Dr. David Reese to be Inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions
The Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club is proud to announce that Dr. David Reese will be inducted this year into the “Massillon Wall of Champions.” The formal ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Club’s Reverse Raffle event, which will be held this July at Eagles 190.
The Wall of Champions is reserved for Massillon grads who played a varsity sport and then went on to accomplish something remarkable later in life. The Wall currently has 44 members, including previous inductees Paul Brown, Chris Spielman, Steve Studer, Joe Sparma, Harry Stuhldreher and Mike Hershberger.
Reese played center on the Massillon High School football team in 1908. He also played tennis, winning the school championship as a sophomore. As a freshman, he was the class president.
In the photo below of the 1908 Massillon team, Reese is believed to be the player that is laying down on the right side.
1908 Varsity Football Team
Two years after graduating he enrolled at Denison University, where he achieved a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Aside from pursuing a career in dentistry, he also made quite an impact on the sports field. In each of his four years there he received letters in football, basketball, baseball and tennis, becoming the only Denison athlete to earn twelve letters. In football, his team won the Ohio Conference championship in 1914. A standout in basketball, he received 1st Team All-Ohio and 1st Team All-Conference honors as a senior.
Later, Reese was inducted into the Denison Varsity “D” Hall of Fame, while also heading up the Denison Society of the Alumni from 1949-50.
And he did finish his dentistry education, receiving DDS and OCDS degrees from the University of Cincinnati.
After Denison, Reese pursued a career in professional football. In 1915 he played for the Cincinnati Celts and then from 1918 through 1923 with the Dayton Triangles, which joined the NFL in 1920. He also played some professional basketball.
But he never left the sports arena, serving as a referee for over thirty years in high school, college and professional games. He was even one of the referees for the 1940 Massillon-McKinley game. And the 1944 Notre Dame-Army game. Unfortunately, in that one he was run over by Army’s famed running back “Doc” Blanchard and suffered a broken leg and arm. Reese later boasted that he stopped Blanchard better than the Irish did all day in losing 58-0.
His defining moment came when he was named the first commissioner of the Mid-American Conference (MAC. In that position he served from 1946 through 1964, managing expansion of the league from its initial five members of Ohio University, Butler, Cincinnati, Wayne and Western Reserve to seven, with the addition of Bowling Green, Kent State, Marshall, Miami, Toledo and Western Michigan and with the departure of four original members (except Ohio).
As a tribute to Dr. Reese, the MAC annually awards the Reese Trophy to the MAC team that achieves the greatest success. He was also inducted into the MAC Hall of Fame.
Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore has released the schedule for 2026 Tigers. The slate includes seven home games, including the rivalry match against Canton McKinley, plus three road games (Canton GlenOak, Lakewood St. Edward and Warren Harding). Several familiar names dot the slate, with just one team that is a first-time opponent. That one is Farrell, Pennsylvania, from just across the Ohio border.
Aside from Farrell, Massillon will entertain four other non-Ohio teams, two of which are from different countries. The first, scheduled for Week 3, is NFL Academy-London. The Academy is a boarding school comprised of European and African-based football players, who are tutored year-round by coaches selected through the NFL. The Tigers previously faced the Academy in 2024 as part of the 3rd Annual Nike Football Kickoff Classic, winning 35-20. Played in Beaverton, Oregon, the match was billed as an NFL showcase to promote interest in professional games played in Europe. While Nike hosted the first game at their headquarters’ practice grounds, the Academy now has the opportunity to face Massillon in a real football arena; i.e., Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. The other non-U.S. team on the schedule is Football North, from Mississauga, Ontario.
The two other U.S. teams beyond the Ohio border are Canisius, from Buffalo, New York, and Cornerstone Christian, from San Antonio, Texas. The Lone Star team had such a great time during last year’s trip to Massillon that it requested a return visit.
The most difficult assignments this year are perhaps Ohio teams Cleveland Glenville, Lakewood St. Edward and of course McKinley. All three had significant playoff success last year, with Glenville capturing the Division IV state championship and St. Eds advancing to the Division I state semifinals.
