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2025 Booster Club Report – Week 3 – Post-Rabun…

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 3 – Post-Rabun Gap; Preview of the Bennett Game

Massillon (1-2) lost to Rabun Gap, GA (1-2), 50-35.  This week Massillon hosts Buffalo Bennett, NY (1-0).

Link to the Raybun Gap Game Story

Link to the Raybun Gap Game Statistics

Other scores:

  • 7th Grade (1-0): The game with Wadsworth was canceled.  Plays at Maple Heights on Wednesday, September 10, at 6:00 pm.
  • 8th Grade (1-2): Lost to North Royalton, 36-30.  Plays at home against South Range (MJHS) on Wednesday, September 10, at 6:00 pm.
  • Freshmen (1-2): Lost to Lakewood St. Edward, 42-0.  Plays at Cincinnati Moeller on Saturday, September 13, at 11:00 am.
  • Junior Varsity (0-2-1): Lost to Lakewood St. Edward, 42-7.  Plays at Cincinnati Moeller on Saturday, September 13, at 1:00 pm.

Review of the Rabun Gap Game

Christian Culler

Massillon played national power Rabun Gap and lost 50-35 in an offensive shootout.  Rabun Gap is a boarding school located in northern Georgia that is stocked high-profile athletes from seven different countries, including Canada and some in Europe.  At least eight players have offers from Division I colleges.  The game was tied at halftime with 21 points apiece and the Eagles held a 35-28 lead entering the fourth quarter.  But a Tiger fumble led to a Rabun Gap touchdown and the 2-score deficit was just too much to overcome.  The difference in the game was Rabun Gap’s massive offensive line, which contains three players with Power-5 offers (1 @ Auburn, 2 @ TBD), and its ability to pass block for their very accurate quarterback (Menphis).  In addition, the Eagles returned two kickoffs for long distances, one for a touchdown and another that set up a short TD run.  For Massillon, quarterback Manny Patterson completed 11 of 17 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.  The scoring receptions went to Jadyce Thigpen and Deontay Malone.  Running back Savior Owens carried the ball 21 times for 182 yards and three TDs, including a 42-yarder near the end of the game during which he broke numerous tackles.  Defensively, Ja’Dyn Williams had 15 total tackles.  Christian Culler had 8 total tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and caused a fumble.

“They were an excellent team,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore at the weekly Booster Club meeting.  “I was really proud in a lot of ways.  We did a lot of good things.  But we came up short.  We scored 35 points and still thought we left some points on the field.  Defensively, we made them drive the field.  They were high-powered and explosive.”  Moore cited the two long kickoff returns and said that really hurt. “We need to get better this week and move forward,” said Moore.  “Rabun Gap was not the last really good team we’re going to play this year”.

The guest players were Eli Moore and Isaac Maxheimer.

  • Moore – Said that the team needs to toe the line to win these big games.  But he assured that the team will be there for 48 minutes.
  • Maxheimer – Remarked that the team needs to finish four quarters, even when tired (note that Rabun Gap ran 76 offensive plays).

Bennett Scouting Report

Bennett High School, located in Buffalo, New York, has been in existence for exactly fifty years.  In 2018 the school introduced a new curriculum and is now referred to as, “Lewis J. Bennett High School of Innovative Technology.”  It also boasts of several dozen notable alumni, including NBA basketball great Bob Lanier.

The Tigers compete mostly against other Buffalo schools and in New York Playoff Division AA.  They are considered the Number 1 team in Buffalo.  For Ohio computer ranking purposes they are classified as Division IV.  Last year they finished with a record of 7-2 and have a 5-year record of 40-14, with five playoff qualifications.  This is the first time that they have faced Massillon.

Bennett played their first game of the season last week and defeated Niagara, NY, 18-13.  They are currently ranked No. 11 in Division AA (A is the highest in New York).  While they have several very good players in their starting lineup, according to Moore what they are lacking in is the level of execution.  Moore said that they are a step below that of Massillon in that category, particularly since the orange and black has already played three games.  Special teams also have issues in execution.

Offensively, they want to run the ball first, using a heavy set with an I-formation.  They will run iso, power and counter off of that.  They will also switch to the spread with they need to throw the ball.  The offensive line has good size, averaging 6′-2″, 270 lbs.  Both running backs are very good, according to Moore.  The starter is senior Jimmy Valentine (5′-10″, 185), wihle the backup is junior Dontre Hampton (6′-2″, 170).  At times both will be in the backfield.  Valentine last year rushed 51 times for 508 yards (10.0 ave.) and five touchdowns.  He also plays on defense.  The quarterback is just a sophomore in Jacob Dowell (6′-0″, 155).  Another player to watch is senior wide receiver Jack Eskridge IV (5′-6″, 150), who last year caught 26 passes for 281 yards (10.8 ave.) and 8 TDs.

The defense aligns in a 4-front with cover-1 and some cover-3.  Occasionally, they will switch to a bear defense.  The like to pressure the quarterback at times with a blitz.  The best players are in the linebacking corps.  Valentine is at outside linebacker, where last year he recorded 49 tackles and four tackles-for-loss.  In the inside are senior Nyree Feaster (5′-9″, 215) and junior Dontre Hampton (6′-2″, 170).  The best player on the back end is junior Donte Parker (6′-2″, 185).  The defensive line averages 5′-11″, 245 lbs.  Five players on this side of the ball also start on offense.

“We need to be ready to go and get back on the win track,” said Moore in closing.  “We need to get after them (Bennett) so they don’t get any momentum,”

Go Tigers!

 

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Massillon Loses to Powerhouse Georgia Team in Offensive Shootout…

Massillon Loses to Powerhouse Georgia Team in Offensive Shootout – Game Story and Photos

Statistics

If you’re a six foot six, 285-pound athletic high school kid living Belgium it doesn’t take too long for you to realize that European soccer is just not going to be your sport.  So, you pack your bags and head for the States and Rabun Gap, a private boarding school nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia.  With an emphasis on top-level football, you will surely find a place that fits your needs, along with the hope of earning a scholarship to a U.S. college.  Assemble enough of these special out-of-towners and you suddenly have a hellava of a football team.  In fact, Raybun Gap has players from fifty different countries.  AND they are VERY good.

