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2022 Massillon vs. Cincinnati Moeller Game Statistics

MASSILLON WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

Cincinnati Moeller vs Massillon (Aug 19, 2022)


 

 

Scoring Summary

 

Scoring Summary (Final)
Massillon Washington High School
Cincinnati Moeller vs Massillon (Aug 19, 2022 at Massillon, OH)
Cincinnati Moeller (1-0) vs. Massillon (0-1)

Date: Aug 19, 2022 • Site: Massillon, OH  • Stadium: Paul Brown Tiger  •  Attendance:

Score by Quarters Score 
Cincinnati Moeller  13 16 13 49 
Massillon  10 15 31 
SCORING SUMMARY  MOELLER -MASS  
1st 11:45 MOELLER  Tennel Bryant 20 yd pass from Luke Dunn (Thomas Stines rush failed) 
      1 play, 20 yards, TOP 0:07 6 – 0 
 02:56 MOELLER  Jordan Marshall 1 yd run (Drew Mitchell kick) 
      9 plays, 61 yards, TOP 4:47 13 – 0 
2nd 11:47 MASS  Willtrell Hartson 11 yd run (Nolan Hendricks kick) 
      8 plays, 36 yards, TOP 3:09 13 – 7 
 05:45 MASS  Landon Smith 27 yd field goal 
      8 plays, 60 yards, TOP 3:25 13 – 10 
 02:04 MOELLER  Jordan Marshall 2 yd run (Drew Mitchell kick) 
      8 plays, 65 yards, TOP 3:41 20 – 10 
3rd 09:00 MOELLER  TEAM safety 
       22 – 10 
 08:25 MOELLER  Tennel Bryant 66 yd pass from Luke Dunn (Drew Mitchell kick) 
      2 plays, 62 yards, TOP 0:35 29 – 10 
 06:48 MOELLER  Jordan Marshall 55 yd pass from Luke Dunn (Drew Mitchell kick) 
      1 play, 55 yards, TOP 0:10 36 – 10 
 03:55 MASS  Willtrell Hartson 1 yd run (Nolan Hendricks kick failed) 
      4 plays, 35 yards, TOP 2:53 36 – 16 
4th 11:14 MASS  Willtrell Hartson 1 yd run (Nolan Hendricks kick) 
      10 plays, 73 yards, TOP 3:05 36 – 23 
 10:55 MOELLER  Tennel Bryant 70 yd pass from Luke Dunn (Drew Mitchell kick blockd) 
      1 play, 70 yards, TOP 0:19 42 – 23 
 06:58 MASS  Willtrell Hartson 3 yd run (Willtrell Hartson rush) 
      12 plays, 69 yards, TOP 0:00 42 – 31 
 02:04 MOELLER  Jordan Marshall 6 yd run (Drew Mitchell kick) 
      10 plays, 56 yards, TOP 0:20 49 – 31 
Kickoff time: 7:00 PM  • End of Game: 9:55 PM  • Total elapsed time: 2:55
Referee: Mike Dame  •  Umpire: Rocky Neale  •  Linesman: Andy Okulovich  •  Line judge: Bill Pelka  •  Back judge: Josh Jameyson  •  Field judge: Tim Maddocks  •  Scorer: Jim Barkan Sr  •
Temperature: 81 F  • Wind: light  • Weather: clear sky

 

 

Team Statistics

 

Team Statistics (Final)
Massillon Washington High School
Cincinnati Moeller vs Massillon (Aug 19, 2022 at Massillon, OH)

 Team Totals MOELLER MASS 
FIRST DOWNS 16 21 
   Rushing 
   Passing 
   Penalty 
NET YARDS RUSHING 168 142 
   Rushing Attempts 35 36 
   Average Per Rush 4.8 3.9 
   Rushing Touchdowns 
   Yards Gained Rushing 176 170 
   Yards Lost Rushing 28 
NET YARDS PASSING 332 165 
   Completions-Attempts-Int 15-21-0 13-35-1 
   Average Per Attempt 15.8 4.7 
   Average Per Completion 22.1 12.7 
   Passing Touchdowns 
TOTAL OFFENSE YARDS 500 307 
   Total offense plays 56 71 
   Average Gain Per Play 8.9 4.3 
Fumbles: Number-Lost 0-0 1-1 
Penalties: Number-Yards 14-129 2-40 
PUNTS-YARDS 3-95 4-88 
   Average Yards Per Punt 31.7 22.0 
   Net Yards Per Punt 30.0 21.2 
   Inside 20 
   50+ Yards 
   Touchbacks 
   Fair catch 
KICKOFFS-YARDS 8-380 4-218 
   Average Yards Per Kickoff 47.5 54.5 
   Net Yards Per Kickoff 25.8 31.8 
   Touchbacks 
Punt returns: Number-Yards-TD 1-3-0 1–15-0 
   Average Per Return 3.0 -15.0 
Kickoff returns: Number-Yds-TD 4-91-0 6-154-0 
   Average Per Return 22.8 25.7 
Interceptions: Number-Yds-TD 1-0-0 0-0-0 
Fumble Returns: Number-Yds-TD 0-0-0 0-0-0 
Miscellaneous Yards 42 
Possession Time 20:12 23:38 
   1st Quarter  6:49  5:11 
   2nd Quarter  6:32  5:28 
   3rd Quarter  4:17  7:43 
   4th Quarter  2:34  5:16 
Third-Down Conversions 7 of 13 8 of 15 
Fourth-Down Conversions 0 of 1 0 of 1 
Red-Zone Scores-Chances 3-4 5-6 
Sacks By: Number-Yards 1-23 0-0 
PAT Kicks 5-6 2-3 
Field Goals 0-0 1-2 

 

 

Individual Statistics

 

Individual Statistics (Final)
Massillon Washington High School
Cincinnati Moeller vs Massillon (Aug 19, 2022 at Massillon, OH)

