2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO3 – Post-Uniontown…

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO3 – Post-Uniontown Lake Game; Preview of the Green Game

Massillon (13-0) defeated Uniontown Lake (9-4), 35-6.  This week the Tigers return to North Canton to face Green (10-3) for a Friday, 7:00 pm kickoff in the playoff regional finals.  The Tigers are No. 1 in Division 2, Region 7, while the Bulldogs come in at No. 3.  Massillon is behind the all-time series, 0-1, with the last game played in the 2021 playoffs when they fell to Green 26-25 in the regional finals.

Link to the Uniontown Lake Game Story

Link to the Uniontown Lake Game Statistics

Review of the Uniontown Lake game

It was win No. 945, which keeps Massillon in the No. 3 position nationally for all-time wins.

Missed opportunities by Massillon in the first half kept Lake in the game.  But in the second half, the Tigers took care of business behind a strong running attack, winning 35-6.  The trio of Da’One Owens, Ja’Meir Gamble and Mylen Lenix simply took  over the game, as they combined for 41 carries for 351 yards, at 8.6 yards per attempt.  The attack overwhelmed the Blue Streaks and they appeared to be gassed throughout the fourth quarter.  Meanwhile, the defense once again turned in a great performance, holding Lake to just 138 yards of total offense, including just 52 yards on the ground.  Federal League Player of the Year Nathan Baker, who was coming off back-to-back 200-yard games, produced just 46 yards in 10 attempts.

“I’m proud of our guys,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore.  “We played a great game against a very physical team.  Defensively, another great performance, especially in the second half.”

The guest players were defensive back Zach Liebler and offensive lineman Sam Snodgrass. “We didn’t come out as hot as we expected,” said Liebler.  “But we played really well together.  It felt really great to get my first interception as a senior.”  Liebler also said the team is taking Green seriously and doesn’t plan to sleep on them.

“We started out really slow,” said Snodgrass.  “But picked it up in the second quarter.  Then we dominated.”

Statistics leaders:

• Da’One Owens: 10 of 19 passing for 72 yards and 1 touchdown; 17 carries for 164 yards and 1 touchdown
• Ja’Meir Gamble: 15 carries for 131 yards and 1 touchdown
• Mylen Lenix: 9 carries for 56 yards and 1 touchdown
• Braylyn Toles: 7 receptions for 55 yards and 1 touchdown
• Malachi Cards: 5.0 (4-2) tackle points; 1.5 sacks; 2.5 TFLs
• Mike Wright: 1.0 sacks; 1.5 TFLs; 1 rushing touchdown
• Cody Fair: 0.5 sacks; 1.5 TFLs
• Chase Bond: 1.0 sacks; 1.0 TFLs
• Zach Liebler: pass interception
• Tyler Hackenbracht: 37-yard kickoff return

(l-r) Ryan Page, Zach Liebler, Head Coach Nate Moore

Green Scouting Report

Green plays in the Federal League.  The Bulldogs are currently 10-3 with a 5-2 conference record.  Their big win of the year came in Week 10 when they defeated Uniontown Lake, 28-9.  Scores to-date:

• Dover (6-5): 14-6 W
• South Range (12-1): 21-7 W
• Tallmadge (5-5): 41-14 W
• Massillon Jackson (5-6): 13-20 L
• Canton McKinley (9-4): 27-28 L
• Canton GlenOak (7-5): 31-28
• Louisville (1-9): 42-7 W
• Massillon Perry (4-7): 14-20 L
• North Canton (6-6): 41-34 W
• Uniontown Lake (8-4): 28-0 W
• Columbus St. Charles (5-6): 44-14 W
• North Canton (6-6): 31-7 W
• Canal Winchester (11-2): 10-0 W

“Green is an excellent team,” said Moore.  “Very well coached.  Very physical.  Some good athletes.  Everybody playing now is really good.  And Green is no exception.”

The Green offense is more diverse than two years ago, employing a lot of empty backfield, while also featuring the run game.  The will utlize both short and long passing attacks.

The strength of the offense lies with the wide receiver group.  Two players really stand out for Moore.  Senior Zachary Baglia (6′-1″, 180) is a 2-year returning starter and 1st Team Federal League selection.  As the top target he has caught 70 passes for 917 yards (13.1 ave.) .  He has a good release and good hand.  And he is also a good blocker.  Junior Antonio Martin (6′-0″, 185), the brother of former player Trey Martin, is also a 1st Team Fed selection.  A 2-year starter, he is the No. 2 target and is featured in the bubble screens.  He has seven receiving touchdowns and five rushing TDs, as he is used at times as a running back.