It was a great challenge for Massillon to take on the Eagles, especially for the youthful players sprinkled throughout the lineup.  There are no average players on the field for Rabun Glen.  They have great size and they have exceptional speed and well-developed skill.  But the Tigers hung in there as best they could and played their hearts out for four quarters.  But by the end it was just too much to overcome and they fell by the score of 50-35.

It was a back-and-forth contest for the better part of three quarters, but then came a turning point.  The Eagles held a 35-28 lead and were driving to gain their first 2-score lead.  But on second and ten at the Tiger 29 they lost the ball on a fumbled snap.  Massillon then took over at the 45 and were in prime position to once again tie the score.  Only, on the first play of the series they fumbled the handoff on a jet-sweep and that quickly negated the opportunity.  The Eagles went on to score five plays later, upping the margin to 42-28 and putting the Tigers in a difficult situation from which they never recovered.

Massillon received the ball to start the game and drove 62 yards in six plays, scoring when quarterback Manny Patterson connected with Jadyce Thigpen on a 15-yard touchdown pass.

That’s when the penalties began.  On three successive kickoffs following the TD, Mateo Herrara booted the ball out of bounds in failed attempts to reach the coffin corner.  In each case Rabun Gap accepted a 5-yard penalty requiring a re-kick.  It was a precursor of three things to come:

  • Penalties: The Tigers were flagged 16 times for 142 yards; the Eagles 17 times for 173 yards.
  • Field position: Rabun Gap’s average starting position was near midfield.
  • Special teams: The Eagles returned a kickoff to the end zone and another to the Massillon 12; three successive PAT attempts by the Tigers began with errant snaps, making life difficult for the holder and kicker; fortunately, they did a marvelous job of converting the points.

The Eagles scored on that first drive on a 31-yard pass from quarterback Gavin Owens to Obrokta.  It was evident in that early stage that, given the size of the Rabun Gap offense line (6’-286 ave.), the accuracy of the quarterback and proficiency of the line in pass blocking, Massillon was in for a tough fight in the passing part of the contest.

The Tigers scored again on their third possession when Patterson threw across the field to a wide open Deontay Malone for 20-yard strike.  Then it was the Eagles turn, with back-to-back rushing touchdowns of 12 yards by Grayson Clary, following a 76-yard kickoff return, and 8 yards by Walker Bryson, making the score 21-14 in their favor.

With three minutes remaining in the half Rabun Gap was facing a 4th and 27 from their own 19 and was lined up to punt.  But the punter, apparently sensing an opportunity, elected to try running for a first down.  Only, Massillon’s Ja’Dyn Williams showed why he’s headed to Indiana when with a burst of speed ran down ball carrier after a gain of just eight yards.  Massillon then, on the third play of the drive, tied the score when Savior Owens broke through the line for a 26-yard score.

The Eagles did drive to the Massillon four following the ensuing kickoff, but after a fumble on the ensuring play set them back,  they ended up missing on a 37-yard field goal attempt.  So, the two teams headed to the locker room tied at 21.

Savior Owens

The third quarter resumed the back-and-forth action.  First Joshua Buckhalter return Hererra’s kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown.  The Tigers then responded with a 2-yard run by Owens, which he set up with a prior 29-yard run.  The Eagles came right back with a 14-play drive that ended when Gavin Owens completed a 15-yard pass to Buckwalter for a TD.  That was followed by the two fumbles described above.

Buckwalter would score again from two yards out and his team would convert a fake PAT to up the margin to 50-28, before Savior Owens would have the last say on a 42-yard TD run.

Savior Owens finished the game with 21 rushing attempts for 182 yards and three touchdowns.  Patterson completed 11 of 17 passes for 138 yards and two scores, to Jadyce Thigpen and Malone.  Unfortunately, Patterson left the game with eight minutes left on account of an injury and his status for next week is unknown.

For Rabun Gap, Gavin Owens completed 13 of 23 passes for 196 yards and two TDs.  Buckwalter caught 7 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown and also scored a rushing touchdown.

Teamwise, the Eagles led in total yards, 404-316, although in yards per play, the Tigers were slightly ahead, 5.9 ave. on their 54 plays to Gap’s 5.3 ave. on their 76 plays with their ball control scheme.

The difference in the game?  Both had equal talent in the skill positions, but Raybun Gap had those big lines.  On offense their tight splits across it kept the Tiger rushers at bay, providing ample time for the quarterback to locate his receiver.  And on defense, they put Patterson under constant pressure, often forcing him to step up  into the pocket to avoid a sack.  Nevertheless, Patterson did handle it very well.  But it also led to his injury.

Next week Massillon will entertain another out-of-state team in L.J. Bennet, which hails from Buffalo, New York.  Raybun Gap hosts Ambassador in the first of several games against North Carolina opponents.  Due to their sports structure the high school athletic association in Georgia bars them from playing in their post-season tournament.  Thus, the Eagles secured a home with the Carolina teams.

 

Ja’Dyn Williams (9), Noah Jenkins (16), Christian Culler (2), Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

 

Anthony McMullen (24)

Anthony McMullen (24)

Mateo Herrera (7), Savior Owens  (1)

Christian Culler (2), Ja’Dyn Williams (9)

Deontay Malone (6)

Will Hymes (34), Savior Owens (1), Owen Sirgo (53)

Jadyce Thigpen (44)

Will Hymes (34)

Deontay  Malone (6)

Kevin Elliott Jr. (74), RJ Harris (23), Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

Savior Owens (1)

 

Kevin Elliott Jr. (74), Manny Patterson (10)

 

Kevin Elliott Jr. (74), Savior Owens (1)

 

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2025 Booster Club Report – Week 2 – Post-Canton…

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 2 – Post-Canton GlenOak; Preview of the Rabun Gap Game

Massillon (1-1) defeated Canton GlenOak (0-2), 44-10.  This week Massillon hosts Rabun Gap, GA (0-2).

