neill                                  c                 Leahy
Robbins                            rg                 Clay
Bellows                             rt                 Wagner
Graham                             re                 Ellis
Roger                               qb                Atwater
Hopkins                            lh                 Wells
Stiles                                 rh                 Blackburn
Gray                                 fb                 Sonnhalter

Touchdown:
Massillon – Wells.

Goal from touchdown:
Massillon – Blackburn.

Goal from field:
Massillon – Blackburn.

Referee and umpire, alternating:
Wittmann, of Massillon
Bedortha, of Oberlin.

Head Linesman – Bast.

Timekeeper – Merwin.

Time of halves – 25 and 20 minutes.

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

1909: Massillon 17 Alliance 0

MASSILLON WON AT ALLIANCE
Snatched Victory From Defeat in Close Shave.
MASSILLON,  17;    ALLIANCE,   0.

Alliance Almost Crossed the Sacred Goal Line
Through a Weakened Line-up
Change Put the Massillon Team on its Feet Again

 

Although finishing safely by the score of 17 to 0, it was only after pulling herself out of what looked to be a fatal hole, that Massillon high won at Alliance, Saturday.  Massillon calculating to save several of her players for the Canton game next Saturday went into the game with a much altered and weakened line-up.  Heyman and Blackburn, the two kickers, were on the side lines, and Sonnhalter started the game at right guard.  The way Alliance, fighting like tigers, approached the inviolable goal line of the local team, almost gave Massillon paralysis.  Massillon fought desperately for several minutes and held Alliance safely but they were no more than a match for the speedy east enders and the ball was in Massillon territory all the time.

About twenty yards from Massillon’s goal with the odds in favor of Alliance, the time for Massillon’s coup d’etat arrived.  The team which had played the fore part of the season; although they had not been together for a week, was lined up on the defense.  Heyman went in at his guard and punted the rest of the game.  Sonnhalter went in at fullback, replacing Erb, who returned to his tackle position.  McConnell went from left tackle to right guard.  The old invincible line-up inspired confidence and the tide of battle turned.  Massillon regained the ball on downs and began a steady march for the Alliance goal ninety yards away.  By straight line plunging and end running Massillon’s backfield carried the ball to Alliance’s fifteen yard line only to lose on downs.  Alliance punted out and Massillon started back. This time Miller, on an end run, carried the ball over the line but fumbled and Alliance regained it on a few inches from the goal.  They punted out again and the half soon ended 0 to 0.

Both teams started the second half strong.  Alliance was almost sure it could score on the Massillon bunch, which had not put up such a fine article of football in the first half.  Massillon, on the other hand, was just about as ready to be beaten by Alliance as it was to commit suicide.  Massillon received and by more or less straight football, carried the ball down the field for the first touchdown.  Here, much too late in the game, Massillon opened up with a good mixture of open plays which took Alliance at a decided disadvantage.  Massillon when aroused played for the most part a star game, and for the rest of the second half, Alliance hardly had a look in.  The second touchdown was made after an eighty yard run by Massillon’s right halfback through the entire Alliance team.  Alliance claimed that the runner went over the side lines saying, “The professor saw it.”  “The professor” proved to be a highly excited exponent of the power of argument who had to be carried from the field by main force.  The score was allowed to stand.  Sonnhalter bucked the third touchdown over the line.

In spite of its unfortunate start, Massillon finished successfully and in tolerable form.  With the regular line-up working together and aroused to the verge of desperation, there was little question as to the outcome of the game for Massillon.

Alliance went into the game with a desperate resolve to do or die, and stuck to it to the last minute of play.  Although outweighed they played desperately, especially in the first half.  They threw themselves in front of the heavy Massillon plunges and tackled as though life hung on each play.  The Massillon runner who did not have six tacklers at one time was the exception rather than the rule.  In the second half, although starting strong, the home team slowly receded before Massillon’s advance, but not without contesting every foot of ground.  Their light offense was of no avail against Massillon’s line, and their yards were only on forward passes which were successful several times.

The line-up and summary:

Massillon – 17                 Pos.               Alliance – 0
Miller                                le                 Allett
McConnell, Erb                 lt                 H. Tanner
Heyman                            lg                 F. Tanner
Leahy                                c                 Jones
Sonnhalter, McConnell      rg                 Geltz
Wagner                             rt                 Wingate, Shem
Ellis, Moody                     re                 Richards
Atwater                            qb                Davis
Wells                                lh                 Newshultz, Wingage
Zintsmaster                       rh                 Mummert
Sonnhalter                         fb                 Johnson

Time of halves – 25 and 20 minutes.