The ten opponents compiled a 2025 overall mark of 69-42. Here is the complete 2026 schedule:
Cleveland Glenville – H
Canton GlenOak – A
NFL Academy-London – H
Canisius, NY – H
Lakewood St. Edward – A
Football North (Clarkson), ONT – H
Farrell, PA – H
Cornerstone Christian, TX – H
Warren Harding – A
Canton McKinley – H
Moore will begin his 12th year as head coach of Massillon, where he has compiled an overall record of 119 wins and just 29 losses. He also holds the mark as being the winningest coach in Tiger history, ahead of Paul Brown’s 80 wins, from 1932 to 1940. Moore’s significant numbers are as follows:
Regular season: 86-20
Playoffs: 34-9
Playoff regional finals: 6-3
Playoff state finals: 1-3
Ohio public schools: 86-24
Ohio private schools: 16-9
Out of state: 17-5
Canton McKinley: 10-1
Massillon heads out of the locker room ready to take on Canton McKinley
Last year Massillon finished with a record of 9-4, while losing 27-21 to Big Walnut in the playoff Division II regional finals. The other three setbacks were to Glenville, Football North and Rabun Gap, Georgia. The season was highlighted by a fourth consecutive win over Lakewood St. Edward (11-3) and a tenth consecutive win over Canton McKinley (9-3). In 2023 the Tigers captured the state championship with a 7-2 victory over Akron Hoban. It was Massillon’s 25th state title overall.
For the 2026 season Massillon returns a wealth of talent, particularly at the skill positions, and is expected to make a deep run in the playoffs. The offense will benefit from the return of eight full-time starters, including quarterback, running back, fullback, two wide receivers and three linemen. Seven starters return on defense, including one lineman, three linebackers and three defensive backs, plus several part-time starters. In addition, the Tigers welcome back their punter and a 4th-year place kicker.
Enjoy the following opponent breakdowns, plus an early preview of Massillon:
Week 1 – Cleveland Glenville – H
League: Cleveland Senate Athletic League
Playoff Division: DIV
2025 Overall Record: 12-3
2025 Playoff Results: 5-0; defeated Shelby 45-7 to win the state title
2025 hsratings.com: Ranked No. 1 in Division IV; rated 54.1
5-Year Record: 61-13
5-Year Playoff History: 5 qualifications; 24-2 record; DIV state champions in 2022, 2023 and 2025
Last Time vs. Massillon: In 2025 Glenville defeated Massillon 33-27 in overtime
Historical Series Massillon leads 3-2
Bonus: Returns 5 starters on offense and 3 on defense, including defensive back Jaylen Edward (HM All-Ohio)
Week 2 – Canton GlenOak – H
League: Federal League
Playoff Division: DI
2025 Overall Record: 2-8
2025 Playoff Results: Did not qualify
2025 hsratings.com: Ranked No. 59 in D1; rated -2.2
5-Year Record: 17-35
5-Year Playoff History: 2 qualifications; 1-2 record
Last Time vs. Massillon: In 2025 Massillon defeated GlenOak 44-10
Historical Series Massillon leads 17-4
Bonus: Returns 6 starters on offense and 3 on defense, including wide receiver Caydren Saunders, who caught 5 passes 49 yards and a TD in last year’s game. GlenOak has hired Matt Dennison (191-83) to be its new head coach, replacing Scott Garcia, who may remain as athletic director.
Week 3 – NFL Academy – London – H
League: n.a.
Playoff Division: n.a. (game does not count in Harbin System)
2025 Overall Record: 3-3
2025 Playoff Results: n.a.
2025 hsratingss.com: n.a.
5-Year Record: unknown
5-Year Playoff History: n.a.
Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost 35-21 in 2024
Historical Series: Massillon leads 1-0
Bonus: The 2024 game was played in Beaverton, Oregon, at the Nike Complex
Week 4 – Canisus, NY – H
League: Monsignor Martin Athletic Association
Playoff Division: Ohio equivalent 2
2025 Overall Record: 6-5
2025 Playoff Results: Lost in the first round 41-34 to St. Francis, Hamburg, NY
2025 hsratings.com: Ranked No. 15 in New York; rated 15.9
5-Year Record: 31-24
5-Year Playoff History: 1-5
Last Time vs. Massillon: Lost to Massillon 41-7 in 2024
Historical Series Massillon leads 3-1
Bonus: In 2025 Canisius lost 38-0 to Walsh Jesuit, 55-21 to Ironton and 35-34 to Steubenville. Returns running back Elijah Kimble (3-star)
Week 5 – Lakewood St. Edward – A
League: None
Playoff Division: DI
2025 Overall Record: 11-3
2025 Playoff Results: 3-1; lost 28-0 to Olentangy Orange in the state semifinals
2025 hsratings.com: Ranked No. 3 in D1; rated 53.9
5-Year Record: 62-13
5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 24-3 record; state titles in 2021, 2022 and 2023
Last Time vs. Massillon: In 2025 Massillon defeated St. Edward 21-14
Historical Series Massillon leads 7-4
Bonus: Returns 4 starters on offense (3 lineman) and 4 on defense, including offensive lineman Jack Marquard (1st Team All-Ohio), defensive back Landon Lehmer (2nd Team All-Ohio) and offensive Landon Walkem (HM All-Ohio). In last year’s game defensive back Landon Lehmer made 11 tackles and defensive lineman BP Paulozzi made six tackles.