Link to the GlenOak Game Story

Link to the GlenOak Game Statistics

Other scores:

  • 7th Grade (1-0): Defeated Canton GlenOak, 26-0.  Plays at home (MJHS) against Wadsworth on Thursday, September 4, at 6:00 pm.
  • 8th Grade (1-1): Lost to Canton GlenOak, 14-19.  Plays at home against North Royalton (PBTS) on Wednesday, September 3, at 6:00 pm.
  • Freshmen (1-1): Defeated Canton GlenOak, 29-20.  Plays at home against Lakewood St. Edward on Thursday, September 4, at 6:00 pm.
  • Junior Varsity (0-1-1): Tied Canton GlenOak, 26-26  Plays home against Lakewood St. Edward on Saturday, August 30, at 10:00 am.

Review of the Cleveland Glenville Game

Mandwel Patterson

Massillon scored early and often in routing Canton GlenOak, 44-10.  So dominant were the Tigers that all of their points were scored in the first half over a span of a just quarter and a half.  Defensively, the Golden Eagles appeared to focus their scheme on stopping the run, specifically Massillon running back Savior Owens, who performed exceptionally well in last week’s overtime loss to Cleveland Glenville.  That left the secondary in a cover-4 alignment, with little linebacker support against the pass.  So, with the running attack hampered most of the night, the Tigers took full advantage of the pass game.  So, by halftime, quarterback Manny Patterson managed to complete 16 of 21 passes for 200 yards and four touchdowns.  Deontay Malone caught seven passes for 102 yards and a touchdown and Giorgio Jackson Jr. caught seven passes for 72 yards and two TDs.  And all of these players sat out the second half.  On defense, Ja’Dyn Williams had another big outing, with 12 total tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.

“I felt great walking off the field,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore at the weekly Booster Club meeting.  “We have a great football team.  The energy; the passion.  I’m so proud of our football team.”  It was a good performance, but still had some issues.  Moore noted that the offensive line struggled early to open holes, which of course led to changing focus to the pass.  He mentioned that the offensive line had trouble picking up the movement of the GlenOak defensive linemen and that’s what affected the run game.  “I expected more from the line,” he added.  “But we’re a young team and we’re growing up together.”

The guest players were Tra’Yon Williams, Braylon Gamble and Christian Culler.

  • Williams – We played to their (GlenOak’s) level.  We can’t play like that this week.  We need to play our game.
  • Gamble – We need to set the tone and play with a lot of heart.
  • Culler – We need to play all four quarters.

Rabun Gap Scouting Report

Rabun Gap Nacoochee was founded in 1903 as a way to educate children in Appalachia Mountains of northern Georgia.  Since then, it has evolved into a private boarding school with 680 students from over fifty different countries, including Canada and countries of Europe.  The primary focus is college prep with students that are distributed from  pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade.  Although the school is located in the northern reaches of Georgia, they compete mostly in North Carolina.

The Eagles play in the NCISAA Western League.  Last year they finished with a 12-1 record and finished with a 42-39 victory over Providence Day to win the state championship in their division.  Over the past five years they have a record of 48-11 with four qualifications for the playoffs.

  • League: NCISAA Western
  • Playoff Division: NCISAA IU
  • 2024 Overall Record: 12-1
  • 2024 Playoff Results: 3-1; state champion in North Carolina; defeated Providence Day, NC, 42-39
  • 2024 Calpreps.com: Ranked No. 17 in Georgia; ranked No. 4 in North Carolina; rated 52.0
  • 5-Year Record: 48-11
  • 5-Year Playoff History: 4 qualifications; 7-3
  • Last Time vs. Massillon: n.a.
  • Historical Series Massillon vs: Rabun Gap: 0-0
  • Bonus: Returns senior quarterback Gavin Owens (6’-4”, 198) (198-289-2,815, 35 TDs), senior wide receiver Walker Bryson (5’-11”, 170) (47-593, 7 TDs), senior wide receiver Joshua Buckhalter (5’-8”,165) (40-652, 9 TDs), senior defensive end Ryan Hassett (6’-3”, 230) (37 tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 13 QB sacks) and senior safety Zeke Marshall (6’-5”,180) (6 interceptions).

“They are a very good football team,” said Moore.  “One of the better teams to come into Paul Brown  Tiger Stadium.  Good at all three levels: offense, defense and special teams.  They have some very good players.  Good size at several areas.”

With an offensive line that averages 6′-5″, 286 lbs., they like to run power when they run.  But prefer to pass first, particularly to senior wide receiver Walker Bryson (5′-11″, 180), a 3-star recruit who has committed to Indiana University.  Last year he caught 47 passes for 593 yards (12.6 ave.) and seven touchdowns.  The quarterback is senior Gavin Owens (6′-4″, 210).  He has good pocket presence within their spread offense formations and he see the whole field when selecting a receiver.  A returning starter, Owens last year completed 198 of 289 passes (69%) for 2,815 yards (14.2 ave.) and 35 touchdowns.  He is a 3-star recruit who has committed to Memphis.  Aside from basic pass patterns, the Eagles will also throw in some tag screens if they are available.

The defense aligns in a 3-3 odd-stack, with the weak side outside linebacker walked up to the line.  The 3-man front averages 6′-2″, 265 lbs.

