Category: <span>History</span>

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2023: Massillon 42, Austintown Fitch 7

Tigers Take Care of Business, Defeat Austintown Fitch, 42-7

Game Statistics

Traveling to Austintown Fitch for Massillon has always been a difficult assignment.  Some strange things have happened over the years that always plagued the Tigers and kept them from coming home with a victory.  Entering the game, Massillon led the series 20-8 , but ahead just 7-6 when playing on the road.  But that was not the case in this latest encounter.  Aside from a few tense moments, Massillon played like the great team it is and came away with a convincing victory in a game that was played very cleanly and sportsmanlike between both teams.

By the time Fitch, who entered with a 4-2 mark, had run just six plays and punted twice, Massillon had opened a commanding 21-0 lead on the strength of 235 yards of offense, averaging 10.2 yard per play.  Leading the attack was the 3-headed monster of senior quarterback Da’One Owens, who ran for 97 yards, junior running back Ja’Meir Gamble, who picked up 94 yards and junior back Mylen Lenix, who added another 19 in limited duty as he returns from an injury.  All of this behind some great blocking by the offensive line.

Meanwhile, the defense did its part by holding the Falcons for the game to a net 12 yards on the ground.  They did give up 205 in the air, but that was by design as, with a big lead, they simply kept the receivers in front of them to prevent a big play, while forcing Fitch to score from within the redzone, where it is much more difficult to complete a pass.  The strategy worked to perfection, as Fitch was able to score just one touchdown on the night.

The Tigers received the opening kickoff and went to work starting at their own 41, following a great return by Zach Liebler.  After picking up three yards on his first carry, Gamble broke through the line and was gone, owing to his 4.39 second 40-yard dash time.  For Fitch had pulled the safeties up to within five yards of the line of scrimmage in order to stop Owens, and there was no one to make the tackle after Gamble broke free.  Later in the game they dropped the safeties, but it was too late then.  The damage had been done.

After holding the Falcons to a 3-and-out, Massillon engineered an 11-play, 94-yard drive, all on the ground, and ended when Dorian Pringle bulled in from the one.  The third score came following a 10-play, 77-yard drive, culminating in a 2-yard TD run by Lenix, which made the score 21-0 early in the second quarter.

It was later in that quarter that the Falcons played their best football, abandoning the run entirely and going  strictly to air.  They scored their lone touchdown when quarterback Deshawn Vaughn fired a flare pass to wide receiver Dan Evans, who then sped past the secondary and down the left sideline for a 57-yard score.  Then, after holding the Tigers on a 3-and-out, they marched the ball with their short passing game to the Massillon eight yard line.  But they were held on downs when Cody Fair tackled the runner for no gain on fourth and one.

Once again the Tigers were forced to punt and the Falcons drove to the Massillon 29.  But an errant pass from Vaughn, who was under tremendous pressure the entire night from the Tiger front-3, was intercepted by Kyler Wiggins at the 20.  Wiggins, a wide receiver by trade, was inserted into the game to bolster the secondary, as Massillon was using both nickel and dime defenses (5 or 6 defensive backs) to control the pass and assure that tackles would be made.  He returned the ball 47 yards to the Fitch 33 with just 21 seconds left in the half.  But Massillon still had three times out available used them wisely.  Six plays later the they were sitting in the end zone when Owens connected with Braylyn Toles as time expired.  It was a potential 14-point turnaround and literally salted the game away.

The second half involved mostly short passes from Fitch and occasional miscues that thwarted drives.  But in the fourth quarter Massillon extended its lead with two additional scores.  Three carries by Owens for 63 yards and fourth by Gamble for 20 resulted in the first score and a 58-yard run up the middle by Gamble was the second.  Meanwhile, Fitch never threatened in the second half.

Ja’Meir Gamble

Gamble led all rushers with 17 carries for 233 yards (13.7 ave.).  The yardage mark is six yards shy of tenth all-time in the Massillon record book.  Owens carried eleven times for 134 yards (12.2 ave.).  Lenix picked up 23.

Austintown’s Vaughn completed 20 of 39 passes for 205 yards.  Their leading rusher, Deon’Dray Richard, gained just 17 yards.

It appears that the Massillon offense is settling down to what it will be; i.e., a formidable rushing attack, featuring both Owens and Gamble, with several other backs finding roles at times.  They average 7.1 yards per carry, which is currently third in the record book.  The passing game is a bit inconsistent, but still a threat to opponents.  The defense against the run is the best seen in Massillon in a long time.  Though eight games, the first unit has yet to surrender a touchdown on the ground and is giving up just 2.3 yards per carry, which is second all-time in the book and first against the spread.  The secondary is also very athletic and has the ability to cover receivers closely in space.  The kicking game has shown improvement recently and will only get better.  Punting chores against
Fitch rested with Owens, due to both Tyler Hackenbracht and Jalen Slaughter not being available.  But Owens was magnificent, averaging 40.7 yards per punt, with a long of 54 yards.

The Tigers (8-0) return home next week when they host Warren Harding (4-4).  Fitch (4-3) travels to Boardman (1-7).

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Dual-Threat Quarterbacks in High School Are a Rare Breed

Dual-Threat Quarterbacks in High School Are a Rare Breed

Simply put, a dual-threat quarterback is one that possesses the passing attributes of a traditional quarterback and the rushing attributes of a running back.  When combined, these traits create incredible havoc for the defense, for it must defend both aspects simultaneously.  And those visual cues that defenders read that dictate the play simply go out the window.

There are two types of dual-threat quarterbacks.  The first involves the “read option”, where a quarterback either hands the ball off to the running back or keeps the ball and runs it himself, selecting which option is most favorable.  The decision to keep or hand off is not pre-determined in the play call; it is made during the execution of the play itself.  In other words, the quarterback must read the execution of the backside defensive end and choose which option to employ based on whether the end attacks or holds his position.  If he attacks, then the quarterback keeps the ball and heads for the end’s initial position.  Otherwise, it’s a handoff to the running back up the middle.  This scheme has been very effective at the high school level and was run successfully for a number of years by Mentor.

The second type is of a more traditional concept where the quarterback lines up in the shotgun behind the center and simply runs the ball like a running back, sometimes off a fake handoff.  But keep in mind that the quarterback must also be an effective passer and not just a running back playing the position.  Otherwise, the play is not as productive, since defenders will simply key on the quarterback, assuming that he is much less effective in the passing game.  By utilizing an empty backfield, defenders are forced to cover up to five wide receivers, which reduces the number of defenders in position to attack the quarterback.

Massillon fans may recall the 2014 playoff game against Perrysburg.  In that one, quarterback Gus Dimmerling rushed 21 times for 302 yards and scored four touchdowns.  He also completed 13 of 18 passes for 112 yards.  Following the game, the Perrysburg coach remarked that he likes to select a good running back for the quarterback position and teach him how to throw.  It might sound good on paper, but it just isn’t that easy.  Players with the ability to both well just don’t come around very often.  And they are extremely difficult to manufacture.

One of the best dual-threat quarterbacks seen in Ohio, one that employed the wildcat version, was Zanesville’s Buster Howe.  During his senior year in 1987 he rushed for 1,700 yards and scored 34 touchdowns, leading his team to an 8-2 record.  Subsequently, he was named Mr. Ohio Football, the first player to be awarded such an honor.  For his career, he rushed for 3,075 yards and scored 59 touchdowns.  After graduation he had a short stint with Ohio State.

Massillon has never had a dual-threat quarterback that used the read-option concept.  But they have had a few that were pretty adept at running the ball.  Here are the ones that stand out:

Willie Spencer (1994) – Second on the team in rushing with 129 carries for 775 yards.  Averaged 6.0 yards per attempt.  Also passed for 941 yards and 5 touchdowns.  Scored 108 points.  Led his team to a 42-41 overtime win over Canton McKinley in the 100th game.  In that one Spencer rushed for 94 yards and scored a touchdown.  He also threw two touchdown passes.  The team finished with a 10-2 record.  Spencer later played for the University of Akron and Tiffin.

Mike Danzy (1993) – First on the team in rushing with 93 carries for 702 yards.  Averaged 7.5 yards per attempt.  Also passed for 948 yards and 15 touchdowns.  Scored 62 points.  Rushed for 136 yards against Austintown Fitch (7-3) in a 34-15 victory.  The team finished with a 10-2 record.

Steve Hymes (2002) – Third on the team in rushing with 64 carries for 448 yards, as a backup quarterback.  Averaged 7.0 yards per attempt.  Scored 38 points.  The team finished with an 11-3 record.