Week 6 – Football North, Clarkson Secondary School, Mississauga, Ontario – H
League: East Coast Power Prep League (plays exclusively teams from the USA)
Last Time vs. Massillon: In 2025 North defeated Massillon 34-2
Historical Series Tied 1-1
Bonus: Returns 8 starters on offense (quarterback, 4 lineman, 2 wide receivers) and 6 on defense (2 linemen, 3 defensive backs). In last year’s game Andre Meltzer caught 2 passes for 49 yards and Teavaun Palmer recorded 9 tackles and 2 tackles-for-loss.
Week 7 – Farrell, PA – H
League: District 10 Region 1
Playoff Division: Pennsylvania AA (A is highest)
2025 Overall Record: 12-3
2025 Playoff Results: 2-1, lost 43-22 to Southern Columbia in state finals
2025 hsratingss.com: Ranked No. 2 in state AA; rated 20.8
5-Year Record: 52-14
5-Year Playoff History: 6-5; state runner-up in 2025
2025 hsratings.com: Ranked No. 282 in Texas; rated 17.5
5-Year Record: 25-25
5-Year Playoff History: n.a.
Last Time vs. Massillon: In 2025 Massillon defeated Cornerstone Christian 45-20
Historical Series Massillon leads 1-0
Bonus: Returns 11 starters on offense and 6 on defense. In last year’s game Mateo Rodriguez completed 13 of 17 passes for 86 yards and a TD, Jaylen McKane rushed 13 times for 48 yards and a TD and caught 6 passes for 61 yards, Luke Smith caught 9 passes for 45 yards and a TD and Elijah Fayall recorded 11 tackles.
Week 9 – Warren Harding – A
League: All-American Conference
Playoff Division: DII
2025 Overall Record: 3-6
2025 Playoff Results: Did not qualify
2025 hsratings.com: Ranked No. 41 in DII; rated 12.5
5-Year Record: 28-29
5-Year Playoff History: 4 appearances; 3-4 record
Last Time vs. Massillon: In 2025 Massillon defeated Harding 42-10
Historical Series Massillon leads 62-25-3 (second-longest series)
Bonus: Returns 8 starters on offense and 6 on defense, including defensive back Matt Richardson (3rd Team All-Ohio) and offensive lineman Zayvion Smsith (HM All-Ohio. In last year’s game Makhai Brogden rushed 8 times 27 yards and Richardson caught 2 passes for 36 yards.
Week 10 – Canton McKinley – H
League: Federal League
Playoff Division: DI
2025 Overall Record: 9-3
2025 Playoff Results: 1-1; lost 25-24 to Mentor in Round 2
2025 hsratings.com: Ranked No. 17 in DI; rated 31.7
5-Year Record: 40-23
5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 8-5 record
Last Time vs. Massillon: In 2025 Massillon defeated McKinley 21-14
Historical Series vs. McKinley: Massillon leads 78-53-5 (longest series); Massillon has won 13 of the last 14 games and the last 10
Bonus: Returns several starters on each side of the line, including running back Kyelin West (1st Team All-Ohio), defensive back Shad Davis (2nd Team All-Ohio) and linebacker Antonio Stevens (3rd Team All-Ohio). In last year’s game West rushed 19 times for 113 yards and a TD and also caught 4 passes for 4 yards.
The Book on Massillon
League: Independent
Playoff Division: DII
2025 Overall Record: 9-4
2025 Playoff Results: Lost in the regional finals to Big Walnut, 27-21
2025 hsratings.com: Ranked No. 8 in DII; rated 44.9
5-Year Record: 59-11
5-Year Playoff History: 5 appearances; 21-4 record; advanced to the state finals in 2023; won state championship in 2023; won regional championship in 2022
Bonus: Returns 8 starters on offense and 7 on defense (plus 4 part-time starters on defense), including running back Savior Owens (1st Team All-Ohio, 3-star, Michigan State) and wide receiver/defensive back Deontay Malone (2nd Team All-Ohio).