Per Moore, every Rabun Gap player is good.  But some are very good.  There are no average players.  Here are some of the other college recruits:

  • Senior offensive lineman Wilson Zierer (6′-6″, 275), 3-star recruit, committed to Auburn.
  • Junior offensive lineman  Jacob Burns (6′-7″, 290), 3-star recruit, D1 offers.
  • Junior offensive lineman Elijah Hutchenson (6′-6″, 270), 4-star recruit, D1 offers.
  • Senior wider receiver Isaac Obrokta (6′-0″, 185), 3-star recruit, committed to Georgia Tech.
  • Senior defensive lineman Ryan Hassett (6′-3″, 255), 3-star recruit, committed to Northern Illinois.
  • Senior safety Zeke Marshall (6′-5″, 185), 3-star recruit, D1 offers.

Go Tigers!

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Massillon Uses Aerial Assault and Stiff Defense to Down…

Massillon Uses Aerial Assault and Stiff Defense to Down Canton GlenOak – Game Story and Feature Photos

Statistics

The last time Massillon dropped two games in a row during a season was 2015, Head Coach Nate Moore’s first year at the helm.  That’s long stretch of ten years and they weren’t about to let visiting Canton GlenOak interrupt that.  Intent on erasing the bad taste of last week’s overtime loss to Glenville, while also preventing two consecutive losses, the Tigers came out firing and had the Golden Eagles completely dismantled by halftime, with a lead of 44-3 and a running clock in effect after the break.  The final score was 44-10,

GlenOak had a problem.  Do they defend the run that features Savior Owens and Anthony McMullen Jr., or defend the pass that features quarterback Manny Patterson and a bevy of talented receivers?  They knew they couldn’t do both, with Massillon having this many skilled athletes in their arsenal.  So, they elected to focus the run.  And it worked pretty well, with their 3-4 front-7 gaming as such.  Guarding the pass then was the back end, aligned in cover-4.  With the linebackers focused on the run, the scheme also required that the corners play off the wide receivers, which created some measurable mismatches.  So, the Tigers, although initially intent on running the ball, switched gears and took full advantage of the passing game.

Patterson, just a junior, ended up with a career night, completing 16 of 21 passes (76%) for 200 yards and four touchdowns.  And three of the incompletions were right-on-target long bombs that were simply well defended. His quarterback efficiency rating was a fine 219.  On the receiving end of most passes were Deontay Malone (7 receptions for 102 yards and a TD) and Giorgio Jackson Jr. (7 receptions for 72 yards and two TDs).  In addition, Jadyce Thigpen had a reception for a 22-yard score and Will Hymes also caught a pass.

Defensively, Massillon overwhelmed GlenOak on the ground.  Aside from surrendering an early 83-yard run to Javion McClendon that set up a 27-yard field goal, they held the opponent to negative two yards throughout the first half.  So hampered was the Golden Eagle ground game that by the middle of the second quarter they completely abandoned the run and went exclusively to the pass.  For the game, quarterback Evan Crissey completed 12 of 28 passes for 107 yards and a TD, although all but 11 yards came in the second half.

Massillon scored first when Patterson connected in the end zone with Jackson on a 14-yard strike.  Jackson was well-covered, but at 6’-4” he had a 7-inch height advantage over the much shorter defender and he used that advantage to his benefit.  The score was set up by a pass interception by Isaac Maxheimer at the Eagle 34, which he returned to the 18.  It was his first of two picks for the night.  The TD became the first of five consecutive tallies for the Tigers.  The other four were:

  • 4-yard run by Ja’Dyn Williams; 8-play, 68-yard drive; set up by a 27-yard pass completion to Malone.
  • 22-yard pass to a wide-open Thigpen; 2 plays, 26 yards drive.
  • 12-yard pass to Jackson; 8 play, 21-yard drive.
  • 25-yard run by Savior Owens; 3-play, 55-yard drive; included a 16-yard run by Owens and a 14-yard pass completion Malone.

With 57 seconds remaining in first half Massillon recorded a safety when the GlenOak quarterback was called for intentional grounding in the end zone, upping the score 37-3.  After returning the kick to the Tiger 49, Patterson hit Malone for 12 and then for six more.  On the third play he found Malone once again, this time on a 33-yard throw-back pass for the final Massillon score of the night.

At that point the team held 44-3 lead on the scoreboard and was in front in total yards, 264-98.

The halftime show had a military appreciation theme and the two bands performed together for the final number.

The Eagles kept their first unit on the field for the entire second half, while the Tigers substituted the starting quarterback and starting wide receivers.  GlenOak put up the only points when Crissey tossed a 35-yard touchdown Caydren Saunders.

Next week Massillon will entertain Rabun Gap from Georgia, while GlenOak will host Cleveland East Tech.

Owen Sirgo (53), Kevin Elliott (74), George Rivera (29)

Deontay Malone (6)

Chayce White (35); for GlenOak: Javi’ion McClendon (5)

 

Manny Patterson (10), Anthony McMullen Jr. (24), Davionne Floyd (52), Savior Owens (1), Kevin Elliott (74); for GlenOak: Drew Delp (45)

Giorgio Jackson  (21)

Manny Patterson (10); for GlenOak: Drew Delp (45)

Ja’Dyn Williams (9)

Braylon Gamble (5)

Deontay Malone (6); for GlenOak: Dom Wagner (35)

Savior Owens (1), Robert Blakely (59)

Giorgio Jackson (21), Savior Owens (1)

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2025 Booster Club Report – Week 1 – Post-Cleveland…

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 1 – Post-Cleveland Glenville; Preview of the Canton GlenOak Game

Massillon (0-1) lost in overtime to Cleveland Glenville (1-0), 33-27.  This week Massillon hosts Canton GlenOak (0-1).

Link to the Glenville Game Story

Link to the Glenville Game Statistics

Other scores:

  • 7th Grade (0-0): The game against Akron Firestone was canceled.  Plays home (MJHS) against Canton GlenOak on Tuesday, August 26, at 6:00 pm.
  • 8th Grade (1-0): Defeated Akron East, 34-14.  Plays at Canton GlenOak on Wednesday, August 27, at 6:00 pm.
  • Freshmen (0-1): Lost to Cleveland Glenville, 48-0.  Plays at Canton GlenOak on Thursday, August 28, at 6:00 pm.
  • Junior Varsity (0-1): Lost to Cleveland Glenville, 28-7.  Plays at Canton GlenOak on Saturday, August 30, at 10:00 am.