Darius McElroy (2021) – As a starter early and backup later in the season, rushed 84 times for 431 yards.  Averaged 5.1 yards per attempt.  Passed for 448 yards and two touchdowns.  Led the team in scoring with 72 points.  McElroy was the catalyst behind the 35-13 victory over Canton McKinley, during which he broke the game open in the second half by rushing 13 times for 88 yards and scoring two touchdowns.  The team finished 11-3 and advanced in the playoffs to the regional finals.

Dave Sheegog (1965) – Rushed 106 times for 405 yards.  Averaged 3.8 yards per attempt.  Also, passed for another 427.  Led the team in scoring with 59 points.  During his junior year he was instrumental in leading the Tigers to a 20-14 comeback victory over No. 2 Canton McKinley, during which he scored the winning touchdown on a 14-yard run with less than a minute remaining in the game.  Both Massillon teams finished 10-0 and were named state champions by the Associated Press.  Also, both teams finished second in the country.

Dennis Franklin (1970) – Third on the team in rushing with 79 carries for 363 yards.  Averaged 4.6 yards per carry.  Also passed for 699 yards and 12 touchdowns.  Second on the team in scoring with 66 points.  Rushed for 58 yards in a 28-0 victory over No. 3 Canton McKinley.  Scored on a 37-yard run.  The team finished 10-0 and was named state champions by the Associated Press.  Franklin subsequently started at quarterback for three years for the University of Michigan.

That leads us to this year’s quarterback, Da’One Owens, who would be considered a pure dual-threat quarterback of the second variety.  When featured in the play, he will normally line up in the shotgun in an empty backfield formation.  Sometimes, he would run in combination with a jet-sweep fake handoff and other times he would simply run the ball.  The offensive line would block like on a traditional handoff to a running back, using both power and zone blocking schemes, while Owens, at 6’-1”, 200 lbs., would simply become the running back.

Through seven games, Owens has rushed 60 times for 649 yards and scored nine touchdowns, averaging an incredible 10.8 yards per carry, aided by his 4.5-second forty time.  Numerous times this year he has broken through the defense and taken the ball a great distance to the house.  Owens has also completed 29 of 53 passes for 446 yards and five touchdowns.  All that, while sharing the quarterback role with Jalen Slaughter.  The sky is the limit for this young man.

Go Tigers!

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2023: Massillon 15, Lakewood St. Edward 13

Tigers are Legit; Down Ohio No. 1 Lakewood St. Edward in Powerhouse Showdown

Game Statistics

It was billed as the second-best matchup in the country for this week.  No. 9 Lakewood St. Edward vs. No. 20 Massillon.  And it didn’t disappoint.  Big offensive plays.  Stifling defenses.  Special teams highlights.  And points left on the table.  But most of all, it had heart.  Lots of heart.  By both teams.  In the end, The Tigers came out on top 15-13, but the game itself showcased two of the best teams in the state, if not the country.

The scoring

The Eagles got on the board in the second quarter following a pass interception at the Massillon 31 yard line.  On 2nd down at the 31 quarterback Thomas Csanyi hit Brian Sullivan on a skinny post at the ten and he ran the rest of the way for the score.  But the Tigers’ Dorian Pringle broke through the line and blocked the PAT attempt.  Score, 6-0.

Massillon came right back and engineered an 8-play, 69-yard drive that ended with quarterback DaOne Owens running it in from the eight yard line.  It came on the last of his eight carries on that drive that netted 42 yards.  Vinny Keller’s kick was good and the Tigers took a 7-6 lead into the locker room.

Late in the third quarter Owens got loose again, outracing the St. Ed secondary around the left side for a 20-yard touchdown run.  It capped a 4-play 62-yard drive.  Now, seizing a point differential opportunity, the Tigers elected to go for two to make it a 2-score advantage.  The gamble paid off when Owens found a seam up the middle and the margin improved to 15-6.

The score remained that way throughout most of the fourth period, with the clock continuing to expel precious time and thereby limit opportunities for the Eagles to find two scores.  Eventually, Csanyi found Kyan Mason along the right sideline on a 38-yard pass to convert a fourth down and 32 with about a minute and a half left in the game.  That placed the ball at the 15 yard line.  Then on third down, Sullivan outjumped the Massillon defender in the corner of the end zone and came down with the touchdown pass.  The PAT made the score 15-13 and all that now remained was the onside kick, which the Tigers’ Owens recovered.

The entire game can simply be described as a slugfest.  Clean, but brutal.  Massillon ended up punting three times, while losing the ball three times on turnovers.  Meanwhile, St. Edward punted six times and was intercepted once.

The offenses

The Eagle mantra for all of last season and up to this game was quarterback Casey Bullock running the read-option.  Although he is considered an average but effective passer, his forte was running the ball.  And he was instrumental in using his feet to lead his team to the Division 1 state title last year.  But he was injured last week at the end of the game against Elder and was not available for this one.  In stepped junior Thomas Csanyi.  Although he is not the runner Bullock is, he is certainly a very good passer.  Last week he led the Eagles to victory with his arm and against Massillon he threw for 153 yards and two touchdowns.  St. Eds may have been hampered a bit with the loss of Bullock, but not too terribly much.  Six of his catches went to Mason and another five to Sullivan.

Owens was the first Massillon quarterback on the field and he immediately drove the team near the goal line, on the heels of an explosive 42-yard run.  Slaughter was on next and brought the air game.  But it fizzled on account of a stiff Eagle pass rush, which included three future Power-5 players in their front-6.  So, the coaching staff opted to remain with Owens for the rest of the game.  After searching for what would work against a stout Eagle defense, they settled on an empty backfield set with three wide receivers and put the ball in Owens’ hands.  He responded admirably by rushing 26 times for 176 yards (6.8) and scored two touchdowns.  He also completed 8 of 11 passes for 50 yards, five of which went to Braylyn Toles for 30 yards.

The defenses

The Eagles were able to completely control any ground game by the Tiger running backs.  They held the combination of Peyyton Mitchell, Ja’Meir Gamble and Dorian Pringle to just 30 yards in 9 attempts (3.3).  They also controlled the middle of the field in defense of middle and long-range passes.  But the corners and safeties played a bit off the edge wide receivers and that’s where Owens exploited them with his passes, converting several third downs to move the sticks.  Of course, they were not able to fully shut down Owens with his running.  St. Edward switched to an uncharacteristic for them odd front defensive line for this game, although the Massillon offensive line was able to adequately adjust.

Meanwhile, the Tiger front-7 was facing one of the largest offensive lines in the country.  The Eagles average 6’-5”, 299 lbs.  They have two players going to Ohio State and one to Michigan, and all were 4-star recruits.  On paper, it was an obvious mismatch.  But someone forgot to tell Massillon.  Especially, linemen Mike Wright Jr., Chase Bond and Malachi Card.  And particularly, linebackers Dorian Pringle and Cody Fair.  Collectively, along with a swift defensive secondary, they held the Eagle ground game to just 59 yards off of 39 carries.   1.9 yards per attempt.  Not a bad night’s work.  St. Edwards did find some modest success up the middle behind that massive line, with their running backs gaining 78 yards.  And speedy Akron commit Kyan Mason ran four times in the jet sweep for another 15.  But Csanyi was sacked three times for a loss of 34 yards.

Special teams

Dan Tome, the Eagle punter, did a great job, several times pinning the Tigers back toward their own end zone.  He finished the game with a 37.7 yard average and placed three punts within the 20 yard line.  But then St. Edward had that extra point blocked and in the end it made all the difference.

The onside kick following the final St. Ed score took a nice hop over the first line of defense.  But Owens was right behind to secure the ball and fall to the ground.  It also locked up the win.

Missed opportunities

 For St.  Edward

  • 3rd quarter – Drove to the Massillon 29 and was intercepted by Adonis Vaughn. Mike Wright was putting all kinds of pressure on the quarterback, which caused Csanyi’s pass to fall short in the attempt to throw it away to avoid the sack.
  • 4th quarter – Drove to the Massillon 31 but lost the ball on downs when the running back was tackled in the backfield.

For Massillon

  • 1st quarter – Drove to the St. Edward 7, aided by a 42-yard run by Owens to the Eagle 14. The Tigers were stopped on downs at the seven when Pringle was caught in the backfield on fourth and one.
  • 2nd quarter – Da’One Owens completed a long touchdown pass to Jacques Carter, but called back for holding in an area remote from the play.
  • 3rd quarter – Drove to the St. Edward 23 and fumbled the ball.
  • 4th quarter – Drove to the St. Edward 31 and was stopped on downs.