The quarterback is senior Camino Manson (6′-3″, 195), a returning starter  and 2nd Team All-Federal League selection.  He is an accurate passer when not under pressure.  Manson began the year as the starter, but broke his collar bone in Week 5 against Canton McKinley, in that game he completed 5 of 7 passes for 173 yards.  Healed up, he returned to the field in time for the first round of the playoffs.  In an earlier loss to Jackson he completed 36 of 55 passes for 308 yards.  Last week  against Canal Winchester he completed 20 of 28 passes for 320 yards and a touchdown.

When they use a running back it is senior Jorden Beyl (5′-10″, 170).  He is a downhill, vertical runner.  He has also rushed for over 100 yards in three of the past four games.  Against Lake he carried the ball 30 times for 125 yards.

The best lineman are Junior Michael Schaal (6′-1″, 235) and senior Jesse Miller (6′-2″, 260).  Both are All-Federal League honorees.  Schaal is a 2-year returning starter, with high a motor and good feet.  The interior of the line is smallish, weighing between 215 lbs. and 220 lbs.

In the win over Lake, Green led in total yards 313 to 89.  Lake’s Nathan Baker was held to 60 yards on 14 carries.  In the win over Canal Winchester, Green led in total yards, 367 to 121.  However, the Bulldogs managed just 47 yards on the ground in 24 carries, as Winchester played all night in the Green backfield, sacking the quarterback five times.  Winchester struggled to move the ball on Green, rushing 30 times for 82 yards and completing just 5 of 16 passes.

On defense, Green uses an odd front and some even, with occasional bear.  With the odd front, it resembles an odd-stack.  The strength lies with the defensive line. starting with Michael Schaal, who also starts on the offensive line.  He leads the group with 14 sacks and 25 tackles-for-loss.  Two other players to keep an eye on are senior returning starter Nick Schaal (6′-2, 260) and senior returning starter Jesse Miller.  Miller also starts on the offensive line.

The next best group is the defensive backfield.  The best player of that group is Martin, who also starts at wide receiver.  The four linebackers havew average size, ranging from 165 lbs. to 205 lbs.  Two of the players go both ways. In fact, Green will employ six 2-way players.

Go Tigers

2023: Massillon 41, Grove City Central Crossing 6

Massillon Demolishes Central Crossing in First-Round Playoff Action

Game Statistics

The state playoffs got underway Friday with Massillon, the Number 1 team in Region 7,  hosting Number 16 Grove City Central Crossing.  Using an overwhelming passing attack and a devastating defense, the Tiger rolled past the Comets, 41-6, with a running clock in place for the entire fourth quarter.  With the win, Massillon advances to the second round, where they will host No. 9 Westerville South (7-3), a winner over No. 8 Columbus Briggs, 49-30.

Grove City perhaps knew that they couldn’t take away the entire Massillon offense due to the many weapons at their disposal.  So, they elected to focus on stopping the run by using constant blitzes, very similar to the strategy employed by Warren Harding in an earlier Tiger game.  While they did hold the Massillon running attack to just 100 yards and produced eight tackles-for-loss, they opened themselves up to the pass.  That’s when quarterback Da’One Owens and his bevy of swift receivers clocked the Comet secondary to the tune of 341 yards passing and four touchdowns.  The Tigers also scored the first four times they had the ball in rolling up nearly 250 yards of offense through the first quarter and a half.

Meanwhile, the defense was once again a dominating force, this time holding the opponent to a net 47 yards of offense, 14 on the ground and 33 in the air.  They also recorded three quarterback sacks, although it seemed like more, and eleven tackles-for-loss.  Linebacker Dorian Pringle was all over the field and ended the night with nine tackles and three TFLs.  The only time Central Crossing was able to get in the board was on a 5-yard drive following a blocked punt, when stellar running back Malik Kamara (Navy) scored on a sweep to the left.  It was the first running touchdown surrendered by the first team defense the entire season.

Massillon received the opening kickoff and drove 64 yards in ten plays to take an early 7-0 lead, with Pringle powering in from the three.  The key play was a third down, 24-yard pass from Owens to Emy Louis Jr.  Vinny Keller then kicked the first of his five successful PATs.

After holding the Comets to a 3-and-out, the Tiger offense returned to the field at their own 33.  This time it took just three plays to cover the 67 yards, with the finish a perfectly thrown, 49-yard bomb from Owens to Braylyn Toles, who had beaten the defender down the middle of the field.

Once again Central Crossing was stopped, having started a drive at their own 25, then punting from the 18.  Owens passed 12 yards to Jacques Carter and then went deep to Carter for a 49-yard score and Massillon’s third touchdown, while still in the first quarter.