Cincinnati Moeller
Massillon
RUSHING No. Gain Loss Net TD Lg Avg. 
Jordan Marshall 17 139 139 39 8.2 
Alec Weeder  14 37 32 2.3 
Andrew Robinson 0.0 
Luke Dunn  -1 -1.0 
TEAM  -2 -1.0 
Totals… 35 176 168 39 4.8 
RUSHING No. Gain Loss Net TD Lg Avg. 
Willtrell Hartson 26 127 126 30 4.8 
Jalen Slaughter 41 27 14 17 1.8 
Kyler Wiggins  1.0 
Freddie Leniz Jr 1.0 
Totals… 36 170 28 142 30 3.9 
  
PASSING Cmp-Att-Int Yds TD Long Sack 
Luke Dunn  10-15-0 259 70 
Andrew Robinson 5-6-0 73 42 
Totals… 15-21-0 332 70 
PASSING Cmp-Att-Int Yds TD Long Sack 
Jalen Slaughter 13-34-0 165 44 
Willtrell Hartson 0-1-1 
Totals… 13-35-1 165 44 
RECEIVING No. Yds TD Lg 
Tennel Bryant  230 70 
Alec Weeder  20 16 
Ryan Mechley  18 15 
Jordan Marshall 55 55 
Benjamin Gruber 
Totals… 15 332 70 
RECEIVING No. Yds TD Lg 
Ardell Banks  84 44 
Kyler Wiggins  48 20 
Freddie Leniz Jr 16 11 
Zachary Liebler 11 
Willtrell Hartson 
Totals… 13 165 44 
PUNTING No. Yds Avg Long In20 TB 
Ethan Page  95 31.7 45 
Totals… 95 31.7 45 
  
PUNTING No. Yds Avg Long In20 TB 
Nolan Hendricks 88 29.3 33 
TEAM  0.0 
Totals… 88 22.0 33 
  Punts Kickoffs Intercept 
ALL RETURNS No Yds Lg No Yds Lg No Yds Lg 
Alec Weeder  21 21 
Karson Hobbs  70 34 
Conlin Daniel  
TEAM  
Totals… 91 34 
  
  Punts Kickoffs Intercept 
ALL RETURNS No Yds Lg No Yds Lg No Yds Lg 
Zachary Liebler 93 62 
Ja’Meir Gamble  19 21 
Mylen Lenix  37 37 
Dorian Pringle  
Zahnil Berry  -15 
Totals… -15 154 62 
ALL PURPOSE Rush Rcv KR PR IR Total 
Tennel Bryant  230 230 
Jordan Marshall 139 55 194 
Alec Weeder  32 20 21 73 
Karson Hobbs  70 70 
Ryan Mechley  18 18 
Benjamin Gruber 
TEAM  -2 
Luke Dunn  -1 -1 
Totals… 168 332 91 594 
  
  
ALL PURPOSE Rush Rcv KR PR IR Total 
Willtrell Hartson 126 132 
Zachary Liebler 11 93 104 
Ardell Banks  84 84 
Kyler Wiggins  48 49 
Mylen Lenix  37 37 
Ja’Meir Gamble  19 19 
Freddie Leniz Jr 16 17 
Jalen Slaughter 14 14 
Dorian Pringle  
Zahnil Berry  -15 -15 
Totals… 142 165 154 -15 446 
FIELD GOAL ATTEMPTS 
  
  
FIELD GOAL ATTEMPTS 
Landon Smith 2nd 05:45 27 yards Good 
Nolan Hendricks 2nd 00:14 36 yards Blocked 
KICKOFFS No. Yds TB OB Avg. 
Drew Mitchell  340 48.6 
Brandon Martin  40 40.0 
KICKOFFS No. Yds TB OB Avg. 
Nolan Hendricks 218 54.5 
  
FUMBLES: Cincinnati Moeller-None. Massillon-Ja’Meir Gamble 1-1.

 

 

Drive Chart

 

Drive Chart (Final)
Massillon Washington High School
Cincinnati Moeller vs Massillon (Aug 19, 2022 at Massillon, OH)

  Drive Started Drive Ended Consumed   
Team Qtr Spot Time Obtained Spot Time   How Lost Pl-Yds TOP RZ 
MOELLER  1st M20 11:52  Fumble M00 11:45 TOUCHDOWN 1-20 0:07   
MOELLER  1st C44 10:57  Punt M40 09:02   Punt 6-16 1:55   
MOELLER  1st C39 07:43  Punt M00 02:56 TOUCHDOWN 9-61 4:47 
MOELLER  2nd C20 11:47  Kickoff C25 09:10   Punt 5-5 2:37   
MOELLER  2nd C35 05:45  Kickoff M00 02:04 TOUCHDOWN 8-65 3:41 
MOELLER  2nd M43 00:14  Missed FG M47 00:00   End of half 1–4 0:14   
MOELLER  3rd C38 12:00  Kickoff M03 10:04   Downs 5-59 1:56 
MOELLER  3rd C38 09:00  Kickoff M00 08:25 TOUCHDOWN 2-62 0:35   
MOELLER  3rd C45 06:58  Punt M00 06:48 TOUCHDOWN 1-55 0:10   
MOELLER  3rd C45 03:55  Kickoff C48 02:19   Punt 4-3 1:36   
MOELLER  4th C30 11:14  Kickoff M00 10:55 TOUCHDOWN 1-70 0:19   
MOELLER  4th C44 06:34  Downs C44 06:34   Possession 0-0 0:00   
MOELLER  4th C44 02:24  Possession M00 02:04 TOUCHDOWN 10-56 0:20 
MOELLER  4th C27 01:55  Interception C24 00:00   End of half 3–3 1:55   
  