Wrapup

It was the second consecutive season that Massillon knocked off St. Edward.  Last year it ended up being the Eagles’ only loss enroute to a state title.  So, with another potential undefeated season gone by the wayside, this year’s loss had to sting a little.  But regardless, the Eagles are certainly not any less of a team after having lost and the Tigers have great respect for them.  In addition, this game is beginning to turn into nice little rivalry.

Next week Massillon (5-0) will host Middletown, DE (3-0).  Last year the Tigers came out on top, 42-24.  St.Edward (4-1) hosts River Rouge, MI (1-3).

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2023 Booster Club Report – Week 2 – Post-GlenOak;…

2023 Booster Club Report – Week 2 – Post-GlenOak; Preview of the Mansfield Game

Massillon (2-0) easily disposed of Canton GlenOak (1-1) last Friday with a 56-7 victory.  For the Golden Eagles, it was the second worst defeat in their football history, behind the 1999 loss to Perry by the score of 62-0.  This week the Tigers play home against Mansfield (1-1).  Massillon defeated the Tygers last year 33-0 and leads the overall series, 44-4-5, the first game having been played in 1909.  The series is the Tigers’ fourth longest, behind Canton McKinley (133 games), Warren Harding (87) and Alliance (75).

Link to the GlenOak Game Story

Link to the GlenOak Game Statistics

Other scores:

  • 7th Grade (2-0): Defeated Canton GlenOak, 20-6.  Play home vs. Mansfield on Tuesday, August 29, at 6:00 pm.
  • 8th Grade (2-0): Defeated Canton GlenOak, 46-24.  Plays at Maple Heights on Wednesday, August 30, at 6:00 pm.
  • Freshmen (2-0): Defeated Canton GlenOak, 46-0, leading 40-0 at the half.  Plays at Mansfield on Saturday, September 2, at 10:00 am.
  • Junior Varsity (1-1): Defeated Canton GlenOak, 48-36.  Plays home vs. Canton McKinley on Monday, September 4, at 1:00 pm.

Review of the GlenOak game

“I thought our kids played really, really well,” said Head Coach Nate Moore.  “We executed.  We played hard.  We made big plays.  Our defense was lights out.”  He also stated that it was good to get the JV players on the field.

The guest players were defensive lineman Chase Bond and quarterback Da’One Owens.  “GlenOak was well-coached,” said Bond.  “Nothing negative to say.  We were just better.”  He also remarked that the experience the front-7 gained last year as starters keeps this group “one step ahead.”  Owens added that GlenOak was a pretty good team.  “They played hard,” he said.  “We were just better.”

During the film presentation, Moore said that the special teams had another good day.  The offense got a good push in the run game, especially in the red zone.  But it was the passing game that appeared to be emphasized in both of the past two weeks.  Is this by design?  Perhaps.  Moore said that he aims to put the ball into the hands of the team’s best play makers, in this case the quarterbacks and wide receivers.  Not to say the running backs don’t also have some good talent to throw into the mix.

Statistics leaders:

  • Jalen Slaughter: 4 of 6 passing for 153 yards, 0 interceptions and 2 touchdowns
  • Da’one Owens: 5 of 8 passing for 125 yards, 0 interceptions and 3 touchdowns
  • Peytton Mitchell: 12 carries for 127 yards (10.6), 0 touchdowns
  • Jacques Carter: 3 receptions for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns
  • Kyler Wiggins: 2 receptions for 60 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • Deangelo Zimmerman: 2 receptions for 59 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Dorian Pringle: 6 tackle points (6-0), 1 sack, 3 tackles-for-loss
  • Team offense: 40 plays for 467 yards (11.7)

Mansfield Scouting Report

Offensively, the Tygers operate out of the spread, usually with four wide receivers.  It is within this group that Mansfield showcases its best all-around player, 6′-0″, 175 lb. senior Amarr Davis, who is a returning starter.  This is definitely the player the Massillon defense must keep an eye on, for he can take it to the house from any position on the field.  As the Tygers’ primary receiving weapon, his yards after catch are often used to great advantage.  He runs fast and can leap high over the defender to catch the ball.  At times, he will line up as a running back or wildcat quarterback.  And he also plays cornerback on defense.

Moore likes three of Mansfield’s offensive linemen:

  • Senior tackle Ahmaan Thomas (6′-4″, 290), a returning starter.  Good run blocker.  Physical.
  • Senior tackle Jahmere Dotson (6′-4″, 280), a returning starter.  Good on pass protection.  High effort.  Good hands.
  • Senior guard Carmelo Smith (6′-2″, 250), a returning starter.  Athletic.  Physical.  Plays hard.  Best lineman.

The quarterback is returning starter, senior Duke Reese.  He is a better runner than a passer.  Conversely, last year against the Tigers he completed 15 of 24 passes for for 125 yards in a 33-0 loss.  Although, he didn’t add much to the run game.  His status is questionable due to an injury, but his backup, junior Nate Dismuke (5′-10″, 185), can be just as effective.  The running back is returning starter, senior Zyion Brown (5′-9″, 190).  He has good speed and runs hard.

Defensively, Mansfield will line in up what Moore calls the “flavor of the week.”  Some 3-front,  Some 4- front.  Cover-1, cover-3 and cover-4.  Mostly based on the offensive formation.  Moore said that as a group they are pretty good, but only one player particularly stands out.  That is senor Carmelo Smith (6′-2″, 250).  He is their best defensive lineman.  A quick, physical, down hill player.  He’s also very aggressive when he moves to linebacker.

Go Tigers!

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Massillon 2023 Kickoff Rally Photos

Massillon 2023 Kickoff Rally Photos

Tiger growl, with WTIG’s Ray Jeske

Part of the massive crowd.

The Tiger Swing Band.

The Massillon Tigers.

The Massillon Tigers.

Cheerleaders leading the crowd.

The Massillon  Tigers.

 

Majorettes.

Mayor Cathy Katazoro Perry.

Superintendent Paul Salvino

Washington High School Principal Dave Lautenschleger.

Booster Club President Rob Maylor.

Head Coach Nate Moore

Tiger Swing Band.

Cheerleaders.

 

 

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Massillon vs. Valdosta Game Preview

Massillon vs. Valdosta Game Preview

Massillon, Ohio, vs. Valdosta, Georgia.  An intriguing matchup that has been years in the making, one that is worthy of national exposure.  Massillon and Valdosta have two of the winningest programs in the country, with a combined 1,876 wins between them.  Valdosta, with an historical record of 944-262-34, is the No. 1 team in the USA in terms of total wins, while Massillon, a former USA No. 1 with a record of 932-299-36, is currently 1st in Ohio and 4th in the nation.  Destined to be a classic for the ages, this game opens the 2023 football season, as part of the NE Ohio vs. America Showcase.

The two public schools share many similarities, starting with lengthy football histories.  Valdosta began playing in 1913 and Massillon first fielded a team in 1891.  The Wildcats have six national championships (the last one in 1992) and 24 Georgia state championships (the last one in 2016), whereas the Tigers have nine national champions (the last one in 1961) and 24 Ohio state championships (the last one in 1970).  Both play in sizeable, historic stadiums with large video screens and personalized bricks at the entranceway.  Bazermore-Hyder Stadium (1922) in Valdosta holds 11,249, while Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (1939) can seat 16,884.  Each has an avid booster club.  And national media attention has been enjoyed at each school.  For Valdosta, it was named Titletown USA by ESPN (2008) and was then featured in a Netflix Series titled, “Titletown High” (2020).  Massillon has been highlighted in numerous book publications, plus several films, including “Touchdown Town” (1951), “It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad football town” (1964), “Go Tigers” (2000), and “Timeless Rivals” (2017).

Valdosta participates in playoff Division AAAAAAA, the highest classification in Georgia.  Last season they finished 8-3, with a loss in the first round of the playoffs.  They are led by third-year Head Coach Shelton Felton.  Felton played football for Troy University and coached in various capacities at the high school and college levels, including Chattanooga (2017), Tennessee (2018 and 2020) and Akron (2019), before being hired as head coach at Valdosta in 2021.  Massillon is coached by Nate Moore, who enters his ninth year.  Last season the Tigers recorded a 12-2 record and advanced to the state semifinals in the playoffs.