Review of the Cleveland Glenville Game

In a much anticipated game throughout the state, Massillon hosted Cleveland Glenville in the season opener.  The Tarblooders jumped out to a first half lead of 19-7, before Massillon regrouped and mounted an energetic comeback, tying the score at 27.  Subsequently, a game-winning field goal attempt by the Tigers at the end of regulation was blocked.  In overtime, Massillon failed to score when a second field goal attempt was blocked.  Glenville then hooked up on a slant pass for the win.  Savior Owens led all rushers with 25 carries for 131 yards.  Quarterback Manny Patterson completed 8 of 11 passes for 130 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Ja’Dyn Williams recorded 17 total tackles.

“We have a damn good football team,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore at the first Booster Club gathering of the season.  “We knew they were a really good football team.  Our kids made big plays in the second half.  Our final drive – 15 plays.  We had to have it.”  He noted that the conditioning program that Massillon uses made a huge difference in the second half.  He added that the Tigers are trying to figure out the puzzle.  But assured the attendees that in spite of the loss the team will finish strong.

Moore was also appreciated of the crowd noise toward the end when the game was on the line.  “Our fans were amazing last Friday,” he said.  “The energy from the crowd raised our level of play.”

“We had a good practice today,” Moore added.  “It was a great start to this week.  The kids got after after it.  We are looking forward to Week 2 (against GlenOak).”

The guest players were Ja’Dyn William, Richard Harris and Dayvionne Floyd.

  • Williams – The team started out little slow, reflecting back on a substandard practice the previous Monday.  He said that Monday practices seem to impact the level of play in the games.  This week the practice was very good.
  • Harris – We are now playing with a chip on our shoulders.
  • Floyd – Today this team showed that they can play.

GlenOak Scouting Report

Aside from Canton McKinley, GlenOak is the only Federal League team willing to play Massillon.  The Tigers own a 16-4 historical record against the Golden Eagles in a series that began in 1982.  Massillon won that first encounter 42-14 under head coach Mike Currence.  GlenOak turned the tables in 1986 with a 9-7 win with former Massillon Coach Bob Commings at the helm.  Following a long pause, the series resumed in 2010 and the two teams have been facing each other ever since, except for the 2020 Covid year.  The first six games were split between the two teams, but the Tigers have taken the next eight.  Moore’s record against the Eagles stands at 8-1, with the lone loss occurring in his first year.

GlenOak  is coached by Scott Garcia, who is entering his 17th year as head coach of the Golden Eagles.  His record there is 91-84.  Last season the Eagles played primarily an underclass team and finished with a 1-9 record.  This year Garcia hopes to turn the corner with a squad composed of 28 lettermen and 17 returning starters, 10 on offense and 9 on  defense.  He also plans to incorporate a no-huddle offense using the spread formation to increase the pace of the game.  But in spite of all that, GlenOak is still picked by several publications to finished in the bottom of the Federal League.

GlenOak features senior running back Javi’ion McClendon (6′-1″, 200), who last year rushed for 586 yards and four touchdowns.  He also returned two kickoffs for scores.  On defense they return senior Matt Rekstis (5′-11″, 205).  Last season he recorded 73 tackles and is considered the leader on the field.

According to Moore the offense utilizes 11-personnel (one running back and a tight end), with some 3-tight end sets and some normal spread.  Their No. 1 play is the counter, within which they run RPO.  They will also some Wildcat.  He cites McClendon as being their player, who has good size and speed.  None of the remaining players jump off the page.

On defense, look for an odd front, 3-4 alignment, with occasional even front.  The linebacker corps is the most experienced group.  The best player on defense is senior linebacker Dom Wagner (5′-9″, 205).  He also likes senior defensive lineman Donel Hampton (5′-11″, 280), who comes off the bench.

Overall, they do not possess great size and speed and this may be a detriment on Friday.

 

 

 

 

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Massillon Drops Season Opener to Glenville – Game Story…

Massillon Drops Season Opener to Glenville – Game Story and Feature Photos

The Tigers have played in many classic games throughout their long history and came out victorious in most of them.  But against Cleveland Glenville in Friday’s season opener they were just a tad short, losing in overtime by the score of 33-27.

It was a game of contrasting halves, with Glenville exerting its brute force behind a massive offensive line that averaged 308 lbs. and several skilled athletes that possessed uncanny speed.  It was characteristic of what Massillon faced last year against Bergen Catholic and Dematha.  Twice the Tarblooders used a pounding ground control offense along with a long bomb TD to take a 19-7 lead into the locker room.  They also held the advantage in total yardage, 223-77.  Meanwhile, the Tigers spent most of the half shuffling personnel on the defensive line trying to find the right combination to neutralize the attack.

Savior Owens

But the second half was a complete reversal and nearly all Massillon, as the Glenville players began to tire from the heat and the long evening.  For the Tigers, in order to bolster the defensive line, they resorted to using two of their best offensive linemen in 285 lb. Marcus Garner and 270 lb. Kevin Elliott.  Running back Savior Owens was also utilized several times in the wildcat position, akin to what his older brother Da’One did during the 2023 championship run.  He ended the night as the game’s leading rusher with 25 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown.  As such, the Tigers were also able outscore the Tarblooders and draw fairly even in yardage by game’s end, trailing just 311-365.  In addition, they held the opponent in the second half to just 42 yards on the ground, while themselves picking up 134 of the total night’s 145 yards rushing.

But the overtime period went to the Tarblooders.  The Tigers had the ball first.  Two Owens carries netted just four yards and a Manny Patterson pass into the end zone fell incomplete.  Subsequently, a 34-yard field goal attempt was blocked.  In Glenville’s turn they picked up a first down at the nine and then on second down quarterback Arvell Nelson rifled a slant pass to Joseph Saffold for the winning score.