Massillon Day at the Pro Football Hall of Fame — Photos
The Canton Pro Football Hall of Famehttps://www.profootballhof.com/ welcomed the Massillon community to their facility for a presentation of the Paul Brown legacy. It was one of a series of events held by the HOF featuring inductees into the Hall that hail from Stark County, Ohio.
First up was a presentation by the Massillon Museum’s Logan Carr, who covered the timeline of Brown’s coaching career, from his initial playing days at Massillon, to his time spent as a coach of the Tigers, then as coach at Ohio State University followed by the Great Lakes Naval Academy, and finally as coach and general manager of both the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals.
That was followed by a forum featuring Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore, former Tiger and current New York Jets player Dean Clark and Carr. The trio fielded many questions related to Brown’s influence on the Massillon football program, the success of the program in general and Clark’s time in New York. The forum was emceed by Jeff Shreve, public address announcer for the Cleveland Browns and the University of Akron.
The house was full during both sessions thanks to the presence of the entire Tiger football team.
Enjoy the photos.
Logan Carr from the Massillon Museum presenting the Paul Brown legacy.
The Massillon football team in the theater.
Event forum was emceed by Jeff Shreve, Cleveland Browns and University of Akron public address announcer.
(l-r) Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore, Logan Carr of the Massillon Museum and Dean Clark, former Tiger and current New York Jets player.
Three Tiger Football Players Sign Collegiate Letters-of-Intent
There’s Early Signing Day, which was this past November, and then there’s the traditional Signing Day. February 4 was the latter and involved three Massillon football players. They include Anthony McMullen (Ball State University), Noah Jenkins (Walsh University) and Tra’Yon Williams (Central State University).
Anthony McMullen played running back for the 2025 Tigers and shared duties with teammate Savior Owens. During the season he rushed 141 times for 710 yards (5.0 ave.) and scored six touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 42 yards and returned five kickoffs for 102 yards (20.4 ave.). His best game was against Warren Harding when he rushed 22 times for 158 yards (7.2 ave.) and scored a touchdown on an 11-yard run. McMullen will play next year for Division I Ball State, an Indiana university that is a member of the Mid-American Conference. Last year the Cardinals finished with an overall record of 7-5, while going 3-7 in league play.
Noah Jenkins was a backup at free safety to start the season and worked his way into a starting position during Week 7 against Cardinal Ritter, Missouri. For the season he recorded 13 solo tackles, 15 assists, 2 pass interceptions (returned for 97 yards) and 2 pass breakups. Against Cornerstone Christian, TX, he was had his best outing numbers-wise with 4 solo tackles and 5 assists, with his nine tackles ranking second best on the team. Jenkins will play next year for Division II Walsh University. The Cavaliers last year finished with an overall record of 6-5, including 3-5 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
Tra’Yon Williams was a 2-year starter at free safety. During his 3-year career he had 56 solo tackles, 33 assists, 6.0 tackles for loss, 1 quarterback sack, 1 pass interception (returned for 30 yards), 3 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble. Tra’Yon will play next year at Central State University, a Division II college located in Wilberforce, Ohio. Last season the Marauders posted a record of 3-7 and 3-5 in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
2025 Massillon Football Squad Closes the Books with Award Ceremony
It was the final opportunity for coaches, parents and fans to pay one final tribute to the efforts put forth by the players of the 2025 Massillon football team. The event was held on Tuesday evening at the Washington High School auditorium.
Father Ed Gretchko was on hand once again to open the festivities with an invocation, while he spoke of the players coming together as a community to strive for a common goal.
Next up was outgoing Massillon Tiger Booster Club President Mary Lou Wilton, who was recognized as the first ever woman president of the club. Mary Lou thanked everyone for their support. “You (the players) all have made my year very, very special,” she said. Next year’s president is Jim Mutigli.
Finally, it was a turn at the mic for Coach Nate Moore, the winningest head coach in Tiger history, having just completed his 11th year at the helm. He opened by thanking everyone: players and coaches and all who contributed to the program, individuals and organizations alike.
“What a tremendous season,” he said, “I’m proud of these guys. To win nine games with the schedule we had? Ninth consecutive regional finals. Beating No. 1 Lakewood St. Edward. Complete domination of North Canton Hoover and Columbus DeSales. Nothing better than beating our rivals to the east; ten straight victories is very special and it won’t be forgotten.
