Scrimmage Preview: Massillon vs. Cincinnati Moeller

Scrimmage Preview: Massillon vs. Cincinnati Moeller

Massillon will entertain Cincinnati Moeller this Thursday at 2:00 pm for the second of two scrimmages as they continue preparation for the 2025 football season. The Crusaders come in fresh off a Division I state finals appearance in last year’s playoffs, in which they lost to Olentangy Liberty, 28-14.

Moeller, under Head Coach Gerry Faust, burst onto the Ohio high school football scene in 1975 with a 14-12 victory over Lakewood St. Edward in the state finals and enjoyed great success for several years thereafter (Eds at the time was led by Mike Currence, who incidentally left the following year for Massillon). The Crusaders went on to capture the state title six more times through 1985, up to when Cleveland St. Ignatius took over the limelight. However, Moeller did win two more titles since then, in 2012 and 2013.

But two years later the program slipped drastically, recording just one winning record in a span of six years, with a win-loss mark of just 22-36. Fortunately, they found two coaches that could right the ship in Mark Elder (2020-22) and Bert Bathiany, the current coach. Under this pair Moeller has resurged and won four consecutive regional championships through last season. Locally, Bathiany started his tenure there with a 49-31 road victory over Massillon.

The Crusaders are led by all-everything quarterback Matt Ponatoski. Last season he led his team to a 14-2 record, while losing in the state finals to Liberty. In that game he completed 16 of 30 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 34 yards. But for the season, he completed 281 of 405 passes (69%) for 4,217 yards (15.0 yds. ave.) and 57 touchdowns. He also rushed for another nine TDs. Following the season he was named both Ohio’s Division I Player of Year and Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year.

He was also a standout shortstop in baseball, batting .462, while helping his team to a 25-4 record and a spot in the regional finals. Ponatoski was named 1st Team All-Ohio and once again honored by Gatorade as the POY.

Coming into his senior year, the 6’-2”, 190 lb. Ponatoski is rated as the No. 18 quarterback in America (also the No. 16 shortstop in America). He also committed to Kentucky over Oregon, Alabama, Arkansas and Cincinnati to further his career, with opportunities to participate in both football and baseball. Of course, Moeller this year is the pre-season pick to win the Division I state title.

Also for the Crusaders, keep an eye on the following players, all of whom were named 1st Team All Greater Catholic League (GCL) last season:

• Senior running back Tyler Josleyn (5’-9”, 185)
• Senior tight end Cooper McCutchan (6’-4”, 230), a North Carolina recruit
• Senior linebacker Conner Cuozzo (6’-1”, 220)
• Senior defensive lineman Christian Harris (6’-1”, 270)
• Senior defensive back Ricky Thomas (6’-1”, 185)

Coach Bethiany was named GCL Coach of the Year.

Massillon and Moeller have met each other in scrimmage action the past two years in very competitive matches, with both played in Cincinnati. In 2023 the Tigers, during their championship run, came out on top 21-7. And last year they bested the Crusaders in a close one, 10-7. This should be another interesting matchup and maybe a pretty good show as well.

Scrimmage Report: Massillon vs. Avon

Scrimmage Report: Massillon vs. Avon

Scrimmage No. 1 is in the books.  Over the past several years Massillon and Avon have met in the first scrimmage to gauge the progress of the teams following just a few days of contact practice.  While the Eagles have the distinction of being the defending Division II champions, with the Tigers having captured the crown the previous year, both are shells of themselves at this point.  But it certainly won’t stay that way as each is expected to challenge for the state title this year.

Throughout the contest the two teams had success with what they do best.  For Massillon this year it is the ground game, behind two stellar running backs in junior returnee Savior Owens and senior newcomer Anthony McMullen Jr.  Owens runs like his older brother Da’One and McMullen appears to emulate the skills of Dorian Pringle, both of whom were major contributors on the 2023 championship team.

The passing game, however, is a far cry at this point from what will be needed against formidable opponents, while Coach Nate Moore searches for his starting quarterback from the group of senior Eli Moore, junior Mandwel Patterson and sophomore Rasmus Haines.  But it wasn’t necessarily a good venue for the competition in that Avon blitzed on nearly every play, while the Tigers never game plan for a scrimmage.  With the blitz the QBs just didn’t have a lot of time to set up and throw.  On a positive note, each QB showed that they can run effectively with the ball.

But all of that should be tempered with the facts that Massillon didn’t run any RPOs, didn’t throw any deep balls, ran a basic defense and substituted liberally.  It was more about finding the right player fits and evaluating the individual play execution than finding the right score.

Meanwhile, Avon, of course, throws the ball.  And they do it fairly well.  In fact, it’s the bread and butter of their offense.  But the orange and black held their own for the most part.