Another 3-and-out for the Comets.  Another punt.  This time it took eight plays to cover 56 yards.  An 18-yard run by Mylen Lenix for a first down.  A 14-yard pass to fullback Deangelo Zimmerman for a first down.  A 15-yard run by Lenix for a first down.  A 13-yard run by Lenix for a first down to advance the ball to the six.  On third and goal at the nine, the “jumbo” package entered the game, with Pringle and “Big” Mike Wright, one of the heroes of the McKinley game, lining up at running back.  Wright gained four and then Pringle bulled the rest of the way.  Score, 28-0.  Game over.

The Tigers had a chance to tally a fifth touchdown before halftime, but it was a near-miss at the end zone on a skinny pass to Carter.

In the third quarter, Owens fumbled at his own 41.  Central Crossing lost ground in three plays and was forced to punt, with Tyler Hackenbracht returning the ball 38 yards to midfield.  But a questionable block in the back (it was more a shove against his right shoulder), brought the ball back to the Massillon 30.  A holding penalty on the first play negated an 18-yard run by Owens and eventually Hackenbracht was forced to punt for the first and only time of the night.  That’s when the Comets blocked it and took over at the five, setting up their lone score.

A renewed energy was evident in the Massillon offense after that event and, following an onside kick that was recovered by Pringle, the Tigers needed just four plays to cover the 51 yards.  A 21-yard pass to Toles, an 11-yard pass to Toles, a 4-yard run by Owens and a 15-yard pass to Louis did the trick.  The Tigers then tried for a 2-point conversion to send the game into running-clock, but they came up just short.  That would need to wait for the next possession.

The final score came when Owens connected with Toles on a 20-yard pass.  It was set up by a 20-yard completion to Jadyce Thigpen.  After that, the backups took over.

Owens finished the night completing 20 of 27 passes for 341 yards and four touchdowns.  The 341 yards is ranked sixth all-time in the Massillon record book.  Toles caught eight passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns.  Carter grabbed six for 100 yards and a score.  Lenix led all rushers with six carries for 47 yards.  Hackenbracht had four kick returns for 73 yards.  Pringle had nine tackles and Cody Fair had seven.  Massillon was penalized seven times (traditional average) for 80 yards.

For Central Crossing, quarterback Luke White completed six of twelve passes for 33 yards.  White also led the team with eight tackles.  Kamara rushed 14 times for a net 26 yards and a touchdown.  Dyhlan Phillippi had a good night, punting eight times with an average of 38.1 yards per attempt.

On a comical note, Owens was flagged for a block in the back while he was on the bench, Zach Liebler was called for holding while he was returning a kick and some “red team” was called for an off-setting personal foul.  That third call sent the fans into a laughable frenzy, for there is no “red” in Massillon.  Shame!  Indeed, refereeing sports is a challenging profession.

Go Tigers!

2023: Massillon 35, Canton McKinley 0

Massillon Crushes Canton McKinley, Wraps Up Undefeated Regular Season

Game Statistics

The 134^th game between Massillon and Canton McKinley went to the Tigers by the score of 35-0.  Simply put, Massillon dominated play on both sides of the ball and sent the game into a running clock situation midway through the third quarter.  Offensively, they moved the ball with a multitude weapons, both running and passing, and only punted once throughout the game.  Meanwhile, the defense held the 7-3 Bulldogs to a net 65 yards, with negative yards on the ground.  McKinley never snapped the ball in the red zone.

The victory for Massillon marks the eighth consecutive win in the series and the twelfth in the last thirteen years.  The margin of victory, 35 points, is the greatest on the Massillon end since 1960, when the Tigers defeated the Bulldogs 42-0.  It also ranks fourth overall in Massillon’s long history.  Finally, it was the 24^th time that McKinley was shut out in the game.  Massillon now leads the series 76-53-5.

Statistically, no individual Tiger player stood out, although they all had great games.  They do what they do.  Da’One Owens completed 9 of 13 for 108 yards and two touchdowns.  He also ran eight times for 52 yards.  Braylyn Toles caught four passes for 61 yards and a touchdown.  Jacques Carter caught three passes and Emy Louis Jr. scored on a pass of 30 yards.  Ja’Meir Gamble rushed 13 times for 71 yards.  Dorian Pringle rushed for 54 yards and scored twice.  And Adonis Marshall intercepted a pass and recorded five solo tackles.

But if there was one player who rose above with his outstanding play it was “Big” Mike Wright Jr.  The 280 lb. junior played on both sides of the ball and was an impact player the entire day.  Playing on the defensive line, he harassed the McKinley quarterback again and again and managed to catch him three times for sacks that resulted in a loss of 22 yards.  Then on offense, when Massillon was in the “jumbo” set, he rushed twice for 11 yards and scored a touchdown.  He also tallied a PAT.  And he was the lead blocker for Pringle when he found the end zone twice.  “Big” Mike stepped up and what a game he had.