Valdosta operates out of the spread offense.  With a run-first approach, they are led by running back Shakevious Wright, a 5’-8”, 190 lb. senior, who is very fast and physical and can cause havoc for any team if he gets into the secondary.  At quarterback is junior Todd Robinson, at 6’-0”, 185 lbs., who returns from last year.  Like Wright, he is a very good runner, while showing good accuracy on short and mid-range passes.  Defensively, the best player in their 3-4 alignment is defensive tackle Eric Brantley, a 6’-2”, 275 lb. senior.  Last year he was named Region Player of the Year and holds an offer from Colorado.  He may be the best defensive lineman the Tigers will see this year.  Linebacker Jaylin Bentley is another player to watch.  The 6’-1”, 180 lb. senior is quick and physical, and tackles well.  He has an offer from Georgia State.

Massillon will counter with a host of returning starters.  At quarterback is 3rd year starter, junior Jalen Slaughter, who passed last year for 2,043 yards and 24 touchdowns.  Newcomer Daone Owens is also expected to see time at the position.  The Number 1 and 3 wide receivers also return in Braylyn Toles (43-566) and Kyler Wiggins (34-374).  The offensive line returns three starters, in addition to 6’-6” Nolan Davenport, who played tight end last year, having moved over to tackle.  Defensively, The Tigers return six of their starting front seven players, led by 1st Team All-Ohio linebacker Dorian Pringle (Bowling Green) (69.5 tackle points) and defensive lineman Chase Bond (North Carolina State).

The significance of this game has not been lost on either community.  For Valdosta, they have won more games than any other team.  They are extremely proud of this record.  And they don’t hold back in letting any of the other 15,000 teams across the land know it.  Now they are facing the most renowned team in the country, the one put on the map by the legendary Paul Brown.  The one that has won more national titles than any other team save one.  The Wildcats know that they face a significant challenge, but they must by all means defend their honor.

For Massillon, the game ranks right up there with several other big games the Tigers have participated in throughout their long history.  Some of these include:

  • 1940 – Massillon vs. Toledo Waite, a team that believed they could upend the 5-time defending state champion Tigers and take the crown themselves.
  • 1945 – Massillon vs. Cleveland Cathedral Latin, a game played in front of 51,000 fans at Cleveland Municipal Stadium,
  • 1964 – Massillon vs. Niles, a team sitting on a 48-game unbeaten streak. It was played in front of 30,128 at the Akron Rubber.
  • 1972 – Massillon vs. Cincinnati Princeton in Ohio’s first-ever state playoffs. It was held at Ohio State Stadium.
  • 1982 – Massillon vs. Cincinnati Moeller for the state championship. Ohio State hosted the game in front of 31,409 fans, the highest attendance ever for a state playoff game.
  • 1991 – Massillon vs. Kentucky Covington Catholic in the Buddy LaRosa Classic, held at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium.
  • 1994 – Massillon vs. Canton McKinley, the 100th meeting between these two historic rivals.
  • 2005 – Massillon vs. Cincinnati Elder at the Cincinnati Bengal’s Paul Brown Stadium.

Now, the Massillon vs. Valdosta game can be added to that list.  It should be a classic, one that will be remembered by both schools for a long time, especially by the winner.

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Tiger Halls of Fame Have Six New Members

Tiger Halls of Fame Have Six New Members

Last Thursday, in conjunction with the Booster Club Reverse Raffle event, five new members were inducted into the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame, including Arvine Ulrich, Larry Larsuel, Gary Vogt, Ron Ertle and Devin Smith.  In addition, Rick Spielman was inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions.  Each also will receive a commemorative plaque at halftime of the Valdosta Game.

Arvine “Tink” Ulrich played quarterback for the Tigers in 1920-22 under legendary Coach Dave Stewart.  He was also a team captain..  During his senior year, the team finished 10-0 and was named state champion.  Later, Ulrich played for Wittenberg College and was the class president.  Following his return to Massillon, he was elected in 1934 as the Booster Club’s first president.  He also held leadership roles in several Massillon-area civic organizations.

Larry Larsuel was a lineman for Massillon in 1962-64 first under Coach Leo Strang and then Earl Bruce.  During his senior year the team finished 10-0 and was voted state champion.  Twice he was named All-County and All-Ohio and later participated the Ohio North-South All-Star Game.

Gary Vogt, a former Massillon basketball player and 1966 graduate, has held several positions within the Booster Club, including Chairman of the Tiger Sideliners and President of the Club.  In the latter position, he was instrumental in bringing several stadium projects to fruition, including installation of the Omni Sand Turf and installation of a rubberized running track.  Also, under his watch, the “TIG-ERS” fan cheer was developed.  He is currently the Booster Club’s Historian, a position he has held for the past 14 years.

Ron Ertle played offensive lineman and linebacker for the Tigers from 1966-68.  In his senior year his team compiled a 9-1 record, capturing the All-American Conference championship and earning 2nd place in the sportswriters’ state poll.  Ertle, a co-captain, was named 1st Team All-Ohio linebacker.  And he participated in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game.  After high school, he played football for the University of Cincinnati.

Devin Smith was a 2-year standout for Massillon at wide receiver from 2009-10, leading the team in receptions, yards and scoring each year.  He was also named 1st Team All-Ohio in both years.  During his junior year the team finished with a 10-4 record and a spot in the Division 1 state championship game.  An All-County basketball player, he also captured three first place medals in state track meets.  Following high school, Smith played football for four years at Ohio State, with his team capturing the national championship during his senior season.  He also played in the NFL for the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys.

Rick Spielman played linebacker for the Tigers during his junior year and then switched to quarterback for his senior year.  As a linebacker, he was instrumental in helping his team compile a 10-2-1 record and advance in the playoffs to the Division 1 state championship game.  In college, he played linebacker for Southern Illinois University, earning 1st Team All-Gateway Conference honors, with his team once capturing the NCAA Division 1-AA national championship.  Post-college, he achieved a long career in the NFL, holding various administrative positions within different organizations,  including general manager of both the Miami Dolphins and the Minnesota Vikings.

Congratulations to the latest inductees.

Left to right: Gary Vogt, Ron Ertle, Devin Smith and Stacy Larsuel Howard for Larry Larsuel

Top (L-R) Irvine “Tink” Ulrich, Larry Larsuel and Gary Vogt; bottom (L-R) Ron Ertle, Devin Smith and Rick Spielman.

 

 

Nevada, Cleveland Browns, Horace Gillom

Part 6 – Ends and Wide Receivers in the…

Part 6 – Ends and Wide Receivers in the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame

The Football Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the Tiger football program, whether it be a player, coach, band director or just an individual who has been influential in a positive way.  Inductees are honored in the WHS Sports Hall with plaques that display the inductees’ contributions.  As of 2022, a total of 105 members have been inducted.  Five more will be inducted this year.

Complete List of Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame Inductees

This entry is Part 6 of a series that presents past inductees by playing position.  This edition features the ends and wide receivers.  Five players have gained Hall of Fame distinction as ends or wide receivers, including Horace Gillon, Jim Letcavits, Bob Vogel, Curt Strawder and Devin Jordan.

Horace Gillom (1938-40)

Paul Brown said there “has never been a better punter than Horace.”  Gillom specialized in distance and hang time and averaged over 40 yards per kick.  But he was also a tremendous end and linebacker and helped Massillon to three consecutive state championships.

Nevada, Cleveland Browns, Horace GillomAs a sophomore playing on varsity, he caught four touchdowns passes, including two against Mansfield of 35 and 55 yards.  The Tigers finished with a 10-0 record and were named state champions.

In his junior year Massillon repeated as state champs and was also given the same accolade nationally.  Gillom, now a starter, had an immediate impact and at the end of the season was named 1st Team All-Ohio.  He scored four receiving touchdowns, accumulating 42 points.  Against New Castle, PA, he caught a 34-yard TD pass and returned a blocked punt 18 yards for another score.  Then, against Canton Lehman, he grabbed a 40-yard pass for a TD and on defense returned an interception 80 yards for a second TD.

His senior year was more of the same: outstanding at his playing positions; 10-0 team record; state champs; national champs.  But he also became a very good ball carrier.  Now as team captain, he led the team in scoring with 102 points, including eight touchdowns rushing and nine receiving.  His punting skills were also the best around.  Against Steubenville he scored four TDs and had another three against Cleveland Cathedral Latin.  At the end of the season he was named both 1st Team All-Ohio and A.P. Most Outstanding Player.  He also found some time to play basketball.