The first session of the scrimmage involved 10-play series, with no extra plays inside the red zone.  In essence, run ten plays and then get off the field.  Each team had two tries.

Avon went first and advanced the ball from their own 35 to the Massillon 20, aided by at least thirty yards in penalties.  It appeared that the Tigers were just a bit overanxious to get to it early on;. it was much better as the event went on.  From there the Eagles converted 37-yard field goal.

The Massillon offense then took its turn, with Patterson at quarterback, but gained just three yards and punted.  On the start-over they advanced to the Avon 47 before running out of plays.  Quarterbacking was shared by Haines and Moore.

Avon scored on their second try on a 22-yard run, only it was against the Tiger backups.  With a few plays remaining, they moved to the Massillon 33 and missed on a 50-yard field goal attempt.

Patterson started at QB on the second series and was replaced by Haines midway through the drive.  The run game really kicked into gear in this one, displaying good speed and physicality.  With a pass or two sprinkled in, the Tigers moved the ball from their own 35 to the Avon 20, before Haines rifled a pass to Deontay Malone at the seven.  Malone snagged the ball and then scored after first eluding a potential tackler with a nifty fake.

In the second session, each team started at the opponent’s 25 and had just five plays to see what they could do.  Two series apiece.

Avon in series one scored on a 14-yard touchdown pass to a well-covered receiver, who simply made a great catch.  With a play remaining, a 15-yard pass was intercepted by a diving Braylon Gamble.

Massillon in series one, with Patterson at QB, went immediately to the air.  Only, the pass was just over the hands Gio Jackson, who had beaten his cover guy and was sprinting across the middle of the end zone.  Subsequently, a 22-yard field goal attempt was wide.

Avon scored in series two on a 3-yard run against several Massillon defensive backups.  With a play remaining, they missed on a 42-yard field goal attempt.

Moore was in at quarterback for series two.  He did complete a 25-yard touchdown pass while sprinting to the sideline, but the referee blew the whistle to stop the play while the ball was in the air, since he judged that the QB had timed out.  And, although the Tigers then moved the ball inside the ten, a 15-yard penalty took away the favorable field position.  At the end, a 32-yard field goal was missed.

The best takeaway from the scrimmage was the speed and power of the Tiger run game.  But as far as a starting quarterback goes, we will need to wait for the coach to make the call.  None really stood out on this day.  Defensively, the talent is certainly there.  And don’t expect the Tigers to use a “basic defense” once the regular season begins.  Special teams will need some work.  Short snaps were inconsistent, which affected the kickers greatly.  Punt snaps were a bit slow.  And punts were variable.  Kickoffs were OK.

The JV teams ran three 10-play series each, but neither scored, although they each moved the ball fairly well at times.

Massillon will take the field next against Cincinnati Moeller in a home scrimmage scheduled for next Thursday at 2:00 pm.

Antonio James Inducted into Massillon Tiger Football Hall of…

Antonio James Inducted into Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame

Antonio James, from the Class of 2006, played on the defensive line for three years under Head Coaches Rick Shepas and Tom Stacy.  As a team captain during his senior year the team finished with a record of 13-2, with James recording 43.5 tackle points, 11 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 quarterback sacks, 5 pass breakups and forced 3 fumbles, all good enough to be named 1^st Team All-Ohio.  In the playoffs the Tigers defeated Canton McKinley in the regional finals and Lakewood St. Edward in the state semifinals, only to lose to Cincinnati St. Xavier in the finals the following week.

Following Massillon James played four years at the University of Illinois, seeing action in 46 games as a defensive lineman, where he posted 20 solos, 20 assists, 40 total tackles and 2.5 sacks.  Then it was off to the coaching ranks, with the following stops:

• Urbana High School (2011-13): defensive line and outside linebackers
• University of Michigan, graduate assistant (2014-16): defensive line
• Morgan State (2018-21): defensive coordinator and co-special teams coordinator
• Southern Illinois (2022): defensive line coach, 2022
• Southern Illinois (2023-24): assistant head coach and defensive coordinator
• University of Illinois (current): assistant defensive line coach

In 2017 James was named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Under 30 Coaches’ Leadership Institute.

Congratulations to Antonio James.

Don and Mary Lou Wilton Inducted into Massillon Tiger…

Don and Mary Lou Wilton Inducted into Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame

Don and Mary Lou Wilton, who both graduated from high school in 1962, were honored in celebration of their many years of service to the Massillon Football Booster Club.  Many examples exist where their contributions have made significant impacts on both the Club and the lives of the Tiger players.