MASS  1st M22 12:00  Kickoff M20 11:52   Fumble 0–2 0:08   
MASS  1st M20 11:45  Kickoff M23 10:57   Punt 3-3 0:48   
MASS  1st M20 09:02  Punt M36 07:43   Punt 4-16 1:19   
MASS  1st C36 02:56  Kickoff C00 11:47 TOUCHDOWN 8-36 3:09 
MASS  2nd M30 09:10  Punt C10 05:45 FIELD GOAL 8-60 3:25 
MASS  2nd M35 02:04  Kickoff C29 00:14   Missed FG 11-36 1:50 
MASS  3rd M03 10:04  Downs M03 09:00 SAFETY 3-0 1:04   
MASS  3rd M04 08:25  Kickoff M25 06:58   Punt 5-21 1:27   
MASS  3rd C35 06:48  Kickoff C00 03:55 TOUCHDOWN 4-35 2:53 
MASS  3rd M27 02:19  Punt C00 11:14 TOUCHDOWN 10-73 3:05 
MASS  4th M31 06:58  Kickoff C00 06:58 TOUCHDOWN 12-69 0:00 
MASS  4th C46 06:58  Kickoff C44 06:34   Downs 4-2 0:24   
MASS  4th M35 02:04  Kickoff M35 01:55   Interception 1-0 0:09   
  1st 2nd 3rd 4th   1st 2nd     
Cincinnati Moeller  Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr   Half Half   Total 
Time of possession  06:49  06:32  04:17  02:34    13:21  06:51    20:12  
3rd Down Conversions   2/4   2/3   0/2   3/4     4/7   3/6     7/13  
Average field position  M46   C37   C41   C33     C45   C38     C41  
4th Down Conversions   0/0   0/0   0/1   0/0     0/0   0/1     0/1  
  
  1st 2nd 3rd 4th   1st 2nd     
Massillon  Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr   Half Half   Total 
Time of possession  05:11  05:28  07:43  05:16    10:39  12:59    23:38  
3rd Down Conversions   2/4   0/2   2/4   4/5     2/6   6/9     8/15  
Average field position  M31   M32   M24   M40     M31   M31     M31  
4th Down Conversions   0/0   0/0   0/0   0/1     0/0   0/1     0/1  

Drive Chart (By Quarter)

  Drive Started Drive Ended Consumed   
Team Qtr Spot Time Obtained Spot Time   How Lost Pl-Yds TOP RZ 
MASS  1st M22 12:00  Kickoff M20 11:52   Fumble 0–2 0:08   
MOELLER  1st M20 11:52  Fumble M00 11:45 TOUCHDOWN 1-20 0:07   
MASS  1st M20 11:45  Kickoff M23 10:57   Punt 3-3 0:48   
MOELLER  1st C44 10:57  Punt M40 09:02   Punt 6-16 1:55   
MASS  1st M20 09:02  Punt M36 07:43   Punt 4-16 1:19   
MOELLER  1st C39 07:43  Punt M00 02:56 TOUCHDOWN 9-61 4:47 
MASS  1st C36 02:56  Kickoff C00 11:47 TOUCHDOWN 8-36 3:09 
MOELLER  2nd C20 11:47  Kickoff C25 09:10   Punt 5-5 2:37   
  
MASS  2nd M30 09:10  Punt C10 05:45 FIELD GOAL 8-60 3:25 
MOELLER  2nd C35 05:45  Kickoff M00 02:04 TOUCHDOWN 8-65 3:41 
MASS  2nd M35 02:04  Kickoff C29 00:14   Missed FG 11-36 1:50 
MOELLER  2nd M43 00:14  Missed FG M47 00:00   End of half 1–4 0:14   
MOELLER  3rd C38 12:00  Kickoff M03 10:04   Downs 5-59 1:56 
  
MASS  3rd M03 10:04  Downs M03 09:00 SAFETY 3-0 1:04   
MOELLER  3rd C38 09:00  Kickoff M00 08:25 TOUCHDOWN 2-62 0:35   
MASS  3rd M04 08:25  Kickoff M25 06:58   Punt 5-21 1:27   
MOELLER  3rd C45 06:58  Punt M00 06:48 TOUCHDOWN 1-55 0:10   
MASS  3rd C35 06:48  Kickoff C00 03:55 TOUCHDOWN 4-35 2:53 
MOELLER  3rd C45 03:55  Kickoff C48 02:19   Punt 4-3 1:36   
MASS  3rd M27 02:19  Punt C00 11:14 TOUCHDOWN 10-73 3:05 
MOELLER  4th C30 11:14  Kickoff M00 10:55 TOUCHDOWN 1-70 0:19   
  
MASS  4th M31 06:58  Kickoff C00 06:58 TOUCHDOWN 12-69 0:00 
MASS  4th C46 06:58  Kickoff C44 06:34   Downs 4-2 0:24   
MOELLER  4th C44 06:34  Downs C44 06:34   Possession 0-0 0:00   
MOELLER  4th C44 02:24  Possession M00 02:04 TOUCHDOWN 10-56 0:20 
MASS  4th M35 02:04  Kickoff M35 01:55   Interception 1-0 0:09   
MOELLER  4th C27 01:55  Interception C24 00:00   End of half 3–3 1:55   

 

 

Defensive Statistics

 

Defensive Statistics (Final)
Massillon Washington High School
Cincinnati Moeller vs Massillon (Aug 19, 2022 at Massillon, OH)