“So proud of our senior class (with just 16 players at season’s end). I want to thank you guys across the board. It was a rebuilding year. And the seniors supported that effort. I love this senior class. What a fun group. I will miss you guys.
“Underclassmen, 2026 will be the Year of the Tiger. We can’t wait to get back at it. Lead, follow or get out of the way!”
Below are all the award winners:
Ja’Dyn Williams
Most Valuable Player – Ja’Dyn Williams (Sr.) (1st Team All-Ohio)
Offensive Player of the Year – Savior Owens (Jr.) (1st Team All-Ohio)
Defensive Player of the Year – Ja’Dyn Williams (Sr.)
Special Teams Player of the Year – Deontay Malone (Jr.) (2nd Team All-Ohio)
Junior Varsity Offensive Player of the Year – Sabastian Harper (Jr.)
Junior Varsity Defensive Player of the Year – Jaxson Perry (So.)
Junior Varsity Lineman of the Year – Briar Mattox (Jr.)
Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year – Sabastian Harper (Jr.)
Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year – Jaxson Perry (So.)
Scout Team Lineman of the Year – Zay-Shawn Murray (Sr.)
Hardnose Award (previously awarded by the Touchdown Club) – Ja’Dyn Williams (Sr.)
Carl “Ducky” Schroeder Outstanding Lineman Award – Davionne Floyd (Jr.)
Lifter of the Year – Christian Culler (Jr.)
Brandon Burlsworth Character Award – Anthony McMullen Jr. (Sr.)
John Pizzino, Sr. Academic Football $1,000 Scholarship – Owen Sirgo (Sr.)
Paul David Memorial Academic Award – Logan Allman (Sr.)
Bob Smith / Bill Snyder Sportsmanship Award – Ja’Dyn Williams (Sr.)
Coach Lee Tressel Citizenship Award(Sideliners) – Noah Jenkins (Sr.)
Tom Harp Coaches’ Award – Eli Moore (Sr.)
Nick Vrotsos Coach of the Year Award – Jeff Kent (Defensive Coordinator)
Sam Dossous – 3rd Team All-Ohio
During the event each player was recognized by his respective position coach and also received several momentos related to his participation on the team.
In an emotional moment, Coach Moore said farewell to his son Eli with a long hug. Although Eli did not reach his goal of becoming the starting quarterback, he was highly instrumental in helping his teammates as both a player on the field and a co-captain leader off to achieve the successes that they did. For there is nothing better for a football coach than to have mentored his son in a sport that both love.
Just recently, Ja’Dyn Williams was named the recipient of the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association’s Art Teynor Award. This honor recognizes excellence in football performance, leadership, character and academic achievement. It is likened to the Mr. Football Award that is annually presented by the OHSAA to the best player in the state of Ohio.
“Ja’Dyn represents everything this award stands for,” Massillon head football coach Nate Moore said in a statement he released earlier. “He is a relentless competitor, a leader in our program, and an outstanding student. His legacy at Massillon will be the type that other great players are measured against.” A 4.0 student, Williams was also selected All-Stark County, 1st Team All-District and 1st Team All-Ohio. Next year he will attend Indiana University to both play football and continue onward with his academic career.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association has recognized four 2025 Massillon football players with Division II All-Ohio honors. The group includes junior running back Savior Owens, senior linebacker Ja’Dyn Williams, junior defensive back Deontay Malone and senior defensive lineman Sam Dossous. The four were members of a squad that finished the season with a 9-4 record and advanced to the regional championship game.
First Team
Savior Owens – The 5′-11, 210 lbs., junior running back brings both power and speed to the game. During the season he carried the ball 222 times for 1,572 yards and scored 21 touchdowns, while averaging 7.1 yards per attempt. Included in that was eight 100-yard games. His 293 yards against Big Walnut ranks third in the Massillon record book, just behind Willtrell Hartson’s 324 and Travis McGuire’s 302. He also ranks 5th with 304 single-game all-purpose yards. For the season he is 6th in total yards, 7th in yards per game and 7th in touchdowns. Owens holds an offer from the University of Wisconsin of the Big Ten.