Paul Brown left the following season and took the graduated Gillom with him to Ohio State.  But war duties were calling following his freshman season and he spent the next three years in the U.S. Army, returning home with three bronze stars.

That led to a year at Nevada (1946), where he was No. 1 in the nation in punting.  But once again, Paul Brown was calling.  This time it was for the Cleveland Browns, where he played from 1947-56.  Gillom served as the punter and utility end on both offense and defense.

Horace is credited for aligning himself further back from the line of scrimmage (15 yards) when punting in order to have more time to get off his 3-step kick.  This he started doing in high school and the 15 yards is replicated today at the college and professional level.  His longest punt with the Browns went 80 yards, which is a team record that stands today.  In 2007 he was named a “Browns Legend.”  And in 2009 he was inducted into the Stark County Football Hall of Fame.

Jim Letcavits (1951-53)

Letcavits played end under Head Coach Chuck Mather and was the beneficiary of three state and two national titles.  His first exposure to varsity ball came during his junior year when he recorded one rushing touchdown.  But, as a senior, he played well enough to be named 1st Team All-Ohio.  Unfortunately, few individual statistics are available from that time period, although it’s noted that he did score four receiving touchdowns, including a 44-yarder against Canton McKinley in a 48-7 victory.  The following summer he participated in the Ohio North-South All-Star Football Game and was named the Most Valuable Player.

Jim Letcavits and Chris Spielman

Following high school, he received a scholarship to play for the University of Kansas (1958-62), again under Coach Chuck Mather.  As a tight end, during his junior year he caught 14 passes for 246 yards and during his senior year caught 10 passes for 176 yards and two TDs.  In both seasons he was named All Big-8.

Then it was off to professional football, for a 6-year stint in the Canadian Football League, as tight end and punter.  The first stop was Edmonton, where he caught 142 passes for 2,429 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in five seasons.  Then, he wrapped up his career in Montreal.

After returning home, he coached at Jackson for five years, before being lured away by Massillon’s Bob Commings.  There he enjoyed a 27-year career as an assistant coach.  During that span, he was part of the 1970 state championship team and had two trips to the Division 1 state championship game.  His teams also won seven All-American Conference championships (1980 and 1982).  He retired from coaching in 1995.

Later, Letcavits was inducted into the Stark County High School Football Hall of Fame and in 1998 the Massillon Wall of Champions.  He was also President of Stark County Football Presidents Association for two years.

Bob Vogel (1957-58)

The Marine Corps has a motto: If you are going to do something, do it the best you can.  No one epitomized that motto better than Bob Vogel, who played for the Tigers in 1958 and went on to star for Ohio State and the Baltimore Colts.

Vogel was large at the time for a high school player (6’-5”, 225 lbs.) and up to this point he used that size to dominate his foes.  But size alone wasn’t going to be enough to challenge the opposing players he would face in Massillon.  But Head Coach Leo Strang and a bevy of assistants quickly went to work teaching him the proper fundamental techniques.  Bob simply took off from there.

As an end he was a dominant blocker, while catching six touchdown passes (5 of the 9 tossed by quarterback Joe Sparma), including a long of 37 yards against Akron Garfield.  He also played defense and kicked off.  Helping his team to an 8-1-1 record and 4th place finish in the A.P. Poll, he was awarded 1st Team All-Ohio honors.  The following summer he was for the All-America team that would face the Pennsylvania All-Stars in the Big 33 game.

In college he played offensive tackle at Ohio State under Head Coach Woody Hayes.  During his three years as a varsity player (1960-62), OSU compiled a record of 21-5-1, including an 8-0-1 mark in 1961 during the National Championship year.   In Vogel’s senior year he was named a team captain and post-season a 1st team All-American by the American College Football Association.

His final football stop was the Baltimore Colts, who selected him No. 5 in the NFL draft, the highest position ever for a Stark County player.  His career in Baltimore spanned ten years (1963 through 1972) and he started every game except one.  He was also part of the Colts’ 1970 Super Bowl victory. In 1969 he was named 1st Team All-Pro and he participated in five Pro Bowl games (1964, 1965, 1967, 1968 and 1971).

In 1964, he was inducted in the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Curt Strawder (1976-78)

Strawder was perhaps the first Massillon player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on the basis of being a true wide receiver and having a significant number of pass receptions.  He was a natural, while playing under Head Coach Mike Currence with his “run-n-shoot” offense.  As such, Strawder became the go-to possession receiver.  When a third down pass was necessary, it was Strawder that often ran a 10-yard dig, setting up a pass completion for quarterback Brent Offenbecher.  But he was also equally effective in other pass patterns.

Strawder was “the fleet wide receiver with gazelle-like grace and more moves than a belly dancer.” – Rollie Dreussi, Independent Sports Editor.

Curt became a starter during his junior year and caught 26 passes for 518 yards, scoring five touchdowns.  The team finished with a record of 8-2.  Strawder’s most heroic effort came against Gahanna Lincoln, when he dove to catch a 4th down and 41-yard pass with 1:11 left in the game to advance the ball to the Lincoln 29.  That set up the winning touchdown in a 28-22 victory.  In that game, he caught six passes for 169 yards, and also scored a touchdown on a 62-yard reception in the first quarter.

During his senior year, he continued on with 42 receptions for 53 yards and four touchdowns, helping his team to a 9-0-1 record.  He was also named team captain.  In the game against Canton McKinley, the Tigers were behind 10-0 with half of the fourth quarter remaining.  But then the offense finally began to click, with Strawder catching multiple passes from Offenbecher, including a pair of touchdown receptions for a 13-10 victory.

His best performances were as follows:

  • East Liverpool – 6 receptions for 71 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • Cleveland Benedictine – 5 receptions for 79 yards.
  • Massillon Jackson – 8 receptions for 133 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • Canton McKinley – 8 receptions for 91 and 2 touchdowns.

Devin Jordan (2000-02)

Devin Jordan may have been the best wide receiver the Tigers have ever had.  He holds Massillon single-season records for both Massillon and Stark County, including most receptions (98), most yards (1,492), average receptions per game (7.0) and touchdowns (18).  And, for his career, he holds first or second place in each of these four categories.  He parlayed that success into a roster spot for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Jordan saw limited action as a sophomore and caught nine passes for 188 yards, scoring one touchdown, under Head Coach Rick Shepas.

In his junior year he became a starter and was magnificent on the field, catching passes from future Buckeye quarterback Justin Zwick.  During the season, he caught 98 passes for 1,492 yards (15.2/rec.) and scored 18 touchdowns in helping his team to a 12-2 record and a spot in the state semifinal game.  His 110 points scored was a team high.  His best performances were as follows:

  • Akron Garfield – 9 receptions for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Mount Lebanon, PA – 3 touchdowns.
  • Austintown Fitch – 9 receptions for 149 yards and 4 touchdowns (2nd all-time).
  • Mansfield – 11 receptions (4th all-time) for 106 yards.
  • Dayton Chaminade – 9 receptions for 206 yards (4th all-time) and 2 touchdowns.
  • Canton McKinley – 10 receptions for 154 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • Cleveland St. Ignatius – 11 receptions (4th all-time) for 109 yards.

As a senior, the Tigers finished 11-3 and again advanced in the playoffs to the state semifinal level.  Jordan recorded 45 receptions for 893 yards and 12 touchdowns, while scoring 72 points, second on the team.  His numbers weren’t as impressive as the previous year, since opponents were now aware of his impact and double-teamed him throughout the games.  So, the Tigers, under quarterback Matt Martin, resorted to a more balanced passing attack.  But somehow, during the playoffs, he was left free to roam and had these performances:

  • North Canton – 6 receptions for 95 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • Perry – 7 receptions for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Pickerington – 7 receptions for 108 yards and 2 touchdowns.

For his career, he finished with 152 receptions for 2,503 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Jordan was on the Ohio State team from 2003-05.  But a leg injury during his first year severely hampered his ability to play.  So, in his senior year, he became a student assistant coach.  That led to many paid coaching opportunities after college.  Stops included Wittenberg, Otterbein, Walsh, Malone, Youngstown State and Akron, before he returned to Ohio state as an offensive assistant, a position he has held for the last two years.

Part 5 – Running Backs in the Massillon Tiger…

Part 5 – Running Backs in the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame – The Later Years

The Tiger Football Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the Tiger football program, whether it be a player, coach, band director or just an individual who has been influential in a positive way.  Inductees are honored in the WHS Sports Hall with plaques that display the inductees’ contributions.  As of 2022, a total of 105 members have been inducted.  Five more will be inducted this year.

