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Bobby Grier is the Next Entry to the Wall…

As a football player, Bobby Grier had a conventional career for one of the Massillon’s better players, starting for Tigers during his senior season and then playing collegiately.  But in 1955 civil rights discrimination in the South reared an ugly head and Bobby, as a Black player for a Northern team, was caught in the middle.  But he along with his teammates handled it admirably.  And now Bobby is finally being honored by Massillon with a spot on the Wall of Champions.

Bobby Grier suited up for the Tigers from 1949-51, playing fullback and safety under successful head coach Chuck Mather.  During his junior year Massillon finished the season with a perfect 10-0 record and was named both INS state champion and national champion.  The Tigers were completely dominant in all ten games, outscoring their opposition 407-37.  The only team to score more than once on them was No.  8 Steubenville, which lost 35-12.  In the season finale the Tigers downed No. 9 Canton McKinley 33-0.  As a backup, Grier contributed five rushing touchdowns.

In 1951, the 190 lb. senior player started at halfback was instrumental in leading his team to a 9-1 record and an INS state championship, in spite of suffering a 19-13 setback to No. 7 Warren Harding.  Since there were no 10-0 teams in the state of note that year and the Tigers had defeated both No. 2 Steubenville and No. 6 Barberton, plus the fact that they were defending state champs, the crown went to Massillon.  Numbers-wise, they outscored their opponents 316-65.

Grier was teammates with several other outstanding players, such as Henry “Ace” Grooms, Tom Straughn, Chuck Vliet and Paul Francisco.  He was also tops on the team with eleven rushing touchdowns, ahead of Grooms, who had ten, and John Francisco, who had eight.  Against Steubenville he rushed 9 times for 49 yards and scored the game-winning TD.  Then against Barberton he scored the only touchdown in a 6-0 victory.  For his efforts he was named 2^nd team All-Ohio Scholastic League and earned a Division 1 scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh.

Typical of most college players, Grier worked his way through a talented roster striving for playing time.  As a sophomore he rushed 13 times for 198 yards.  But his coach was not sold on his defense at a time when players were required to play both ways.  Then in 1955, under Coach John Michelosen, Grier started the first game.  But he shared time the rest of the season.

Fortunately, he was a member of a very good Panther team that finished the year No. 11 in the country and was invited to participate in the 1956 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The bowl committee had their eye on West Virginia, but in the final game of the season Pittsburgh defeated the Mountaineers 27-6 and the committee elected instead to invite Pitt.  Their opponent would be Georgia Tech.  And it was with Tech that the problems began.

Discrimination in the South was alive and well in the 1950s and a Southern team playing in a game against Black opponent players was frowned upon.  But the fact that the Black Bobby Grier was a member of the Pittsburgh team was overlooked by the bowl committee since Grier was not a starter and was not expected to play.

That didn’t keep Georgia Governor Marvin Griffin from urging Tech not to participate unless Grier was banned, which irked most of the country, more so than the Rosa Parks bus incident.  But what Griffin didn’t expect was 2,000 Tech students rioting at the governor’s house demanding that he rescind the request, while hanging the governor “in effigy.”  Even students from the University of Georgia supported Tech.  The bottom line was that the Tech students wanted their team to play in the Sugar Bowl, discrimination be damned.

Back in Pittsburgh, the players voted to stay home if Grier was not permitted to play.  “It made me feel great that the team, the university and everybody was behind me,” said Grier.

Eventually, the governor’s request was rejected by the Georgia State Board of Regents by a vote of 13-1.  First off, the contract had already been signed and second, they really wanted Tech in the game.  But still the board created a policy barring Georgia and Tech from playing integrated teams in future games, before integrated crowds, in segregated states, a ruling which seemed to appease the governor.  Only the policy was never enforced.

That brings us back to Bobby.  As luck would have it, the Pitt starting halfback was injured during a practice prior to the game and Grier was quickly thrust into the lineup.  So the game was held and everyone survived, with Blacks and Whites sitting together without incident.  But in the end, Bobby Grier became the first Black player to participate in a bowl game in the South, the significance of which was not realized until many years later.  Overall, the prejudice was a new experience for Grier.  “In Massillon, we learned to get along with people,” he said.  “We learned to play together as a team and do a good job of it.  We had our differences, but we always came together in the end.”