Ja’Dyn Williams – Williams was a 3-starter at inside linebacker, standing at 6′-2″, 205 lbs., He plays the game right, with high level of speed and physicality, along with great anticipation in responding to the play. Williams finished the year first on the team in total tackles (108), tackles-for-loss (12.5), quarterback sacks (5.5) and recovered fumbles (5). In addition, his performance numbers have landed 14 times in the Tiger record book. Ja’Dyn will play next year at Indiana University of the Big Ten.
Second Team
Deontay Malone – Malone was selected as an All-Ohioan at defensive cornerback, but the 6′-0″,175 lb., junior also excelled on offense at wide receiver and special teams as a returner. During the season he recorded 39 tackles, 3 pass interceptions, 6 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. The speedy receiver was also second on the team with 34 pass receptions for 498 yards and 7 touchdowns. In addition, he returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown against Columbus DeSales, the third longest in Massillon history. And he averaged 15.7 yards per punt return, which ranks 9th in the book. To tap it off, he returned a punt 50 yards against Canton McKinley to both win the game and become the first ever Tiger player to score against the Bulldogs on a punt return. With a year to go, Malone holds an offer from North Carolina University of the ACC.
Third Team
Sam Dossous – The 6′-4″, 220 lbs., senior defensive lineman had a monstrous year after not even starting the first game of the season. He finished the year 5th on the team with 43 total tackles, 2nd with 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 2nd with 3.0 quarterback sacks. His quickness off the ball turned him into a devastating disruptor of opponents’ rushing attacks. Next year Dossous will play for Bowling Green University of the Mid-American Conference.
Savior Owens heads for daylight against Canton McKinley.
Ja’Dyn Williams forces a fumble against Football North.
Deontay Malone on his way to the end zone for the winning score against Canton McKinley.
Sam Dossous causing all kinds of problems for the Cornerstone Christian quarterback.
Three Massillon Players Sign Early for the Next Level
Early signing day came up big for three Tiger players as they selected their respective colleges in order to continue their football and academic journeys. All will be playing next year in Division I, including Ja’Dyn Williams (Indiana University), Lennox Lemon (Kent State University) and Sam Dossous (Bowling Green University). The 2025 team finished with a record of 9-4 and had several major accomplishments, including a fourth straight victory over Division I, Region 1 champion Lakewood St. Edward, a victory over Missouri power Cardinal Ritter, a tenth consecutive win over rival Canton McKinley and a spot in the Division II, Region 7 finals.
Ja’Dyn Williams (6′-2″, 205) was a 3-year starter for the Tigers at middle linebacker. During the 2025 season he led the team in several categories, including solo tackles (59) , assists (49), total tackles (108), tackles-for-loss (12.5), quarterback sacks (5.5) and fumble recoveries (5). Included in that was 17 tackles against Cleveland Glenville and 15 against Rabun Gap, GA. Williams is also the winner of the Touchdown Club’s Hardnose Award, which is presented to the player that is considered to be the toughest on the field. Ja’Dyn, given his good size, great speed and uncanny ball instincts, will now take all of that to the Big Ten and Indiana University.
Lennox Lemon (6′-2″, 185) played two years at cornerback. Following a fine junior season he suffered a serious leg injury and was unable to return to the fold this year until the final game of the regular season. But that didn’t prevent him from receiving a scholarship offer from Kent State University of the Mid-American Conference. As a starter during his junior year he recorded 30 tackles, with a pair of pass interceptions (one returned 44 yards for a touchdown), 6 pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
Sam Dossous (6′-4″, 220) was a non-factor in 2024 and was not even listed as a starter for the first game of this year. But that didn’t last long and he ended up with a monstrous season, while parlaying that into a scholarship offer from Bowling Green University of the Mid-American Conference. From his defensive end spot, Dossous finished with 43 total tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss (2nd on the team to Williams) , 3.0 quarterback sacks (also 2nd) and two forced fumbles.
Several 2025 Tigers Make Their Mark in the Record Book
A feature major of the massillontigers.com website is that of maintaining the historical performance records of both the individual players and the teams, for the categories of single game, single season and career. The effort goes back as far as available resources allow. It started with data gleaned from various newspaper stories. Then, beginning in the 1950s game statisticians were employed to record official numbers, initially on paper and at present using computer programs. Fortunately, most of these resources are preserved in the MassMu’s Paul Brown Museum, which simplifies the overall task of generating the Top Ten records.
This season, although the team finished with a 9-4 record, there were still moments when players shined sufficiently to have their performances recorded in the books. Making their mark are Savior Owens, Manny Patterson, Ja’Dyn Williams, Deontay Malone and Mateo Herrera.