## Cincinnati Moeller  Solo Ast Total TFL/Yds FF FR-Yds Int-Yds BrUp Blkd Sack/Yds QBH 
46 Joe Ginnetti   6.5  1.0/4   .   .   .  
5  Brandon Martin   3.5  1.0/23   .   .   1.0/23  
33 Alex French   3.5  1.0/1   .   .   .  
7  Conlin Daniel   3.0  .   .   1-0   .  
21 Mitch McNulty   3.0  .   .   .   .  
36 Matthew Seliga   2.5  .   .   .   .  
40 Kyler Paul   2.0  .   .   .   .  
14 Isaiah Summerlin  2.0  .   .   .   .  
1  Cap Davis   1.5  .   .   .   .  
8  Lamont Cox   1.0  .   .   .   .  
96 Drew Mitchell   1.0  .   .   .   .  
86 Andrew Currin   1.0  .   .   .   .  
88 Peyton Wilp   1.0  .   .   .   .  
18 Micah Hendrix-Pitts  1.0  .   1-0   .   .  
22 Benjamin Tinnemeyer  1.0  .   .   .   .  
55 Nick Monahan   1.0  .   .   .   .  
32 Roman Mason   0.5  .   .   .   .  
54 Jacob Cravens   0.5  .   .   .   .  
4  Thomas Stines   0.5  .   .   .   .  
15 Jewett Hayes   0.5  .   .   .   .  
11 Rashad Glenn   0.5  .   .   .   .  
16 Luke Dunn   0.5  .   .   .   .  
3  Karson Hobbs   0.5  .   .   .   .  
TM TEAM   .   .   .   .   .  
## Massillon  Solo Ast Total TFL/Yds FF FR-Yds Int-Yds BrUp Blkd Sack/Yds QBH 
34 Dorian Pringle   6.0  .   .   .   .  
30 Deairre Pringle  5.0  .   .   .   .  
33 Cody Fair   4.0  .   .   .   .  
24 Tyler Hackenbracht  3.5  .   .   .   .  
1  Jaden Welch   2.5  .   .   .   .  
45 M Wright Jr   2.5  1.0/1   .   .   .  
96 Malachi Card   2.0  .   .   .   .  
12 Brandon Carman   2.0  0.5/2   .   .   .  
9  Maverick Clark   2.0  0.5/2   .   .   .  
52 Marcus Moore   1.5  .   .   .   .  
10 Zachary Liebler  1.5  .   .   .   .  
28 Mylen Lenix   1.0  .   .   .   .  
15 Da’Mart Menard   1.0  .   .   .   .  
8  Ma’Taeaun Frazier  1.0  .   .   .   .  
TM TEAM   1.0  .   .   .   .  
19 Kyler Wiggins   1.0  .   .   .   .  
13 Vito McConnell   1.0  .   .   .   .  
17 Freddie Leniz Jr  1.0  .   .   .   .  
51 Evan Sirgo   0.5  .   .   .   .  
14 Kalix Collins   0.5  .   .   .   .  
16 Ryan Page   0.5  .   .   .   .  

 

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Photos From the 2022 Kickoff Rally

WTIG’s Ray Jeske emceed the event.

Head Coach Nate Moore and Senior Co-Captain Marcus Moore

Nikolas Yannayon, Kyle Furbee, Chance O’Neill, Michael Looney and Lo’Quan Young

Jalen Slaghter, Michael Wright Jr., Da’Mari Menard and Bricen Pledgure

Jaden Welch and the unveiling of the Obie statue.

 

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Big Week Ahead for Massillon Football

Big Week Ahead for Massillon Football

It’s the opening week of the 2022 football season and as expected there are lots of happenings this week.  Here’s the schedule:

 

Tuesday

  • The Touchdown Club will hold its first weekly meeting starting at 11:30 am. The guest speaker will be former Massillon Head Coach Jack Rose.  Memberships will be available at the door.
  • The 7th Grade team will play at home against Akron Ellet. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm.

 

Wednesday

  • The 8th Grade team will play at home against Akron Armor. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
  • The Downtown Kickoff Rally will be held at Duncan Plaza.  The “Tiger Growl” will begin at 6:30 pm and the rally will begin at 7:00 pm. Ice cream will be served following the rally, courtesy of the Massillon Museum.
  • The Obie Statue will be unveiled in front of the football mural with the ceremony after the rally.

 

Thursday

  • The Sideliners will eat dinner with the players at 5:30 pm.

 

Friday

  • The Football Hall of Fame and Wall of Champion inductees will be recognized at 6:30 pm on the field prior to the football game.
  • The Massillon varsity will play at home against Cincinnati Moeller. Kickoff is schedule for 7:00 pm.  Note this year’s new start time for homes games.

Saturday

  • The Junior Varsity will play at home against Cleveland St. Ignatius. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 am.
  • The Freshmen will play away against Cincinnati Moeller. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm.

 

Monday

  • The first Booster Club meeting of the year will be held at the High School Auditorium at 7:00 pm.

 

Ongoing

  • The Massillon Museum is featuring an historical display of the Tiger Swing Band in the Paul Brown Museum.
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A Look Back at Past Moeller Games

A Look Back at Past Moeller Games

Massillon has been playing football since 1891, having compiled a win-loss record of 920-297-36, and owning the third most wins of any team in the country.  During that span they have faced 207 different teams and only nine hold a winning edge over the Tigers when at least two games have been played.  They include:

  • Cleveland St. Ignatius (2-12)
  • Cincinnati Moeller (2-10)
  • Massillon Ex-Highs (no longer exists) (2-5)
  • Lorain (0-4)
  • Toledo Scott (0-4)
  • Upper Arlington (2-4)
  • Lakewood St. Edward (3-4)
  • Akron (no longer exists) (0-3)
  • Toledo Whitmer (2-3)

It’s no surprise that Ignatius and Moeller, two Division 1 parochial school powers, are at the top of the list.  Of course, Massillon was never shy about scheduling these teams when they were also in Division 1.

This year’s opening game marks the 13th time the Tigers and Crusaders will face each other.  The first meeting came in 1980 when they met in the Division 1 state finals.  Mike Currence was the coach of the Tigers at that time and lost that one.  He then dropped two more in subsequent years, one of which was also in the D1 state finals.  Coach Lee Owens also tried his luck three times, but did not fair any better.  But his successor, Jack Rose did find some success, winning two of four.  The series continued under Coach Rick Shepas for one more year, yet it was another loss.  Finally, the Tigers were invited to Cincinnati for a classic and Coach Tom Stacey left on the losing end.