Although Pittsburgh lost the game 7-0, Grier led all rushers with 51 yards.  In an ironic twist, Grier was called for pass interference late in the game and the ball was placed at the one yard line, setting up the lone touchdown.  Bobby was beside himself later in the locker room.  And many thought it was Southern home cooking, noting that Grier was ahead of the receiver on the play and had been pushed to the ground prior to the ball sailing over both of their heads.  But later it was determined that the referee who made the call was from Pittsburgh.  After the game, following a review of the game film, the referee admitted that he simply made a mistake.

No other northern team was invited to the Sugar Bowl until nine years later when Syracuse made the trip.  Times were changing and the Orange featured two black players (future NFL stars Floyd Little and Jim Nance) with little fanfare.

After college, Grier joined the Air Force and became a missile officer.  Following his service, he was an administrator at a Pittsburgh community college

In 2009 Bobby was honored as a Washington High School Distinguished Citizen.  Then in in 2019 he was inducted in the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame.

Now, in August of this year, he will be added to the Massillon Wall of Champions.  Congratulations, Bobby Grier.

2021 Football Season is Fast Approaching

It seems like summer just got here and already we are nearing the start of the 2021 high school football season.  With the post-season playoffs being expanded this year, the date of the first regular season game has been pushed back yet another week, now at its earliest date in OHSAA history.  So what’s going on this year?  Here’s a quick look.

Massillon finished the regular season last year with a 5-1 record in a schedule that was shortened on account of the Covid-19 pandemic.  With all of Ohio’s teams invited to the playoffs, the Tigers marched through their slated games, defeating 2019 state champ Cincinnati LaSalle in the state semifinals, before losing to Akron Hoban in the finals.  It was Massillon’s third consecutive trip to the Division 2 state championship game.  During that 3-year span, the Tigers compiled a record of 34-4.  They also currently own a 31-game winning streak against their peers, the public schools.

Head Coach Nate Moore begins his 7^th year at Massillon, following a brief stint at Cincinnati LaSalle, where he captured the Division 2 state championship.  His overall record in Tigertown is 60-17 (.779), which includes five trips to the playoffs and a post-season mark of 16-5.  His win total ranks third all-time behind Paul Brown (80) and Mike Currence (79).  After a 4-6 start in 2015 as he was installing a new program, his record since has been 54-11 (.831).

Per the OHSAA, the official mandatory start of practice is August 1, although every team has been working out in some form since school let out in May.  The OHSAA now sanctions team practices throughout the summer, replacing the previous 10-session limit.

A 5-day acclimatization period must be completed prior to contact, which consists of helmets only for two days, followed by helmets and shoulder pads for two days and finally all gear.  The first two days may be completed in July.  For Massillon, they have the week of July 26 off then begin in earnest on August 2 with shoulder pads on Monday and Tuesday, full gear on Wednesday and contact on Thursday.  Friday is shoulder pads only as they prepare for their first scrimmage the next day.

Scrimmages are used to prepare a team for the season, giving coaches a chance to select their starters and fine tune their offenses and defenses.  This year, teams are limited to two 3-hour scrimmages following the first day of full contact practice.  As the number of official practice days and scrimmages has been reduced, it seems like teams have less and less time to prepare for the opener.  That’s why a solid off-season program is so important now.

Coach Nate Moore’s charges will match up with a pair of top-notch programs that will give the Tigers excellent chances to expose their weaknesses and focus on correcting them before the season gets underway.  The goal, of course, is maintaining a constant road of improvement throughout the regular season and then navigating successfully through the playoffs for another opportunity to compete for a state championship.

Massillon will travel to Avon on August 7 for an 11:30 am varsity scrimmage.  The freshmen will compete against Avon at 9:00 am.  Avon has won the Division 2, Region 6 title in each of the last four years and Coach Mike Elder’s group always provides excellent competition in this venue.  On Thursday, August 12, the Tigers will be at Cincinnati St. Xavier.  The freshmen and JV will face off at noon and varsity action will get underway at 2:00 pm.  Last year the Bombers defeated Pickerington Central 44-3 in the Division 1 state finals and are expected to return a wealth of talent this year.

The regular season schedule is one of the better ones that Massillon has assembled, starting out with a bang against Pickerington Central, which is perhaps currently the best public school in Division 1.  Also called the Tigers, they captured the D1 state title in both 2017 and 2019 and lost in the finals last year.  Central currently owns a 21-game winning streak against public schools.  Other top games this year include:

• Lakewood St. Edward – Edged Massillon the season opener last year, 24-23.
• Canisius, NY – Returns to the schedule after having defeated the Tigers in 2017.
• Canton McKinley – The annual rivalry; lost to Massillon last year 35-7.