Savior Owens
Savior Owens was the workhorse in the ground game, mimicking that of Jamir Thomas from a few years ago. This season Owens rushed 222 times for 1,572 yards and 21 touchdowns, with an average of 7.1 yards per attempt. He also had eight 100-yard games. His greatest effort came against Big Walnut in the regional finals, when he rushed 35 times for 293 yards and 3 touchdowns. The 293 yards ranks third in the record book, just behind Willtrell Hartson’s 324 yards against Westerville South in 2020 and Travis McGuire’s 302 yards against Canton McKinley in 1991. His 35 carries fell just one short of the Top 10. He also placed 5th with 304 all-purpose yards. For the season he ranks 6th in total yards, 7th in yards per game and 7th in touchdowns.
Mandwel Patterson
Manny Patterson quarterbacked the team for the entire season. Although the Tigers appeared to put the passing game on the shelf following the Week 6 game against Football North, Patterson did have one last opportunity to shine. That moment came in Round 2 of the playoffs against North Canton Hoover, when he completed 12 of 13 passes for 226 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Vikings were obviously concerned about the ability to defend the pass against the Tigers’ athletic receivers and thus played well back in coverage. That opened the door for Manny to exploit the edges with tag screens, which put the receivers in advantageous positions for turning them into long gainers. His 92.3 pass completion percentage in that game ranks 3rd in the record book and his 339.9 efficiency rating ranks 2nd. For the season, Patterson completed 112 of 174 passes for 1,415 yards and 19 touchdowns. His 64.4 pass completion percentage ranks 2nd in the record book and his 159.5 efficiency rating ranks 10th. He also touches the record book in the career category, as he currently holds the Massillon record with a completion percentage of 63.4%, with a season yet to play.
Ja’Dyn Williams
Ja’Dyn Williams, Massillon’s stellar inside linebackers, had two remarkable years as a starter. As a result, his name is all over the defensive categories. In fact, he placed a whopping 14 times including the following:
13.0 single tackle points vs. Cleveland Glenville (5th)
59 single season solo tackles (7th)
83.5 single season tackle points (8th)
5 single season fumble recoveries (2nd)
109 career solo tackles (5th)
101 career assisted tackles (9th)
210 career total tackles (6th)
159.5 career tackle points (4th)
26.5 career tackles for loss (6th)
124 career tackles for loss yards (3rd)
11.0 career quarterback sacks (3rd)
87.5 career quarterback sack yards (3rd)
3 career forced fumbles (3rd)
5 career fumble recoveries (2nd)
Deontay Malone
Deontay Malone was involved in every aspect of the game: offense as a wide receiver, defense as a cornerback and special teams as a return man. Against Columbus DeSales in Round 3 of the playoffs, Malone returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. That puts him in 3rd place in the longest kick return category, behind John Francisco, who returned one 105 yards against Alliance in 1952, and Tyler Hackenbracht, who return one 100 yards against Teays Valley last year. For the season, Deontay averaged 15.7 yards per punt return, including a 50-yard romp for the winning score against Canton McKinley. The season average mark ranks 9th in the record book. He also excelled in kick returns, fielding 15 balls and returning them for 393 yards. The 15 returns ranks 9th and the yards ranks 4th. Incidentally, the punt return against the Bulldogs is the first one ever for a TD in the long history of that rivalry.
Mateo Herrera
Mateo Herrera is Mr. Reliable when it comes to kicking points after touchdown. This was his third year as a varsity kicker during which he converted 56 of 57, with a 98.2% success rate. These numbers rank him 5th for kicks made, 7th for kicks attempted and 9th for kick percentage. During his 3-year career, Herrera has converted 133 of 137 kicks, at 97.1%. These marks rank him 4th for kicks made, 4th for kicks attempted and 4th for kick percentage. For makes and attempts he is behind some great company, including Alex Bauer (205 of 213), Steve Schott (171 of 178) and Andrew David (162 of 174).
Congratulations to these fine players, all of whom return next year, with the exception Ja’Dyn Williams, who is off to Indiana University.
Ja’Dyn Williams Receives Touchdown Club’s Hardnose Award
At the end of each season the Touchdown Club honors one of the players with the “Bob Commings Memorial Hardnose Award.” That player would have received the most votes from among weekly tallies taken by the club members. Past honorees include John Mulbach (Ohio State), David Whitfield (Ohio State), Chris Spielman (Ohio State), Shawn Crable (Michigan), Brian Gamble (Illinois/Ashland) and Dorian Pringle (Bowling Green).