But it wasn’t like the games were indicative of the series record.  In most of those losses, Massillon was very competitive.  In fact, in five of the ten setbacks they were in the game going into the fourth quarter and three times still in it at halftime.  And two of those losses could have just as easily been wins.

Moeller achieved prominence under Coach Jerry Faust when they ran the table in 1975 and finished off their first state title with a 14-12 win over Lakewood St. Edward, which was led by Coach Mike Currence.  Currence left after that season and took over the head job at Massillon.  Incidentally, these two coaches will be the honorary captains for the coin toss prior to Friday’s matchup.

Moeller continued its success through the 1982 season, eventually capturing six state titles in a span of nine years.  In 2012 and 2013 they grabbed two more and in 2014 finished a respectable 10-4.  But then the Crusaders fell on hard times, compiling a record of just 24-37 through the 2020 season.  Last year, however, they recaptured the magic, going 11-4 and finishing as Division 1 runner-up, under second-year coach Mark Elder.  This season they hope to parlay that success into a state championship.

Meanwhile, Massillon has reached the state finals six times, three in Division 1 (1980, 1982 and 2005) and three in Division 2 (2018, 2019 and 2020).  They also hope to grab a trophy this year, in Division 2.  So, when these two great programs square off on Friday, it should make for a grand matchup, with another large crowd expected.

Here’s a look back at all the past Massillon-Moeller games.

 

  • Year: 1980
  • Records: Massillon (10-2-1), Moeller (13-0)
  • Coaches: Mike Currence, Gerry Faust
  • Venue: Cincinnati Nippert Stadium (22,751); Division 1 State Finals
  • Score: 7-10 L
  • Game Summary: The Crusaders opened up a 24-0 halftime lead and never looked back. They were led by 6’-2”, 220 lb. running back Mark Brooks, who carried the ball 33 times for 133 yards and scored all four of Moeller’s touchdowns.  While it was the Tigers’ first ever trip to the state finals, the Crusaders were wrapping their fifth title in the last six years.  It was also Coach Gerry Faust’s last game as head coach before heading to Notre Dame to become head coach.

 

  • Year: 1981
  • Records: Massillon (7-3), Moeller (12-1)
  • Coaches: Mike Currence, Ted Bacigalupo
  • Venue: Akron Rubber Bowl (23,950)
  • Score: 6-24 L
  • Game Summary: This one was supposed to be the first-ever meeting between these two schools, but the previous year’s playoff game kind of got in the way. Massillon was down just 10-6 at the half, but two second half touchdowns by the Crusaders put the game out of reach.

 

  • Year: 1982
  • Records: Massillon (12-1), Moeller (13-0)
  • Coaches: Mike Currence, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Ohio Stadium (31,409), Division 1 State Finals
  • Score: 14-35 L
  • Game Summary: Massillon had Chris Spielman and Jim Bushe, while Moeller countered with the speedy running back combo of Da’Juan and Hiawatha Francisco. In the end the Crusader high-powered offense made all the difference, as they rolled up 479 yards.  Although the Tigers were down just 21-14 at intermission, they couldn’t dent the scoreboard in the second half.

 

  • Year: 1989
  • Records: Massillon (10-3), Moeller (11-3)
  • Coaches: Lee Owens, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (16,764)
  • Score: 7-41 L
  • Game Summary: Once again Massillon was in it early, only to fall away in the second half. Massillon was down 14-7 at the half and 21-7 late in the third with a chance to score and close the gap to seven.  But they were stopped on downs deep in Moeller territory.  After that, the Crusaders put up 20 unanswered points and ran away with the win.

 

  • Year: 1990
  • Records: Massillon (8-4), Moeller (9-2)
  • Coaches: Lee Owens, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (16,764)
  • Score: 23-24 L
  • Game Summary: A first-ever victory in-hand was taken away by a blown referee call at the end of the game. The well-played contest was even throughout with Massillon owning a 23-17 lead with less than a minute remaining.  For Moeller, it was fourth down in their own territory and a desperation pass bounced on the ground ahead of the receiver.  Only, the referee ruled the pass complete and a close first down measurement gave the Crusaders new life.  So, they cashed in on the subsequent play with a 39-yard Hail Mary pass to tie the score.  The successful PAT then gave the Crusaders the win.

 

  • Year: 1991
  • Records: Massillon (10-3), Moeller (6-4)
  • Coaches: Lee Owens, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Mason Galbreath Field (10,600)
  • Score: 13-27 L
  • Game Summary: What started out as a stellar year with a 3-0 start, with Travis McGuire and Falando in the backfield, quickly turn sour during this crucial road game. McGuire scored first on a 42-yard run and then the Tigers forced Moeller to punt.  Massillon also had to punt on their next possession.  But the snap was fumbled and Moeller turned that miscue into a score.  It seemed to swing the momentum in the Crusaders’ favor.  Nevertheless, the Tigers held a 13-12 halftime lead and were down just 20-13 at the end of three.  But they just couldn’t make it all the way back.

 

  • Year: 1992
  • Records: Massillon (5-5), Moeller (7-3)
  • Coaches: Jack Rose, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (16,762)
  • Score: 14-24 L
  • Game Summary: Once again Massillon was in the game for three quarters only to lose it at the end. It was Moeller’s seventh win over the Tigers in as many tries.

 

  • Year: 1995
  • Records: Massillon (7-3), Moeller (5-5)
  • Coaches: Jack Rose, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (15,394)
  • Score: 21-18 W
  • Game Summary: Massillon finally got over the top with a victory. In the first half, Vinnie Turner scored two touchdowns, while his team held Moeller to just a field goal.  The third quarter played out evenly and the Tigers were now leading 21-11.  So, the question for everyone was: would Massillon once again fold against Moeller in the fourth.  Not this time!  The Crusaders were held to just one score.  Turner ended up rushing 25 times for 200 yards and scored three touchdowns, accounting for more than 75% of the Tigers’ total offense.