Massillon opened the game with three successive runs and a punt.  Glenville then went to work, moving the ball 68 yards in 16 plays, with the drive culminating in a 4-yard run by Chris Newell.  Five times they converted on third down.

The Tigers immediately responded with a 6-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to tie the score.  The tally was setup by a 48-yard pass from Patterson to Gio Jackson that advanced the ball to the Tarblooder 30 and the TD came when Patterson again connected with a double-covered Jackson on a 12-yard fade pass.

But Glenville took the lead right back on a 55-yard bomb from Nelson to Pauly Sadler.  Richard Harris, who runs a 4.5 40-yard dash had the coverage, but he wasn’t fast enough to keep up with the speedy Sadler.  The kick was wide right, making the score 13-7.

A Tiger fumble at their own 43 set up a third Glenville score.  It took five plays to do the damage, with Nelson passing to Londen Hearn for a 14-yard score.  Again, the PAT was missed right.  And the half came to an end shortly thereafter, with Glenville on top 19-7.

Following the halftime show by the Tiger Swing Band, the fans were introduced to this year’s hall of fame inductees.  For the Wall of Champions it was Cy Rigler, a 30-year National League baseball umpire in the early 1900s.  For the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame it was former Tiger players Don Snavely, Ben Mast, Antonio James and Gareon Conley, plus Booster Club contributor Don and Mary Lou Wilton (current Club president).

The Tarblooders started the second half and ran off twelve plays only to punt from the Massillon 38.  But now the offense was ready to go, beginning with a 7-play, 80-yard drive.  Owens kicked it off with a run through the middle of the line for 43 yards and it ended when Patterson completed a pass to Deontay Malone for a 25-yard score.  Patterson was flushed out of the pocket on the play and rolled toward the right sideline.  It was then that he saw Malone ten yards downfield heading in the opposite direction, with his coverage man shading toward Patterson.  Football experts always advise against a throw of this type, but Malone was wide open and the attempt was difficult to pass up.  The aerial was just a bit high, but Malone was able to jump to pull it in and scored easily.  Mateo Herrera’s PAT made the score 19-14.

After holding Glenville to a 3-and-out the Tigers were on the march again.  But it was a short march of just 14 yards owing to a 6-yard Glenville punt.  Only two plays were need as Anthony  McMullan Jr. carried for four yards and then Owens took it in from the ten.  Ahead now by one at 20-19, Massillon opted to go for two points on the conversion attempt, but fell short on the end run.

However, the lead did not last long.  Just two plays later, backup quarterback Chase Youngblood,  who had replaced the leg-cramping Nelson, tossed a screen pass to Romell Phillips and behind several blockers found a lane down the left sideline for a score.  A successful 2-point conversion put Glenville back on top 27-20.

Now it was Massillon’s turn.  It took just four plays to cover 63 yards: a 21-yard Owens pass to George Rivera, a 7-yard pass from Patterson to Malone, a 10-Owens run and a 20-yard pass from Patterson to a leaping Malone in the back the end zone.  The PAT tied the score at 27 apiece with 8:37 left in the fourth quarter.  And that was how regulation play ended.

The Tigers did have a chance to win it at the end after using 15 plays to move the ball 70 yards to the Glenville 11.  But a 28-yard field goal attempt was blocked and the ball returned to the Massillon 30.  From there, the Tarblooders attempted a field goal of their own, but it was wide left.  All of that was followed by the overtime period.

Patterson finished the game with 8 of 11 passing for 140 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Six receptions went to Malone for 9 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Linebacker Ja’Dyn Williams recorded 17 tackles (9 solos and 8 assists) and 1.5 tackles for loss.

For Glenville, Nelson completed 8 of 13 passes for 125 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Massillon will be back in action next week when they host Canton GlenOak.  Glenville travels to Olentangy Liberty, the defending Division I state champion.

Sabastian Harper (3)

LaCardis Murray (79), Isaac Maxheimer (87), Richard Harris Jr. (23)

Logan Allman (13)

 

Ty’Jah Card

Tra’Yon Williams (27)

Gio Jackson (21)

Savior Owens (1), Marcus Garner (60)

Deontay Malone (6), Jayden Williams (9)

Sebastian Harper (3), Anthony McMullenJr. (24), Bishop Cupp (20), Landon Hose (22), Andrew Holland (36)

Part of the crowd that made life difficult for Glenville with their tremendous noise as the Tigers were coming back in the second half.

Hall Fame Recognition Night – Mary Lou Wilton family

Hall Fame Recognition Night – Ben Mast family

Hall Fame Recognition Night – Gareon Conley family

Brooklyn Watson

Savior Owens (1)

Jadyce Thigpen (44), Owens (1), George Rivera (29)

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Massillon Tigers – Kickoff Rally Photos

Massillon Tigers – Kickoff Rally Photos

Photos by Rob Engelhardt

Cheerleaders
Mayor Jamie Slutz with grandson
Tiger roar
Tiger roar
Tiger roar
Tiger Swing Band
2025 Massillon Tigers and Tiger Swing Band
Superintendent Paul Salvino with Austin Pryor (12) and Will Hymes (34)
Tiger fans
Booster Club President Mary Lou Wilton
Obie Tiger mascot
Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore and Savior Owens (1)
Savior Owens (1) signing the raffle ball. Also shown is Van Hawkins (4)
Braylon Gamble (5), Jayden Williams (9) and Savior Owens (1)
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Game Preview: Massillon vs. Cleveland Glenville

Game Preview: Massillon vs. Cleveland Glenville

Once again Massillon will open the season with a quality opponent.  Head Coach Nate Moore believes that in doing so the Tigers accomplish two goals: (1) energize the team during the preseason, and (2) expose any weaknesses, so they can get those corrected earlier rather than later.  In past seasons the Tigers have faced such teams Mentor, Akron St. Vincent, Lakewood St. Edward, Pickerington Central, Cincinnati Moeller and Valdosta, Georgia.  This time it is Cleveland Glenville, in the first of a 2-game series, both at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.  The e match came about after Moore called Glenville head coach Tedd Ginn and Ginn said “yes.”