Aside from Pickerington Central, first time opponents this year are:

• Reynoldsburg – Plays in Pickerington’s division of the Ohio Capital Conference; lost head-to-head last year, 38-13.
• Euclid – Competes in Mentor’s conference; expected to challenge this year for the conference title; always a formidable Division 1 playoff foe.
• Wooster – Not really a first-timer, but it’s been about a hundred years since the last game; this begins a 2-year home-and-home series.

The playoffs will begin on October 29 and will be the first of six weeks of additional games, culminating in the state finals on December 2-4.  Sixteen teams in each region will qualify, meaning that nearly every team in Division 1 and two-thirds of the teams in the other divisions will participate.  Although football will last that much longer with the extended playoffs, the format does provide schools with opportunities to challenge themselves during the regular season with top-level opponents without jeopardizing playoff spots.  For the 2021 season, Massillon will remain in Division 2, Region 7, along with the Columbus-area schools and a few local ones.  In fact, there will be no regional assignment changes across the state this year as the OHSAA rebounds from last year’s Covid issues.

Expect to see many new faces in the Massillon lineup in 2021, as the Tigers graduated nearly every starter from last year’s team.  Although this group is expected to be somewhat lacking across the board on varsity experience, it may still be senior-dominated while very talented.  Look for more of a re-loading year than a re-building year as Moore’s charges become “program players.”  The key to success then is the development of these new starters over the course of the season with goal of peaking when the playoffs commence.  Below is a list of the more recognizable returnees and a couple new ones:

• Austin Brawley (5′-10″, 170) – senior – safety  (36-23-47.5) / wide receiver (5-125, 1 TD) / return specialist – 2^nd in total tackles – 4^th leading receiver; started last year at safety
• Toddrick Lee (6′-1″, 250) – senior – offensive lineman – returning starter
• Jaiden Woods ( 6′-0″, 259) – senior – offensive lineman –  returning starter
• Reece Turpin (6′-2″, 340) – senior – offensive lineman -backup
• Te’Jamere Nash (6′-4″, 290) – senior – offensive lineman – backup
• Michael Mercurio (6′-1″, 245) – junior – offensive lineman – backup
• Willtrell Hartson (5′-10, 200) – junior – running back – leading rusher (138-1125, 13 TDs) – Honorable Mention All–Ohio in Division 2; became the starter in last year’s game against Canton McKinley follow an injury to Raekwon Venson – single game rushing leader (324 yards vs. Westerville South)
• Camden Beasley ( 6′-2″, 205) – senior – running back (44-251, 2 TDs) / linebacker – 3^rd leading rusher; last year’s No. 2 running back
• Nathan DePuy (5′-11″, 205) – senior – inside linebacker – backup
• Freddie Lenix (5′-10″, 180) – junior – defensive back – backup
• Dominic Salvino (6′-175) – senior – long snapper – starter
• Marcus Moore (6′-2″, 300) – junior – defensive lineman – transfer from Beachwood – 3^rd Team All-Ohio at defensive lineman in Division 5 – relative of former Massillon All-Ohio defensive lineman Ellery Moore
• Riley Campbell (6′-4, 205) – senior – wide receiver / linebacker – transfer from Canton Central – leading receiver last year – 2^nd Team All-Ohio at linebacker in Division 6
• Several other players with varsity experience, many starting on special teams

Look for the Tigers to attack much the same as the last few years.  That is, with a run-heavy offense, utilizing a massive line that features both zone and power blocking, opening interior holes for Hartson and Beasley.  Quarterback duties will be most likely be in the hands of senior Darrius McElroy, who has really developed in the off-season with both size and arm strength.  He spent most of his time last year on the defensive side of the ball and on special teams.  McElroy will be backed up by freshman Jalen Slaughter, who last year led his dominant 8^th grade team to perfect 8-0 mark.  The wide receiver group will be speedy, with Brawley leading the way.

Defensively, Massillon returns just Brawley.  However, the coaches will not have any problem finding talented players to fill the open spots.  Marcus Moore will fit quite nicely on the line as will Nathan DePuy at linebacker.  Brawley will return to his safety position.  Also, watch for backup junior Freddie Lenix to fill in well at corner.  Kicking duties will fall to senior Shane Rue.