 

  • Year: 1996
  • Records: Massillon (9-2), Moeller (9-3)
  • Coaches: Jack Rose, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (13,102)
  • Score: 20-15 W
  • Game Summary: The Tigers were ahead 13-12 going into the fourth quarter, when Massillon’s Dave Hodgson ripped off a 74-yard touchdown run to put the Tigers ahead 20-12.  The defense then stiffened, holding the Crusaders to a 46-yard field goal to end the scoring.

 

  • Year: 1997
  • Records: Massillon (7-3), Moeller (12-2)
  • Coaches: Jack Rose, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Cincinnati Nippert Stadium (6,074)
  • Score: 24-28 L
  • Game Summary: This is another one that got away. And the loss may have cost Jack Rose his job.  Massillon, playing on the road, opened up a 21-7 lead by the end of the third quarter and was completely dominating Moeller up to that point.  But the game turned quickly after that.  It started with a Crusader 77-yard touchdown pass and never got any better as the Tigers were outscored 21-3 the rest of the way.

 

  • Year: 1998
  • Records: Massillon (4-6), Moeller (7-3)
  • Coaches: Rick Shepas, Steve Klonne
  • Venue: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (11,518)
  • Score: 10-35 L
  • Game Summary: A young Massillon team under new coach Rick Shepas kept it close in the first half, trailing just 8-7. But the better team prevailed in the second half.  It also convinced those in charge that a school whose enrollment was shrinking should not be playing those Division 1 parochial schools.  Thus ended the series at eleven games.  At least for eight years.

 

  • Year: 2006
  • Records: Massillon (7-5), Moeller (5-5)
  • Coaches: Tom Stacey, Bob Crable
  • Venue: Cincinnati Paul Brown Stadium (10,000) in the Cincinnati Prep Classic
  • Score: 14-48 L
  • Game Summary: Coming off a Division 1 state final appearance where they lost a close one to Cincinnati St. Xavier, Massillon was game for another shot at a big parochial school. But it turned into a rout early with Moeller up 24-0 after the first quarter.  The first two scores came via a 49-yard punt return and a 50-yard interception return.  In fact, the Tigers turned it over four times in this one.  And that was it for the series until this year’s opener.

 

 

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Massillon vs. Akron Buchtel Scrimmage Results

Massillon vs. Akron Buchtel Scrimmage Results

The Tigers and Griffins squared off in the second and final scrimmage prior to next week’s season opener, with Massillon coming out on top in one half of action, 14-2.  The JV teams then got after it in the second half and the Tigers prevailed, 21-0.  Game conditions were played throughout the four quarters of play.

Massillon scored on its opening possession by driving 65 yards, culminating in a 10-yard toss sweep TD by Willtrell Hartson.  Nolan Hendricks tacked on the extra point.  And that was all the scoring for the local team until the final minutes of the half when Jalen Slaughter connected with wide receiver Ardell Banks on a 34-yard touchdown pass.  In between the two scores, the offense sputtered with both the run and the pass during three consecutive possessions, which all ended in punts.  But give some credit to a much-improved, very athletic Buchtel defense that played inspired football all night.  Hartson ran the ball 12 times for 76 yards (6.3 ave.).  Slaughter completed 10 of 19 passes for 109 yards.

On the other side of the ball the Tiger defense was simply stifling, holding the Griffins to just 38 yards of total offense, 21 on the ground and 17 in the air, on 19 plays.  And Buchtel was forced to punt on each possession.  Of course, it didn’t help that the Griffin quarterback was off target most of the night and completed just two of twelve passes, including an errant throw to Massillon’s Adonis Marshall.

Buchtel’s lone score came after the Tigers mistakenly fair caught a punt at their own five yard line.  Hartson appeared to get his team out of the hole with a 15-yard run, but it was negated by a holding penalty.  That was followed by two consecutive jet sweeps.  Only, the first one lost ten yards when the runner tried to reverse his field and the second never made it out of the end zone, resulting in a safety.

The scrimmage also involved liberal substitutions, at least on the Massillon side.  And those player mistakes normally seen during scrimmages.  Nevertheless, the Tigers have lots to work on before they entertain Cincinnati Moeller in next week’s opener.  This is particularly true for the offense line, which will need to develop into a more effective unit in one week’s time.  And for the passing game, which misfired on many solid opportunities.

Statistics (1st half only)

Massillon – Akron Buchtel

  • First downs: 10 – 2
  • Rushing attempts: 23 – 7
  • Rushing yards: 126 – 21
  • Yards per rush: 5.5 – 3.0
  • Pass completions: 10 – 2
  • Pass attempts: 19 – 17
  • Pass yards: 109 – 17
  • Yards per pass completion: 10.9 – 8.5
  • Total plays: 42 – 19
  • Total yards: 235 – 38
  • Yards per play: 5.6 – 2.0

Scoring

Massillon

  • Willtrell Hartson 10-yard run
  • Ardell Banks 34-yard pass from Jalen Slaughter

Buchtel

  • Safety – tackle in the end zone

JV Scoring

  • Mylen Lenix 10-yard run
  • Peytton Mitchell 3-yard run
  • Bricen Pledgure 40-yard pass interception return
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Touchdown Club to Begin Weekly Gatherings

Touchdown Club to Begin Weekly Gatherings

The Touchdown Club is an open adult booster group that meets every Tuesday during the season at the Massillon Eagles Club. The club was formed in 1950 during the regime of Coach Chuck Mather.

The meetings are a lunchtime affair and members receive from the Head Coach reviews of past games and scouting reports of upcoming opponents.  Team captains are also in attendance to provide their own insight.  Occasionally, the meetings are enhanced with guest speakers.

At the end of the season, the club honors one of the players with the “Bob Commings Memorial Hardnose Award.”

The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 16, at 11:30 am with the speaker event beginning around noon. The guest speaker that week will be former Massillon Head Coach Jack Rose.