Touchdowns:
Massillon – Wells, Sonnhalter.

Referee – Fugate.

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

1909: Massillon 26 Dover 0

MASSILLON HIGH
WON DOVER GAME
The Home Team Put Up a Game Fight.
SCORE:  MASSILLON   26,        DOVER   0

The Local Team was Too Heavy
for Their Light and Speedy Opponents
Dover Gained Little Through Massillon’s Defense
Rain Fell During Game

The Canal Dover high school football team, outweighed perhaps twelve pounds to the man, was defeated on its own grounds by the Massillon high school by the score of 26 to 0.  Against a team of its own weight Dover could evidently have put up a first class game of football, but at no time did it have a show against the Massillon team, which combined weight with a certain amount of speed, a combination hard to beat. Against a hopeless handicap the smaller team put up a scrappy game to the end.  It contested every inch of ground to the last ditch, and died game.  Strange to say, the heavier team came out of the game considerably more battered than its opponents, who were almost unscathed.

On account of the drizzly weather the attendance at the game, which was played at the fair grounds, was small.  Although the field was wet the sod prevented it from becoming slippery. Rain fell during the second half.

The first half of the game, was by far the fastest and most interesting.  Both teams started off with a rush, but soon settled down to business.  Massillon received and began by smashing Dover’s light line which yielded, although not as easily as might be expected.  Both teams resorted to kicking, although Dover was forced to punt more often than Massillon.  Massillon played hard and aggressive ball in the first half.  They were seldom held for downs in the first division of the game and succeeded in pushing three touchdowns, and one drop kick by Blackburn over the line.  Heavy line plunges could always be depended upon to carry the ball out of a tight space, but it was her speedy, open play and tricks which gained the ground.  The first touchdown was made by Miller on a fake line buck which developed into a double pass around end.  This play worked several times to good effect, when Dover’s entire strength was drawn in to stop the line buck.

Dover’s own fake punt which worked so successfully against Massillon last year, was cast into its teeth by the Massillon bunch, who worked it several times for large gains.  Dover tried the same play unsuccessfully.  Both Erb and Wagner were worked hard on tackle through tackle plays and neither failed at any time to deliver the goods.  Massillon also worked to good effect a silent signal series of three plays, which involved a successful forward pass from Miller to Zintsmaster.  Massillon’s defense, although amply sufficient, was not impregnable.  Dover gained its yards one or two and at one time.  Tracht broke around right end for twenty-five yards.  Aside from this, Dover was never once within striking distance of the goal.

Dover’s offense showed speed and skill, but was unable to assert itself.  Practically none of its plays were successful.  Massillon’s defense was prepared for everything.  Beside the fake punt Dover had a forward pass and a play in which center carried the ball back from the line of scrimmage.  Dover’s one surprise consisted of a play from punt formation in which the fullback, flanked by the halves, carried the ball through center.  The play gained three yards, the only time it was worked, but Dover lost the ball on downs immediately after.  Bentz and Peters put up good games in the backfield, and Rice and Brooks starred at the ends.

In the last half of the game Dover came back fresh as ever, and Massillon wilted under the reduced pressure.  Moody replaced McConnell at guard and Ellis at end changed places with Zintsmaster, at guard.  After a few minutes of play Wagner was forced to leave the game with an injured nose.  He was replaced by Ellis, who was in turn replaced by Heyman, regular guard, who was on the sidelines for emergency.  In this condition with part of the backfield unable to carry the ball and part mixing the signal, Massillon finished the game rather listlessly.

Following is the summary:

Massillon – 25              Position            Dover – 0
Miller                              L.E.               Rice
Erb                                 L.T.               Herzog
Zinstmaster-Heyman       L.G.               Lindberg
Leahy                                C                 Harbaugh
McConnell-Moody         R.G.              Wagner
Wagner-Ellis                   R.T.               Wendling
Ellis-Zintsmaster              R.E.               Brucks
Atwater                            Q.                McKean
Wells                              L.H.               Tracht
Blackburn                       R.H.              Bence
Sonnhalter                       F.B.               Peters

Touchdowns:
Massillon – Miller   2; Wagner; Wells.

Goals kicked:
Massillon – Blackburn   3.

Drop kick:
Massillon – Blackburn.

Referee – Bast.
Umpire – Ress.

Time of halves – 20 minutes.