Bob Commings was a very successful coach for the Tigers from 1969 to 1973, compiling a record of 43-6-2, including Massillon’s last state poll championship (1970) and a qualification for Ohio’s first ever state playoffs (1972). Commings departed following the 1973 season to become head coach of the University of Iowa and later coached at GlenOak High School, for whom their field was later named.
This year’s Hardnose Award winner is Ja’Dyn Williams, the outstanding linebacker who led his team to a 9-4 record and a spot in the playoff regional finals.
Williams was a 3-year starter for the Tigers and reached his pinnacle during his senior year both on and off the field. He is everything a coach would want in a linebacker. He has good size at 6′-2″, 205 lbs. and he plays the game right, with a high level of speed and physicality. He also possesses the ability anticipate the play and respond quickly toward it. In game action he was tops in several statistical defensive categories, while recording the following numbers:
59 solo tackles (1st) and 49 assists (1st) for 108 total tackles (1st)
12.5 tackles-for-loss (1st) for 61 lost yards (1st)
5.5 quarterback sacks (1st) for 41 lost yards (1st)
1 pass interception, 2 pass breakups
5 recovered fumbles (1st) and 1 forced fumble
1 blocked kick (1st)
Against Cleveland Glenville he started the season with a bang, with 17 total tackles, including 9 solos. He also had 15 against Rabun Gap, 12 against Canton GlenOak and 9 against Lakewood St. Edward.
While Williams was great on the field, Tiger Head Coach Nate Moore, when addressing the members of the Touchdown Club, talked at length about his attributes as a co-captain and leader of the team. Moore predicted that Ja’Dyn, being the person he is both on and off the the field, is setting himself up to enjoy a long career in the sport. Nate also felt that Ja’Dyn ranks right up there with the best linebackers to ever play for Massillon. Come December 3rd Williams will sign a letter-of-intent to play football for the Indiana Hoosiers of the Big Ten Conference.
The guest speaker at the event was Bob Commings Jr., son of Bob Sr., for whom the award was named. Bob also presented the trophy to Ja’Dyn.
Congratulations to Ja’Dyn Williams.
(l-r) Booster Club President Mary Lou Wilton, Head Coach Nate Moore, Ja’Dyn Williams, Bob Commings Jr. and Touchdown Club Chairman George Mizer.Family of Ja’Dyn Williams
Later, Reese was inducted into the Denison Varsity “D” Hall of Fame, while also heading up the Denison Society of the Alumni from 1949-50.
The Canton Pro Football Hall of Famehttps://www.profootballhof.com/ welcomed the Massillon community to their facility for a presentation of the 
Anthony McMullen played running back for the 2025 Tigers and shared duties with teammate Savior Owens. During the season he rushed 141 times for 710 yards (5.0 ave.) and scored six touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 42 yards and returned five kickoffs for 102 yards (20.4 ave.). His best game was against Warren Harding when he rushed 22 times for 158 yards (7.2 ave.) and scored a touchdown on an 11-yard run. McMullen will play next year for Division I Ball State, an Indiana university that is a member of the Mid-American Conference. Last year the Cardinals finished with an overall record of 7-5, while going 3-7 in league play.
Noah Jenkins was a backup at free safety to start the season and worked his way into a starting position during Week 7 against Cardinal Ritter, Missouri. For the season he recorded 13 solo tackles, 15 assists, 2 pass interceptions (returned for 97 yards) and 2 pass breakups. Against Cornerstone Christian, TX, he was had his best outing numbers-wise with 4 solo tackles and 5 assists, with his nine tackles ranking second best on the team. Jenkins will play next year for Division II Walsh University. The Cavaliers last year finished with an overall record of 6-5, including 3-5 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
Tra’Yon Williams was a 2-year starter at free safety. During his 3-year career he had 56 solo tackles, 33 assists, 6.0 tackles for loss, 1 quarterback sack, 1 pass interception (returned for 30 yards), 3 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble. Tra’Yon will play next year at Central State University, a Division II college located in Wilberforce, Ohio. Last season the Marauders posted a record of 3-7 and 3-5 in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
This year’s Hardnose Award winner is Ja’Dyn Williams, the outstanding linebacker who led his team to a 9-4 record and a spot in the playoff regional finals.