Complete List of Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame Inductees

This entry is Part 5 of a series that presents past inductees by playing position.  This edition features running backs that competed from the 1970s to the present.  Seven running backs have gained distinction during this period, including Mike Mauger, Willie Spencer Sr., Tom Hannon, Jerome Myricks, Travis McGuire, Falando Ashcraft and Brian Gamble.  There are a few other running backs in the Hall that are not presented in this story, as these players were inducted either through another playing position or as a coach.

Mike Mauger (1968-70)

Mike Mauger joined the varsity team in 1969 as a starter at the defensive end position, playing under Head Coach Bob Commings.  But he also saw some time as a substitute running back for the 7-2-1 Tigers, rushing 27 times for 209 yards and scoring 35 points.  But what jumped off the page was his average of 7.7 yards per carry.  He was also extremely adept at seeing the field and following his blockers.

It was a natural then that he move into the starting tailback spot during his senior year, playing at 5’-11”, 196 lbs.  And what year it was.  Massillon finished 10-0 and was voted the state champion, the Tigers’ last state title.  Mauger spearheaded the offense, carrying the ball 159 times for 1,200 yards at an average of 7.5 yards per attempt.  He also scored 23 touchdowns (5th all-time) and 152 points (4th all-time).  For his play he was named 1st Team All-Ohio and Class AAA Back of the Year.

Mauger’s most memorable games were as follows:

  • Trotwood Madison – 3 touchdowns, including an 80-yard punt return.
  • Cleveland Benedictine (9-1) – 4 touchdowns, including a 70-yard punt return; 11 carries for 220 yards, at an average of 20.0 yards per carry (1st all-time); 32-7 victory.
  • Alliance – 4 touchdowns; 22 carries for 138 yards.
  • Niles (7-2-1) – A pivotal game vs. the unbeaten Red Dragons; played injured; rushed 14 times for 138 yards; 22-3 victory.
  • Akron St. Vincent – 4 touchdowns.
  • Canton McKinley (8-1-1) – The Bulldogs were No. 3 in the state and unbeaten with a tie vs. Niles; scored 2 touchdowns of 4 and 3 yards; 27 carries for 137 yards; 28-0 victory.

Mike also punted 17 times for a 37.3 average.  And he returned ten punts, averaging 28.4 yards per return.  His two punt returns for touchdown ranks 3rd all-time.

Following high school, Mauger first played for Wisconsin and then finished his eligibility at Kent State University.  Post-college he had a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys.

Willie Spencer, Sr. (1969-71)

Willie Spencer was next in line as one of the great Massillon running backs.  Ironically, he only played the position one year.  But he was good enough to jump right from high school into the professional ranks.  He was an imposing figure at that time for a high school running back, playing at 6’-2”, 215 lbs., and with his size and strength could simply run over defenders.

During his 1970 junior year he lined up at tight end for the 10-0 state champions.  There, he was used primarily as a blocker, but he did catch five passes for 75 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown reception against Alliance.  He also had a 42-yard pass interception return against Canton McKinley, which advanced the ball to four and set up Massillon’s final touchdown in a 28-0 victory.

In his senior year Spencer became the starting tailback.  He finished the year with 19 rushing touchdowns and 116 points, helping his team to an 8-2 record.  Those two losses were by one point each, to Niles and eventual state champion Warren Harding.  Following the season, he was named 2nd Team All-Ohio.

Spencer scored at least two touchdowns in eight different games, with a high of four against Cincinnati Taft.  In the Steubenville game he rushed 20 times for 193 yards.  And against the Bulldogs, he rushed 33 times for 145 yards and scored twice, on runs of nine yards each, in a 29-6 victory.  The Barberton game was a match against two unbeaten teams and the Tigers came out firing, winning 46-0.  Spencer led the attack with 124 yards on 12 carries and scored two touchdowns.  A third was nullified on a controversial fumble call at the goal line.

Willie also played on the basketball team.

Following high school he jumped immediately into professional football.  Starting out he saw limited time with the Ottawa Rough Riders of the CFL, Indianapolis of the Midwest Football League and the Hartford Knights.  But then he was picked up by the WFL startup Memphis Southmen.  During his 2-year career with them he rushed for 1,369 yards, eclipsing the efforts of ex-NFL backs Larry Csonka and Jim Klick.  He even scored five touchdowns in a single game.  After the league folded, he spent a year with the Minnesota Vikings and two with the New York Giants (coached former Massillon player John McVay).

Tom Hannon (1970-72)

Tommy Hannon began his varsity career as a sophomore in 1971, focusing initially on special teams and defense, while backing up Willie Spencer Sr. at tailback.  In his junior year he averaged 23.4 yards per kickoff return and rushed 30 times for 190 yards (6.3/att.).  He also intercepted five passes from his defensive back position, while helping his team to an 8-2 record.  Although not a large player (6’-0”, 186 lbs.), speed was the game for Hannon and he made full use of his talent.

In his senior year, now as team captain, Coach Bob Commings placed him into the starting running back role and he was an immediate success.  For the season, he rushed 253 times (4th all-time) for 1,395 yards (8th time), for an average of 5.5 yards per attempt.  He also led the team in scoring with 102 points, including 14 touchdowns.  For his performance he earned 1st Team All-Ohio honors.

The team finished the regular season 10-0 and qualified for Ohio’s first-ever state playoffs, having won their respective region.  Unfortunately, they dropped a 17-14 decision to Cincinnati Princeton.  Eight times Hannon rushed over 100 yards, with a monster effort coming against Upper Arlington in a 14-0 victory.  After UA captured consecutive state championships (1967-69) and the Tigers taking the crown in 1970, it was time to claim bragging rights once and for all with a game in Columbus.  In front of an over-capacity crowd of 11,500 avid fans, Hannon rushed 24 times for 212 yards (8.8 yards/att.).  Later, against Canton McKinley, Tommy rushed 22 times for 159 yards in a 12-3 win.  Ironically, he didn’t score in either contest.

He also participated in basketball and track.

After high school, Hannon accepted a scholarship to play for Michigan State (1973-76), where he lined up at safety for four years.  Twice he was named All-American and twice All-Big Ten.  That culminated in a 9-year career with the Minnesota Vikings, where he started in 103 games and recorded fifteen pass interceptions.

In 1994, Hannon was inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Jerome Myricks (1985-87)

Jerome Myricks’ talent was recognized immediately and he suited up for the varsity as a sophomore.  There, he returned kickoffs and received limited time at running back.  In his junior year he became a regular player on both sides of the ball.  As a running back, he rushed 53 times for 390 yards (7.1/att.) and scored 54 points.  He was also a favored receiver, catching 13 for 262 yards (20.0/rec.) and scoring two touchdowns.  Along with 17 tackle points, he continued his roles on special teams by returning six kickoffs (24.7/att.) and eight punts (9.0/att.).

But the best was yet to come, when he was named 1st team All-Ohio during his senior year.  For the season, the 5’-11, 181 lb. Myricks was the featured rusher, carrying the ball 175 times for 1,170 yards at 6.5 yards per attempt.  He also caught 12 passes for 255 yards (21.3/rec.).  Fifteen touchdowns came on the ground, three in the air and one via a fumble return.  On defense he recorded 91 tackle points and still found some time to return a few kickoffs and punts.

His most memorable games were as follows:

  • Altoona, PA – 2 touchdown receptions of 50 and 60 yards.
  • Canton GlenOak – Rushed 21 times for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Barberton – Rushed 10 times for 190 yards; scored on runs of 34, 43 and 54 yards.
  • Austintown Fitch – Rushed 25 times for 119 yards and scored 3 touchdowns.
  • Akron St. Vincent – Scored 3 touchdowns: 2 rushing and 1 receiving.
  • Canton McKinley – Rushed 20 times for 145 yards; scored twice, including one of 50 yards in an 18-15 loss.

Travis McGuire (1990-91)

Long-time Tiger fans will remember Travis McGuire as the running back that in 1991 gained 302 yards (2nd all-time) and scored five touchdowns (5th all-time) against Canton McKinley in a 42-13 blowout victory.  But he was more than that.  A man among boys, he was the main focus every week.  And he was good enough to earn 1st Team All-Ohio and Division 1 Back of the Year honors during his senior season.  Good enough to set rushing marks that weren’t broken for fifty years.  And good enough to receive a full scholarship to play for Ohio State.