During the 2020 Covid-19 season, severe attendance restrictions were placed on the students and fans.  For Massillon, they were limited to just 1500 and most fans were forced to watch the games from home on internet broadcasts.  However, there will be no limit on spectators this year.  So come on out and support your Tigers.  It should be a great season and an exciting playoff run.

Mark these dates on your calendar:

• August 3 – Media Day (check out the team photos as they go up on the website)
• August 5 – Sideliners Reverse Raffle
• August 7 – Scrimmage at Avon, starting at 11:30 am
• August 8 – Sideliners Picnic
• August 12 – Scrimmage at Cincinnati St. Xavier, starting at 2:00 pm
• August 14 – Alumni  Association Golf Scramble (tee times still available)
• August 17 – First Touchdown Club Luncheon at 11:30 am
• August 18 – Downtown  Kickoff Rally at 6:30 pm
• August 20 – Season opener vs. Pickerington Central, starting at 7:30 pm

Note to season ticket holders: Season ticket passes will not be mailed this year.  They can be picked up at the Ticket Office starting August 3 or at the first game.  No information is available at this time regarding tickets for away games.

Massillon Gearing Up For Another Successful Playoff Run

Massillon’s student enrollment of late has placed the football team into Division 2 for the past eight years and they have settled in quite nicely as one of the best among a group of 107 teams.  Only Akron Hoban and Cincinnati LaSalle have provided staunch competition.  And this year is expected to be no different, although there are always a few other teams that could make some noise.  Here is a detailed look at the recent history in this division.

Region 5

Akron Hoban – Since the Knights entered D2 in 2017 on account of the competitive advantage formula they have become the annual clear favorite to win Region 5, if not the state.  In those four years they have captured three state championships and had one other regional finals appearance.  Their only playoff loss during that time span was to Massillon in the 2019 regional finals.

Hudson – Regional finalist in 2020, losing to Hoban.

Maple Heights – Regional finalist in 2018, losing to Hoban.

Watch List – Walsh Jesuit, Austintown Fitch, Mayfield and Cleveland Benedictine.

Region 6

Avon – All the Eagles do is win.  Regular season and playoffs.  Except when they play Massillon or Akron Hoban.  They have captured the regional title in each of the past four years, then lost the following week in the state semifinals, three times to Hoban and once to Massillon.

Toledo Central – Another product of competitive advantage, the Irish lost to Avon in the 2018 regional finals and lost to Cincinnati LaSalle in the 2019 state semifinals.

Avon Lake – Advanced to the regional finals in each of the last two years, losing both times to Avon.

Watch List – Wadsworth, Barberton and Olmsted Falls.

Region 7

Massillon – It’s no secret that with the Tigers in this region, everyone else is playing for second place.  Massillon started slowly when Division 2 was reorganized in 2013, but they have come on strong in the past four years, winning the regional title each year.  In 2017 they lost in the state semifinals to Cincinnati Winton Woods.  But they broke the door down in 2018 by avenging the loss to Winton Woods and advancing to the state finals, losing to Akron Hoban.  In 2019 they turned the tables on Akron Hoban in the regionals and didn’t lose until the state finals, to Cincinnati LaSalle.  Year 2020 saw the revenge factor again with a win over LaSalle in the state semifinals, but another loss to Akron Hoban.  The only other teams in Division 2 with this much consistent playoff success are of course Hoban and LaSalle.

Perry – Regional finalist in 2020, losing to Massillon.

Olentangy – Regional finalist in 2019, losing to Toledo Central.

Watch List – Westerville South, Dublin Scioto, Worthington Kilbourne and North Canton.

Region 8

Cincinnati LaSalle – Four state titles in the past eight years (2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019).  Enough said.  Lost to Winton Woods in the regional finals in 2017.  Failed to make the playoffs in 2018.  Defeated Massillon in the 2019 state finals.  And lost to Massillon in the 2020 state semifinals.

Cincinnati Winton Woods – Chief competition for LaSalle.  Lost to Hoban in the 2017 state finals.  Lost to Massillon in the 2018 state semifinals.  Lost to LaSalle in the 2020 regional finals.

Watch List – Kings, Piqua, Cincinnati Turpin, Cincinnati Anderson and Troy.