Ginn is beginning his 27th year with the Tarblooders.  He also runs a charter school called the Ginn Academy, which enrolls students from all over the Cleveland area, mostly from the inner-city.  And he does a fine job of molding these students into fine young men.  Since the Academy does not offer sports, the players opt to participate in those activities at neighboring Cleveland Glenville High School.  In fact, most of the Glenville football players attend school at the Academy.

Owing to a wealth of talent, Ginn’s achieved immediate success when the arrangement began in 1998.  The Glenville enrollment was initially quite large at that time and thus the Tarblooders competed in Division I.  There they remained until 2013 when the enrollment began to drop and were reassigned to Division II.  In 2017 they moved to Division III and dropped again in 2021 to Division IV.  It should be noted that the players from the Academy are not counted in the OHSAA’s competitive advantage calculation.  The division is based totally on the enrollment of Glenville itself.

Over the past 26 years Ginn has produced an overall record of 266 wins and 61 losses.  Forced to compete in Cleveland’s Senate Athletic League, their record over that time against league competition is 196 wins and zero losses.  Outside of the league they attempt to schedule some of the best teams in the state, where the record is more balanced, at 70-61.  The following is the win-loss data for each of the divisions:

  • Ginn spent fifteen years in Division I, recording a 35-29 record against non-league foes. But most of those foes are a “who’s who” of Ohio high school football, including such teams as Mentor (4-9 record), Lakewood St. Edward (1-8) and Cleveland St. Ignatius (2-5).  Surprisingly, six games were played against Olentangy Liberty (3-3).  Glenville’s best year occurred in 2009 when, with future Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones, they defeated St. Ignatius 30-13 in the regionals and Massillon 31-17 in the state semifinals, before losing to Hilliard Davidson 16-15 in the finals.
  • Four years were spent in Division II, with a non-league record 10-11.  In 2013 they advanced to the state finals, before losing 41-23 to Loveland the following week.
  • While in Division III the program slipped a bit, as shown by a 1-10 record in non-league games.
  • Having now spent four years in Division IV, they boast of a 24-11 record against non-league foes, with two losses to Akron Hoban.  However, most of the wins have come against severely substandard DIV playoff opponents.  Nevertheless, two state titles were claimed, including in 2022 with a 26-6 victory over Wyoming and in 2023 with a 38-3 win over Kettering Alter.

Last season Glenville played a lot of freshmen and sophomores and hopes to reap the benefits of that this year, especially since they have a varsity roster of 91 players, along with several outstanding athletes from the senior class, including the following:

  • Arvel Nelson – Senior quarterback (6’-3”, 170).
  • Cincere Johnson – Senior running back/linebacker (6’-2”, 225) – 4-star recruit; Ohio State commit; 2024 Division IV 1st Team All-Ohio; 2024 Division IV Defensive Player of the Year; last season had 205 tackles, 41 tackles-for-loss and 8.5 quarterback sacks.
  • J. Newell Jr. – Senior running back/defensive back (5’-10”, 186); 3-star recruit; Buffalo commit; 2024 Division IV 3rd Team All-Ohio; 1,136 yards rushing with 18 touchdowns.
  • Romell Phillips – Senior running back/linebacker (5’-9”, 163); 750 yards rushing.
  • Pauly Sadler – Senior wide receiver/defensive back (5’-11”, 180).
  • Aaron Scales – Senior wide receiver/defensive back (5’-9”, 170); 2024 Division IV 2nd Team All-Ohio.
  • Marquis Whipple – Senior offensive lineman (6’-3”, 305); 3-star recruit; holds several mid-major offers; 2024 Division IV 1st Team All-Ohio.
  • Jamir Perez – Senior offensive lineman/defensive lineman (6’-4”, 321); 3-star recruit; Ohio State commit.

Moore calls Glenville a “great Week 1 opponent; a great team with both speed and size.”

The Tarblooder offense operates mostly out of a 21-personnel formation; i.e., two running backs and a tight end.  The game plan, then, is to run the ball using a zone blocking scheme, behind a massive line (6’-2”, 308 lbs. ave.) that includes Ohio State recruits Whipple and Perez.  But they will take occasional shots down to the field with the long ball.  Nelson, the quarterback, does a good job in the run game.  As does several running backs.  The best back according to Moore is Newell, but he will play more defense than offense.  So, look for Phillips to carry the load.  The receiving corps is good and includes Joseph Saffold, a transfer from Lakewood St. Edward.  In last year’s victory over St. Eds they ran a lot of plays to the left side of the line, with the quarterback serving as the ball carrier and Whipple and Perez plowing the road ahead.

The defense uses almost exclusively an odd-stack, 3-3 alignment.  The defensive line has good size (6’-2”, 265 lbs. ave.) and plays very aggressively, which can be risky at times.    Perez is aligned in the middle.  The linebackers are all good-sized players.  They are led by Johnson, who plays on the edge of the group.   So far in scrimmages, the linebackers haven’t shown a lot of blitzes.  The 5-man secondary aligns in a cover-1 with the other four players matched up man-to-man on the receivers.  The best players in this group are Newell and Scales.

Go Tigers!

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Scrimmage Report – Massillon vs. Cincinnati Moeller

Scrimmage Report – Massillon vs. Cincinnati Moeller

Two of the better teams in Ohio hooked up at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium on this hot Thursday summer day in a final scrimmage before the regular season gets underway next week.  Massillon is always in the mix of the Division II state title chase, whereas Cincinnati Moeller has been tabbed this year as the team to take the crown in Division I.  As expected, it was a physical encounter on a field that was loaded with outstanding athletes on both sides of the ball.  The first units faced each other in game-like conditions for one half of football plus a  second-half possession, with the Tigers coming out on top, 21-14.