McGuire entered varsity play during his junior year and had a respectable season, playing under Head Coach Lee Owens.  He rushed 96 times for 535 yards at 5.3 yard per carry and scored five touchdowns.  He also caught twelve passes.

But his senior year was simply memorable.  Now as team captain, he paired up with running mate Falando Ashcraft to propel the Tigers to the state semifinal playoff game against eventual state champion Cleveland St. Ignatius, losing the match by just a single point.  For the season he carried the ball 251 times (5th all-time) for 1,976 yards (2nd all-time) and scored 26 touchdowns (3rd all-time).  He also averaged a current Massillon-best 152 yards per game.  In addition, he caught 19 passes for 170 yards (8.9/rec.) and two touchdowns.

The following are his highlight games for that year:

  • Akron Garfield – Rushed 11 times for 132 yards (12.0/att.) and scored 2 touchdowns.
  • Toledo St. Francis – Rushed 23 times for 187 yards and scored one touchdown.
  • Youngstown East – Rushed 9 times for 157 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. The 17.4 yards per carry is 2nd all-time.
  • Canton McKinley – Rushed 36 times for 302 yards (8.4/att.) and scored 5 touchdowns.
  • Akron Ellet – Rushed 19 times for 198 yards (10.4/att.) and scored twice.
  • Toledo St. John’s (8-3) – Rushed 29 times for 229 yards (7.9/att.) and scored 3 touchdowns.
  • Cleveland St. Ignatius (12-2) – Rushed 24 times for 118 yards.

For his career, McGuire rushed 346 times for 2,511 yards (5th all-time) and scored 30 touchdowns, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.

Following high school, he accepted a scholarship to play for Ohio State.  But injuries there curtailed his career.  Currently, Travis is the running backs coach for the Massillon Tigers.

Falando Ashcraft (1989-91)

Falando Ashcraft teamed with Travis McGuire to create one of  the more potent dual running back combinations that Massillon has ever had.  While McGuire surely dominated during the 1991 season, it was Ashcraft who carried the load the previous year.  Not that Falando himself didn’t have an equally good, if not better, senior year.

As a sophomore, Ashcraft saw limited time at running back and also return kickoffs.  He rushed 51 times for 259 yards (5.0/att.) and scored three touchdowns.  During his junior year he moved into the starting running back position, where he rushed 202 times for 1,182 yards (5.9/att.) and scored 14 rushing touchdowns, totaling a team-high 86 points.  His feature games were as follows:

  • Covington Catholic, KY – 28 carries for 190 yards and one touchdown in the Buddy LaRosa Classic held in Cincinnati.  Named Most Valuable Player.
  • Nordonia – Scored 3 touchdowns in only 4 carries.
  • Youngstown East – 11 carries for 142 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Ashcraft’s senior year was his best, when he rushed 208 times for 1,353 yards (6.4/att.) and scored 21 rushing touchdowns and one TD receiving, totaling 140 points.  In eight of the 13 games he eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark.  The team that year qualified for the playoffs and advanced to the state semifinal game where they lost in the last minute to Cleveland St. Ignatius, 14-13.  His best games were:

  • Austintown Fitch – 25 carries for 214 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Toledo St. Francis – 27 carries for 160 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Youngstown East – 15 carries for 128 yards and 4 touchdowns; also caught a touchdown pass.
  • Toledo St. John’s – 18 carries for 165 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Following the season Ashcraft was awarded Honorable Mention All-Ohio.  But he should have been higher, while presumably playing in the shadow of Travis McGuire.

For his career, Falando is all-time 4th place in the record book in three different categories: attempts (461), yards (2,794) and touchdowns rushing (22).  He is also 5th in career touchdowns (38).

Brian Gamble (2005-06)

Brian Gamble was one of the few players that could literally take over a game.  And he was a game-changer, as evidenced by his heroics at the end of the 2005 Division 1 state finals contest against Lakewood St. Edward.  In that one, in the last five minutes of the game, he scored two touchdowns and converted a 3rd down and 30 to pull out a 21-17 victory.

As a junior, Gamble helped his team to a 13-2 record and a spot in the state finals.  He was also a team captain.  For the season, he rushed 248 times (6th all-time) for 1,512 yards (5th all-time) and scored 17 touchdowns.  He was also a prolific receiver, catching 32 passes for 631 yards and four touchdowns.  But Brian also lined up on the other side of the ball as a defensive back.  During the season he recorded 75 tackle points (2nd on the team), including eight tackles-for-loss and intercepted three passes.  After the season he was named 1st Team All-Ohio.

He most memorable games were as follows:

  • Dover – Carried the ball 14 times for 164 yards (11.7/att.).
  • Cincinnati Elder – 15 carries for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns, including one from 50 yards out in a 35-31 victory.
  • Cleveland St. Ignatius – Carried the ball 31 times for 133 yards and one touchdown; caught 4 passes for 67 yards and one touchdown; won 29-26.
  • North Canton – 14 attempts for 146 yards (10.4/att.) and a touchdown run of 80 yards; 3 pass receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown reception of 54 yards.
  • Lakewood St. Edward (12-1) – Scored the last two touchdowns of the game to erase a 17-7 deficit and win 21-17; touchdown reception of 18 yards and touchdown reception of 5 yards (with 1:56 remaining in the game).

As a senior, the Tigers were not nearly as talented, but they still managed to make the playoffs, with Gamble again having a productive year.  He rushed 215 times for 975 yards and scored nine touchdowns.  On defense he recorded 38 tackle points and had three pass interceptions.  His biggest game came against Hamilton Chandler, when he rushed 35 times for 167 yards and one TD and caught four passes for 44 yards and two scores.  Chandler went on to finish 9-1 and capture the Arizona state championship.

For his career, Gamble rushed 463 times (3rd all-time) for 2,487 yards (7th all-time) and scored 36 touchdowns (7th all-time).

Following high school, he played a year for the University of Illinois at wide receiver.  The Illini finished second in the Big 10 that year behind Ohio State, but did knock off the Buckeyes 28-21, with Gamble catching a touchdown pass that gave his team the lead for good.   Later, he transferred to Ashland University where he finished his career as a defensive back under former Tiger Mentor Lee Owens.

Part 4 – Running Backs in the Massillon Tiger…

Part 4 – Running Backs in the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame – The Middle Years

The Football Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals that have made contributions to the Tiger football program, whether it be a player, coach, band director or just an individual who has been influential in a positive way.  Inductees are honored in the WHS Sports Hall with plaques that display the inductees’ contributions.  As of 2022, a total of 105 members have been inducted.

Complete List of Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame Inductees

This entry is Part 4 of a series that presents the inductees by playing position and features running backs that competed in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

Six running backs have gained Hall of Fame distinction during this period, including Irvine Crable, Homer Floyd, Charlie Brown, Mike Hershberger, Ivory Benjamin and Art Hastings.  There are a few other running backs in the Hall that are not presented in this story, as these players were inducted either through another playing position or as a coach.

Irvine “Ace” Crable (1947-49)

Irvine Crable saw the varsity field for the first time in 1948 as a junior backup running back.  But it didn’t take long for Head Coach Chuck Mather to see his potential and increase his playing time.  By season’s end he was the leading scorer on the team with 78 points, including twelve rushing touchdowns and one TD receiving.  Four times he scored twice in a game.  But the big one was against Canton McKinley, when he rushed 17 times for 102 yards (6.0) and scored all three of Massillon’s touchdowns in a 21-12 victory.  He also had a pass interception.  It’s always special when the Tigers beat the Bulldogs, but in that year McKinley came into the game unbeaten and had bested Alliance, the team that defeated Massillon earlier in the season.  The win was enough to springboard the orange and black to the state title.

The following year Crable was “the man.”  Leading his team to a 9-1 record and a state championship, he again led the team in scoring, this time with 114 points, including 18 rushing touchdowns and a 60-yard pass interception return against Toledo Waite.  He also passed for a TD.  Three times he scored three touchdowns in a single game, against Canton Lincoln (60-0), Alliance (48-14) and Waite (59-19).  For the season, he carried the ball 100 times for 1,129 yards, setting a record for single season average yards per rush at 11.3, a benchmark that stands today.