McKinley fumbled the opening kickoff, recovered and then lost seven yards in three rushing attempts to start the game.  It was an omen of things to come for the entire day.  After punting into the wind to their own 41, Owens on the first play from scrimmage unloaded a rainbow pass to Toles, who had comfortably beaten the defender on a post pattern.  Toles easily secured the ball in the end zone and the Tigers were on their way.  The PAT, which came following 30 yards in penalties, was wide.

On the next Bulldog possession, they fumbled at the Massillon 44 and the Tigers went right back to work.  However, they were stopped on downs at the Bulldog 14.  McKinley was playing good aggressive defense throughout the game and that meant Massillon needed to use the entire arsenal to move the ball effectively.  This Massillon drive was halted on downs, but not the next four.  For Massillon was able to find the right plays to beat this defense and move the ball effectively, while also overcome numerous technical penalties.

The next time the Tigers had the ball, they drove 39 yards in six plays with Pringle taking it in from the 18 off a great block by Wright.   Wright then ran in the PAT to make the score 14-0.  Now came a perfectly executed onside kick by Vinny Keller to kickstart yet another scoring drive.  This time Wright ran the ball in from the eight at the end of a six play 49-yard effort that was keyed by a 21-yard, third down run by Owens.  Finally, Owens hit a wide-open Lewis on a skinny post for a 30-yard score, upping the margin to 28-0 headed into the locker room.  The drive was kick-started by a 24-yard burst up the middle by Gamble, with a facemask penalty tacked on at the end.  Two plays later Gamble raced for another 28.  Those two runs accounted for most of his yardage, as the Bulldog defense was taking that part of the game away.

The final score came following the second half kickoff when Massillon engineered a masterful 16-play, 74-yard drive that consumed most of the third quarter.  It culminated in a 4-yard touchdown run by Pringle, again with a great block by Wright, and sent the game into a running-clock mode.  Each time the Tigers were faced with short yardage during the drive the “jumbo” set entered the game.  And they never failed to pick up the first down.

Interestingly, on McKinley’s final possession toward the end of the game, the referees huddled for at least two minutes to determine whether Massillon had recovered a fumble.  Meanwhile, the clock continued to run.  Perhaps, the referees had enough of the unsportsmanlike play that was evident throughout the game and they just wanted to get it over with.  Once they agreed that the Tigers had the ball, Owens took a knee twice to end the game.

McKinley quarterback Keaton Rode was the catalyst of the offense and the Tigers did a great job of minimizing his production.  He ended up completing 8 of 12 passes for 80 yards, with one ball intercepted by Adonis Vaughn.  But nearly all were thrown under the coverage.  He was also sacked five times.  Four completions went to Keith Quincy for 35 yards.  Backup running back Stephon Thomas was the leading ball carrier for the Bulldogs and he gained just 19 yards.

Unfortunately, the game turned into a flag fest, with 18 thrown on the Tigers and 14 on the Bulldogs.  For Massillon, sixteen were of the execution variety, while two were for personal fouls.  Eleven of the technical penalties were on the offense, but fortunately not enough to slow down the powerful Tiger offense.  But several of the defensive penalties did aid the Bulldogs to the tune of five first downs.  For McKinley, seven were technical and seven were 15-yarders.  Six of the seven major ones occurred in the second and third quarters, after Massillon had essentially salted the game away.  Losing is tough.

Overall, the penalty part of the game wasn’t pretty.  But show me a team that played penalty-free and I’ll show you a team that lost.  The physicality of play is not absent in this game and sometimes it spills over into extra-curricular activities.  But both sides have that passion to win.  And if that passion goes by the wayside, then this rivalry is surely gone forever.  For the passion within a rivalry greatly outweighs any domination in the win-loss column.

That being said, the negativity spilled over into the handshake and continued when the Bulldog players chased the retreating Tigers to the opposite side of the field.  Most of it was posturing, although a handful of players were looking for some action.  Eventually, the coaches were able to separate the two groups and all departed to their respective locker rooms, foregoing the victory celebration and award ceremony.  It was a sad ending to such a great rivalry and something both schools will need to address.

Massillon will now head into the playoffs where they will first host Grove City Central Crossing (4-6) next Friday at 7:00 pm.  McKinley will host Strongsville (3-7).

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.

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).

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

• 3^rd 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.
• 4^th quarter – Drove to the Massillon 31 but lost the ball on downs when the running back was tackled in the backfield.

For Massillon

• 1^st 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.
• 3^rd quarter – Drove to the St. Edward 23 and fumbled the ball.
• 4^th 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).

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!

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.

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 1^st in Ohio and 4^th 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 3^rd 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 1^st 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 100^th 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.