Moeller is currently rated 71st in the country by hsratings.com (formerly calpreps.com) and is led by all-everything quarterback Matt Ponatoski, who is ranked No. 18 in America.  In their first two possessions the Crusaders certainly resembled the team that they are expected to become, while taking an early 14-0 lead on drives of 65 and 74 yards.  Ponatoski was hot in the two possessions, completing 5 of 6 passes for 96 yards, including a 12-yard scoring toss.  And the running game was on track as well, covering 48 yards in just eight plays.

But after that the Tigers themselves started looking like the team they will eventually become.  First, the defense began to find itself, after spending those first two series searching for the right defensive linemen.  Eventually, they settled on a group of players that included, at least for this scrimmage, Logan Allman, who began play at middle linebacker.  Massillon then held Moeller in their subsequent four possessions to just 8 carries for 22 yards on the ground.

Mandwel Patterson

Meanwhile, the offense, which struggled to move the ball in its first two possessions, righted the ship behind quarterback Mandwel Patterson.  If Ponatoski was hot, then Mandwel Patterson was even hotter.  He ended up completing 9 of 13 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown, while showing tremendous athleticism when the need arose to escape the pocket and throw on the run.

After Moeller took the 14-0 lead, Massillon drove 65 yards in four plays, with the big one a 69-yard pass to Gio Jackson.  Jackson was well covered, but Patterson delivered the ball right into his outstretched hands.  Jackson secured the ball around the 30 and was just a step better than the defender from there to the end zone.

Following an exchange of punts and a stop of the Crusaders at the 20, the Tigers were on the march again.  This time it took nine plays to cover 80 yards, with Savior Owens powering up the middle of line to score from the four.  During the drive Patterson completed a 34-yard pass to Jackson, with the remaining plays of the short run/pass variety.  The score was now tied at 14 apiece, with the half coming to an end two minutes later.

Massillon opened the second half needing just two plays to score.  After Owens picked up six yards, he next burst through the right side of the line and used his speed to outrace the Moeller secondary and finish a 59-yard scoring run.

Moeller did come right back by moving the ball to the Tiger four.  However, a crucial sack, the sixth of the afternoon, forced them into a field goal attempt, with the kick being missed wide right.   So, the final score for the first units was 21-14 in favor of Massillon.

The Tigers continue to show great potential in the run game, particularly in this one by Savior Owens, with the line starters appearing to be settled as well.  The passing game also showed its wares behind Patterson, along with a host of athletic receivers.  The defense struggled early, particularly against perimeter runs, but improved when the personnel issues were sorted out.  But there were some coverage issues in the secondary that will need to be worked on.  Nevertheless, it was a good outing against what will be a great team down the road.

Final statistics for the first units:

  • Massillon vs. Moeller
  • First downs: 10-9
  • Rushing attempts: 16-20
  • Rushing yards: 91-70
  • Yards per carry: 5.7-3.5
  • Pass completions: 9-8
  • Pass attempts: 13-14
  • Pass yards: 174-155
  • yards per catch: 19.3-19.4
  • Total plays: 29-34
  • Total yards: 265-225
  • Yards per play: 9.1-6.6
  • Penalties: 6-2
  • Penalty yards: 45-10
  • Punts: 2-2
  • Sacks by: 6-2

Following the first unit play the backups finished the remainder of the four quarter event.  Each team scored one touchdown.  For Massillon, quarterback Rasmus Haines hit Joe Pierce in double coverage on a long catch-and-run touchdown pass as time expired.

Tigers will open the 2025 season with a home match with Cleveland Glenville.  The Crusaders will host Cincinnati Princeton.

Photos by Rob Engelhardt

Gareon Conley Inducted into Massillon Tiger Football Hall of…

Gareon Conley, a 2013 WHS graduate, was recently inducted into the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.  During his football career he enjoyed time at all three levels: high school, college and professional.

At Massillon, Conley played three years under Head Coach Jason Hall.  As a junior, he started at cornerback and recorded 25 tackle points and intercepted four passes, one of which was returned for a touchdown.  During his senior year he also played wide receiver, where he was a deep-ball specialist, leading the team with 50 pass receptions for 1,096 yards (21.9 ave.) and scored 16 touchdowns, all Top 10s in the record book.  He also played special teams, returning kickoffs (22.2 ave.).  The squad that year finished with a record of 11-2, while advancing in the state playoffs to the regional finals.  Significant wins were:

  • Steubenville (9-3) 24-7
  • Austintown Fitch (9-2) 34-14
  • Akron St. Vincent (13-2) 44-23
  • Canton McKinley (8-3) 37-29 and 28-19

Following the season, the 6′-2″, 175 lb. Conley was named 1st team All-Ohio at wide receiver.

Gareon Conley Ohio State Buckeyes
Gareon Conley – Ohio State Buckeyes

The 4-star athlete then left for Ohio State, after first committing to the University of Michigan.  Following a redshirt year, Conley became a 3-year starter at cornerback and was a member of OSU’s 2014 national championship team.  As a senior, he was team captain and was named 2nd Team All-Big Ten Conference.  He ended his career by playing in 41 games, where he is credited with 66 solo tackles, 25 assists, 91 total tackles and 6 pass interceptions.

Conley opted to forgo a fifth year at Ohio State and entered the draft early, where he was picked 24th overall in the first round by the Oakland Raiders in the 2017 event.  However, he was hampered by injuries throughout his time in Oakland and was eventually traded in 2019 to the Houston Texans.  The following year he became a free agent.  He finished his career with a 2023 season playing for the DC Defenders of the United Football League.

“It’s a shame that Conley’s NFL career didn’t pan out the way that Ohio State football fans thought it would.  He was still a great Buckeye and his contributions to Ohio State won’t be forgotten.  He was part of some of the best secondaries that the Buckeyes have ever had.”…Scarlet and Game, 2024.

 

Congratulations to Gareon Conley.