Membership for the season is $25.00 and the cost for lunch is $10.00 each week.  Guests are welcome for their first visit; following that they will need to pay the membership fee.

At the first meeting the club will feature a guest speaker.  Then Coach Moore will talk about the Massillon Tigers, plus give a preview of our Week 1 opponent, Cincinnati Moeller.

See you there.

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Massillon and Avon Begin Season Prep with an Opening…

Massillon and Avon Begin Season Prep with an Opening Scrimmage

The OHSAA permits three weeks of full contact practice before the first game and local teams are now just one week into that process.  Two scrimmages are allowed and Massillon’s first one, traditionally with the Avon Eagles, is now in the books.  Who knows what these teams will look like once the season gets underway, let along by the time the playoffs roll in.  But these two Division II powerhouses at least gave some indications as to what their strengths will be down the road.

For Avon, it is the passing game, which is usually the case.  And on this day, they got somewhat the better of the Tigers, moving the ball consistently down the field throughout the match.  Their quarterback was very accurate in hitting short and medium passes to receivers that were running their routes well.  And the Eagles also showed the poise of an experienced team.

Massillon, on the other hand, came out with a very balanced run-pass attack and substituted liberally.  Although they struggled early on both offense and defense, they seemed to find a better pace, at least offensively, as the scrimmage wore on.  Returning sophomore Jalen Slaughter showed improvement from last year with his handling of the quarterback duties, moving in the pocket well, hitting his receivers and knowing when to bail.  And that final trait may turn out to be a real asset down the road.  Willtrell Hartson is, well, Willtrell.  Except that he is a much more powerful runner this year, as demonstrated by his ability to break tackles throughout the scrimmage.  As did Dorian Pringle.  Wide receiver Ardell Banks also had a very good showing.  Defensively, the Tigers were stingy against the run, but pass defense was another story.  Of course, neither team was game-planning and again it was just the first scrimmage.  But the overall assessment of Massillon is that of a young but talented team that needs field experience before it will shine.  But it will shine.

The first part of the scrimmage involved the offense starting at its own 35 with ten plays in the pocket.  Avon’s possessions went like this:

  • Short touchdown pass.
  • 35-yard touchdown pass.

Massillon:

  • 55-yard pass completion to Banks to the five yard line.  One play left in the series.  Vinny Keller kicked a 21-yard field goal.
  • 25-yard “jail break” pass to Banks to the six yard line.  Mylen Lenix scored from the three.  Keller kicked the PAT.

In the second part each team ran several series starting at the opponent’s 25.  Avon:

  • 2-yard touchdown pass.
  • 32-yard field goal.

Massillon:

  • 21-yard screen pass to Willtrell Hartson for a touchdown.  PAT missed.
  • 19-yard field goal.

In part three, each team started at the opponent’s ten.  Avon:

  • 10-yard touchdown pass.
  • 3-yard touchdown pass.
  • 29-yard field goal.

Massillon:

  • 1-yard touchdown run by Dorian Pringle.  Keller PAT.
  • Another 1-yard touchdown run by Dorian Pringle.  Keller PAT.

The scrimmage wrapped up with  special teams punting and field goal practice.

Massillon on  defense.  No. 10 is Zach Liebler.  No. 52 is Marcus Moore.  No. 34 is Dorian Pringle.  No. 1 is Jaden Welch.

Jalen Slaughter passes down field.  No. 77 is Michel Mercurio.

Ardell Banks catches the long bomb and carries it to five.

Willtrell Hartson runs the outside zone for good yardage.  No. 75 is Michael Looney.  No. 52 is Marcus Moore.

Overthrown Avon pass.  Good coverage by the Massillon defender.

Ardell Banks on the “break pass” reception is headed for the end zone.

Vinny Keller connects on a 21-yard field goal  No. 14 is Kalix Collins.

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Football Is In the Air

Football Is In the Air

It’s full pads and hitting this week as the Massillon Tigers continue their preparation for their 2022 season.  In just two weeks time the Tigers will host Cincinnati Moeller in a high-powered opener.  But first they need to manage a couple of scrimmages, with both slated for the friendly confines of Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.  On Saturday at 11:30 am, Massillon will entertain Avon in a match that has become a tradition over the past few years.  Both teams have aspirations of winning their respective playoff regions and moving onto the state semifinals.  The following Friday at 7:00 pm Akron Buchtel will pay a house call as the Griffins they strive to regain the top spot in the Akron City Series.  Meanwhile, please enjoy the photos of Thursday’s practice.

Massillon vs. Moeller Headlines First Week of Action

Massillon vs. Moeller Headlines First Week of Action

Some of the best high school football in Ohio this year will occur in Week 1, with many games involving some of the best teams in state, if not the country.  Massillon typically, at least under Head Coach Nate Moore, has opened the season against a powerhouse.  This time it’s Cincinnati Moeller.  A huge crowd is expected and the game is sure to grab state-wide attention.  Below is a rundown of this one and some of the other top games around the state.

Massillon at Cincinnati Moeller – The Tigers are one of the best teams in Division 2, while the Crusaders are one of the best in Division 1, so this one presents an intriguing matchup.  Last year Massillon (11-3) finished as regional runner-up after playing in three consecutive state finals.  But this year, with a wealth of skill talent on hand, the finals are once again within reach.  Meanwhile, Moeller (11-4) has experienced a recent resurgence and they advanced last year to the state semifinals before losing to Springfield (13-2), 22-21.  With a host of talent returning, their goal is surely to grab the top prize away from Lakewood St. Edward, a team they defeated on the road last year.  The Crusaders own a 10-2 advantage over the Tigers in an on-and-off series that began in 1980.  Twice they met in the state finals, 1980 in Cincinnati and 1982 at Ohio State Stadium, with Moeller winning both.  The two Massillon wins came in 1995 (21-18) and 1996 (20-15) under Coach Jack Rose.  The Tigers almost grabbed a third in 1990 under Coach Lee Owens.  Unfortunately, an incomplete pass on fourth down was ruled a catch and the Crusaders scored the winning points on the very next play with just seconds left.  This game is a chance for Massillon to make a statement about this year’s team, while Moeller can use a victory as a springboard to another successful campaign.

