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 100^th 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!

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.

As 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 1^st 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 1^st 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 1^st 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.

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 4^th place finish in the A.P. Poll, he was awarded 1^st 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 1^st 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 1^st 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 4^th 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 (2^nd all-time).
• Mansfield – 11 receptions (4^th all-time) for 106 yards.
• Dayton Chaminade – 9 receptions for 206 yards (4^th all-time) and 2 touchdowns.
• Canton McKinley – 10 receptions for 154 yards and 1 touchdown.
• Cleveland St. Ignatius – 11 receptions (4^th 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 (5^th all-time) and 152 points (4^th all-time).  For his play he was named 1^st 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 (1^st 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 3^rd 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 2^nd 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 (4^th all-time) for 1,395 yards (8^th 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 1^st 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 1^st 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 (2^nd all-time) and scored five touchdowns (5^th 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 1^st 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 (5^th all-time) for 1,976 yards (2^nd all-time) and scored 26 touchdowns (3^rd 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 2^nd 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 (5^th 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 3^rd 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 (6^th all-time) for 1,512 yards (5^th 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 (2^nd on the team), including eight tackles-for-loss and intercepted three passes.  After the season he was named 1^st 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 (3^rd all-time) for 2,487 yards (7^th all-time) and scored 36 touchdowns (7^th 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.