The signature win that year came against McKinley in a 6-0 victory, during which he scored the only touchdown of the game, from 35 yards out.  He also tackled a Bulldog ball carrier at the Massillon four yard line, causing a fumble and turnover, to preserve the win.  For game, Crable rushed 16 times for 136 yards and averaged 8.5 yards per carry.  “I couldn’t have done it without the help of the other 10 guys,” Crable remarked following the game. – Massillon Independent

“The play was 33 cross.  Don James handed the ball to me, and all I could see was daylight—and I fumbled.  Later, in the fourth quarter, the coach sent in the play.  I said, ‘Don, no.  Let’s run 33 cross.’  And he changed the play.  The way the hole opened the first time—it happened the same way the second time.  And that was that.  The line blocking was beautiful—nobody had a chance.  Nobody laid a hand on me.  My instincts told me it was going to be there again.  I waited and waited.  Then I thought, now’s the time.  It was right there again.  I ran right into the end zone.” – Crable (Massillon Memories, Scott Shook)

The Tigers’ only loss that year was 16-12 to Mansfield.  But Tygers lost to unranked Akron South, dropping them to second in the state, thereby pushing Massillon to the top.  Third went to 9-1 Canton McKinley.

At the end of the season Crable was named 1st Team All-Ohio.

Homer Floyd (1952-54)

Homer Floyd was the recipient of two state championships while playing at running back and defensive back.  The first was under Head Coach Chuck Mather and the second while playing for Tom Harp.

Homer Floyd – 1954

Speed kills in high school and Floyd had plenty of it, perhaps scoring more long-distance touchdowns than any other back in Massillon history.  “Homer Floyd looked like a thoroughbred.  He just bounced when he walked—it was like twinkletoes or something.  Nice looking, streamlined kid.  Didn’t weigh much, 155 pounds.  Could run like the wind, cut on a dime.” – Massillon Coach Tom Harp (Massillon Memories, Scott Shook)

In his junior year Floyd shared time at fullback, but still managed to rush 112 times for 998 yards (8.9 ave.).  His season included 13 rushing touchdowns and a 90-yard punt return for a TD against Canton Lincoln.  Three touchdowns each came against Mansfield (runs of 20, 62 and 54 yards) and Toledo Waite (runs of 67, 30 and 40 yards), while his final TD as a Tiger was an 80-yarder against Canton McKinley in a 48-7 victory.  It all culminated in a 10-0 season and a national championship.

Floyd, now as team captain, continued to pile it on during his senior year, rushing 155 times for 1,372 yards (8.9 ave.).  For the season, he scored 16 rushing touchdowns, caught two passes for scores, returned a punt for 64 yards and a TD and returned a pass interception 100 yards for another TD, setting an unsurpassable record in this category.  He scored three times against three different teams, with five of the scores spanning at least 30 yards.

Two touchdowns came against McKinley in a 26-6 victory.  His rushing numbers for that game were 28 carries for 263 yards (9.4 ave.), the yardage being the third highest all-time vs. the Bulldogs.  “They played like a team that wanted to be state champion,” Canton Coach Wade Watts, deeply disappointed, said after the game. “Homer Floyd was the difference,” he stated as he complimented the Tiger halfback for his great exhibition. – The Independent

After the season Floyd was named 1st Team All-Ohio and Stark County Player of the Year.  Later he was inducted into the Stark County High School Football Hall of Fame.  In 2012 he was inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions.

His next stop was the University of Kansas, where he lettered for three years.  Then came a year in Canada with the Edmonton Eskomos (now the Elks).

Mike Hershberger (1954-56)

Mike Hershberger is best known for playing professional baseball.  But he was also a stalwart for Massillon on the football field.

After sitting out for his junior year due to an injury, he joined the varsity the following season, playing at 5’-9”, 155 lbs. and being selected as a co-captain.  His primary position was right halfback, where he became the second leading scorer with 54 points, behind Ivory Benjamin, who had 90.  That included seven rushing touchdowns, six PATs and a 79-yard kickoff return for a score against Canton Lincoln.  Two of his rushing touchdowns came against Cincinnati Elder in a 27-12 victory, while he ripped off an 83-yarder against Mansfield.  He was also a punter and part-time kicker.

The team finished 8-2 that year, under the mentorship of new Massillon head coach Lee Tressel, with losses to Mansfield and undefeated Canton McKinley.  Against the Bulldogs, Hershberger rushed 13 times for 68 yards, in spite of playing with a bad knee.

Following the season Hershberger was named 1st Team All-Ohio.  Then it was time for baseball, where suited up at both pitcher and outfielder, playing for Head Coach Carl “Ducky” Schroeder.  During his sophomore season the team reached the state finals, losing to Cincinnati Elder, 3-0.

After high school he played a year of football for the University of Cincinnati and then signed with the Chicago White Sox to further his career in baseball.  Later, he played for Kansas City, Oakland and Milwaukee.

In 1994 he was inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Ivory Benjamin (1955-57)

Ivory Benjamin made his mark with Massillon varsity football for three years and was awarded at the end of it by being named 1st Team All-Ohio.

Benjamin was limited to a single carry and a couple of punt returns as a sophomore, but at least he got his feet wet, while the team went 8-1-1 and finished second in the state.  But the following year he became a full-time starter at running back and led the Tigers in both scoring (72 points) and rushing.  Included in that was 12 rushing touchdowns (3 vs. Barberton), one receiving TD and two long punt returns for scores (50 yards vs. Cleveland Benedictine and 65 yards vs. Warren Harding.)  The Team finished 8-2 and again finished second in the state.

In his senior year as team captain, playing under Head Coach Lee Tressel, Benjamin continued his success, this time with 16 rushing touchdowns and one receiving TD, for 102 points.  Against Akron North he rushed 15 times for 153 yards (10.3 ave.) and scored three touchdowns.  Then, against Akron Garfield he scored three times, including a 58-yard pass reception.  He also scored twice in each of four other games.  At the end of the year he was deservedly honored 1st Team All-Ohio.

Art Hastings (1958-60)

Art Hastings was one more in a long line of great running backs that came through Massillon in the 1950s and 60s and helped the Tigers to several state and national championships, under Head Coach Leo Strang.

Hastings saw limited varsity action during his sophomore year, although he did score a touchdown in Week 8 in a win over Barberton.  But in his junior season he took over for the graduating senior Dave Dean and became the primary ball carrier on a 10-0 team that captured both the state and national championships.  For the season he carried the ball 117 times for 1,245 yards (10.6) average and scored 12 rushing touchdowns.  He also returned punts and kickoffs.  At the end of the season Hastings was named 3rd Team All-Ohio (should have been 1st Team with those numbers; such is the life of an underclassman).  Record-wise, he holds third place for the best single season rushing yards per attempt and third best for career consecutive 100+ yard games with seven.

In his senior year Hastings did much of the same, rushing 159 times for 1,274 yards (8.0 ave.) and scoring 20 rushing touchdowns.  Five times he had multiple TDs in a single game:

  • Cleveland Benedictine (8-1-1); 3 TDs; 8-117-22.1; won 36-6
  • Mansfield (4-4-2); 2 TDs; 21-127-6.0; won 56-14
  • Toledo Waite (1-8); 3 TDs; 19-150-7.9; won 56-14
  • Springfield South (6-3); 4 TDs; 15-189-12.6; won 62-32
  • Canton McKinley (5-5); 4 TDs on runs of 5, 15, 29 and 51 yards; 14-213-15.2; won 42-0

The team finished 10-1 and was named state champions.  The Tigers also finished 7th in the nation. Following the season, he was deservedly named 1st Team All-Ohio.

“He was like trying to catch a dog in the middle of an open field.  Art Hastings looked like his hips went out of joint.  I had great runners, but I don’t know that I ever had any better than Art Hastings.  Hastings was just outstanding.” – Massillon Coach Leo Strang (Massillon Memories, Scott Shook)

Charlie Brown (1960-61)

Charlie Brown went all the way, from Massillon to Syracuse to the pros.  After not playing during his sophomore year due to injury, he had limited playing time as a junior. Helping his team to a 10-1 record and a state championship.

But he was ready to go as a senior and eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as running back, leading his team to a UPI state championship and a national championship with an 11-0 record.  He rushed 175 times for 1,094 yards (6.3 ave.) and scored eleven rushing touchdowns.  Three came against Warren Harding in a 36-0 victory and two each came against Steubenville (7-3) and Toledo Libbey.

After the season the team captain was named All-Stark County, 2nd Team All-Ohio and high school All-American for his defensive play.  In 1994 he was inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Syracuse was his college of choice, and he parlayed that experience to the rosters of the Chicago Bears and the Buffalo Bills.