Canton McKinley at Mentor – The Bulldogs will play in a hostile environment for the first of six road games.  Last year McKinley finished 8-5, with a 49-7 loss to the Cardinals (5-6), while working under a new coaching staff and system.  But this Bulldog team is expected to be much improved.  So, this time around the game may be much closer, if not go the other way.

Toledo Central Catholic at Lakewood St. Edward – Last year the Eagles (15-1) bested the Irish (11-3), 33-10.  Can Central make a game of it this year and perhaps find that elusive signature win?

Springfield at Cleveland St. Ignatius – Springfield (13-2) got off to a fine start last year by defeating the Wildcats (8-5), 24-20.  Then, they nearly ran the table, losing by one point to Miamisburg and 23-13 to St. Edward in the state finals.

Cincinnati St. Xavier at Lakota West – St. X has been dominating the Greater Catholic League of late, while West has been the force in the Greater Miami Conference.  Last year these two met in the regular season opener and the Bombers (10-3) came out on top of their 11-2 opponent, 31-14.  But in the playoffs, West turned the tables with a 12-2 victory, only to lose to Moeller 21-17 the following week.

Cincinnati LaSalle at Cincinnati Colerain – Both teams struggled through their seasons last year, with LaSalle finishing 7-6 and Colerain, 5-6.  But this year is a chance for both teams to right the ship.  Colerain hopes to reverse a 20-14 setback from last year.

Cincinnati Elder at Covington Catholic, KY – Last season the Panthers (6-6) defeated Covington (7-3), 28-6.  But this time the game is in Kentucky.

Walsh Jesuit at Cleveland Benedictine – It took two overtimes last year to find a winner, with the Bennies (8-3) coming out on top of the Warriors (11-3), 35-34.  Will this one be more of the same?

Other Games to Keep an Eye On:

  • Warren Harding at Medina
  • Solon at Hudson
  • Wadsworth at Barberton
  • Toledo St. John’s at Dublin Coffman
  • Upper Arlington at Reynoldsburg
  • Dover at Mentor Lake Catholic
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Several Top Athletes Will Face the Tigers this Year

Several Top Athletes Will Face the Tigers this Year

Every high school football team has a few good players that stand above the rest and lead their teams to whatever success they can achieve.  One website that attempts to identify these athletes is 247sports.com, which ranks players across the country. Below are the ranked players from Massillon and those from the teams the Tigers will or may face this year.  The ranking numbers correspond to Ohio’s composite list, without regard to playing position:

Massillon

  • No. 26, Class of 2023 – Ardell Banks – wide receiver, 6′-4″, 180
  • No. 35,  Class of 2023 – Willtrell Hartson – running back, 5′-9″, 200
  • Not ranked, Class of 2025 – Jalen Slaughter – quarterback (ranked by cleveland.com)

Avon

  • No. 3 Class of 2024 – Luke Hamilton – offensive tackle, 6′-5″, 290

Cincinnati Moeller

  • No. 32, Class of 2023 – Tennel Bryan – wide receiver, 5′-10″, 162
  • No. 87, Class of 2023 – Isaiah Summerlin – safety, 6′-3″, 186
  • No. 103, Class of 2023 – Mattew Seliga – safety, 5′-11″, 180
  • No. 107, Class of 2023 – Peyton Wilp – defensive lineman, 6′-2″, 275
  • No. 115, Class of 2023 – Joe Ginnotti – linebacker, 6′-2″, 225
  • No. 3, Class of 2024 – Jordon Marshall – running back, 5′-10″, 205
  • No. 27, Class of 2024 – Karson Hobbs – cornerback, 6′-1″, 180

GlenOak

  • None

Mansfield

  • No. 88, Class of 2023 – Mekhi Bradley – linebacker, 6′-0″, 225

Warren Harding

  • No. 22, Class of 2024 – Ryan Powell – running back, 6′-1″, 215

Lakewood St. Edward

  • No. 22, Class of 2023 – Michael Kilbane – edge rusher, 6′-4″, 240
  • No. 43, Class of 2023 – Wyatt Gedeon – linebacker, 6′-1″, 235
  • No. 9 – Class of 2024 – Ben Roebuck – offensive tackle, 6′-7″, 320

Austintown Fitch

  • No. 41, Class of 2023 – Cam Smith – athlete, 5′-11″, 184
  • No. 101, Class of 2023 – Jamell James – running back, 5′-11″, 215
  • No. 10, Class of 2024 – Brian Robinson – edge rusher, 6′-4″, 230

Middletown, Delaware

  • None ranked in Delaware

Canisius, New York

  • None ranked in New York

Canton McKinley

  • None

Big Walnut

  • No. 8, Class of 2024 – Garett Stover – athlete, 6′-2″, 195

Cincinnati Winton Woods

  • No. 10, Class of 2023 – Jermaine Mathews – athlete, 6′-0″, 175
  • No. 15, Class of 2023 – Cameron Calhoun – cornerback, 6′-2″, 175
  • No. 43, Class of 2023 – Trey Cornist – running back, 5′-11, 209
  • No. 88, Class of 2023 – KC Spears – athlete, 5′-10″, 190
  • No. 104, Class of 2023 – Lorenzo Hudson – safety, 6′-3″, 170
  • No. 110, Class of 2023 – James Minor – running back, 5′-10″, 200
  • Not ranked, Class of 2025 – Raphael Green – offensive lineman (cleveland.com)

Toledo Central

  • No. 45, Class of 2023 – Braden Awis – athlete, 6′-0″, 180

Akron Hoban

  • No. 20, Class of 2024 – Jackai Long – quarterback, 6′-2″, 195
  • Not ranked, Class of 2025 – Micah Rice – safety