Don was a Booster Club vice president in 1988 and ‘89, and then president in 1990.  And Mary Lou was named president just this year, after serving as vice president during the previous three terms.  She also holds the distinction of being the first woman president of the club as well as the first woman member of the Club’s Junior Board.

The two were instrumental in raising funds for construction of the stadium east press box and then for many years managing that facility on game nights.  Mary Lou also served as Booster Club Membership Chairman and hospitality chairman for the state playoff games.

Ben Mast Inducted into Massillon Tiger Football Hall of…

Ben Mast Inducted into Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame

Ben Mast played for the Massillon varsity in 1995 and ‘96 as an offensive lineman, under Head Coach Jack Rose.  He was an imposing figure, standing 6’-4” and weighing 275 lbs.

In his junior season the Tigers went 7-3.   However, they did record a 21-18 win over Cincinnati Moeller, which was Massillon’s first ever win over the national power.

During his senior year, as a co-captain, his team defeated 7-2 Walsh Jesuit, 7-2 Naperville, Illinois, and 9-3 Cincinnati Moeller.  In addition, the team downed eventual state champion Lima Senior during the regular season, 28-14.  The Tigers finished the year with a 9-2 record, while losing 7-6 to Brunwick in a 2nd round playoff game, during which seven inches of snow was deposited on the Akron Rubber Bowl turf.  Post-season, our inductee was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.

Next up was a 5-year career at the University of Michigan, which he selected over Ohio State, not being a big fan of current head coach John Cooper.  Playing at 6′-4″, 297 lbs., he saw action on the offensive line in 29 games, while experiencing four bowl games, two Big Ten titles and one national championship.  He also had an opportunity to block for quarterback Tom Brady.

• 1997 – Redshirted; 12-0 record; National Champions; AP No. 1; won 21-16 over No. 1 Washington State in the Rose Bowl
• 1998 – Played in 5 games; 10-3 record; tied for the Big Ten Championship; AP No. 12; won 45-31 over No. 11 Arkansas in the Florida Citris Bowl
• 1999 – Played in 12 games; 10-2 record; tied for 2nd in the Big Ten; AP No. 5; won 35-34 o.t. over No. 5 Alabama in the Orange Bowl
• 2000 – Played in 5 games; 9-3 record; tied for the Big Ten Championship; AP No. 11; won 31-28 over No. 20 Auburn in the Florida Citris Bowl
• 2001 – Played in 7 games; 8-4 record; 2nd in the Big Ten; AP No. 20; lost 45-17 to No. 8 Tennessee in the Florida Citris Bowl

During his final year Mast suffered a knee injury in the Week 2 game against Washington when he was clipped while running down a Washington player after a blocked punt.  Unfortunately, that hampered his playing time for the remainder of the season.  Otherwise, he was looking at potentially being selected in the 2nd or 3rd round of the NFL draft.  At the advice of NFL scouts, he played for the Detroit Fury of arena football in order to test the knee.  However,  he was hurt again and elected then to retire from football.

Ben is currently a plant supervisor for Alro Steel in Wooster.

“Beat” Signs Are Available for Your Home Use

“Beat” Signs Are Available for Your Home Use

Each year the Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club prints colorful signs that are displayed in local store windows urging the Tigers to beat the opponent for that particular week.  Those signs are now available to Tiger fans free of charge.  Stop by Liberty Printing and pick up a complete set of signs covering all the games for the season and show your support.  Go Tigers!

Don Snavely Inducted into Massillon Tiger Football Hall of…

Don Snavely Inducted into Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame

Don Snavely, a 1938 graduate, was recently inducted into the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.  Snavely was an offensive center and middle linebacker for Coach Paul Brown from 1935 to 1937.  During his sophomore year Massillon set a scoring record with 48.3 points per game, while recording eight shutouts enroute to both state and national championships.  It was also the first year that Brown defeated Canton McKinley.

In his junior year the Tigers repeated those feats: 10-0 record, state championship and national championship.  The team outscored the opposition, 443-14, with eight shutouts, and defeated McKinley, 21-0.  They also handed News Castle, PA, their first home loss in three years.  Playing at 151 lbs., Snavely was named 1^st Team All-Ohio.

As a senior, now at 160 lbs., he was moved to offensive end, in addition to being team captain, while on defense he remained at middle linebacker in a 7-1-2-1 formation.  Snavely also excelled on special teams, blocking a punt out of the end zone, returning a blocked punt for a touchdown and recovering a blocked punt in the end zone for another score.

It was against McKinley following a 19-6 victory that one sportswriter wrote: “Snavely’s defensive work was superb.  In the face of severe and almost constant roughing, he made tackle after tackle to stop the charges of the Canton backs.  Once he had to take time out because of an injured knee, but he shook out the kink and continued in the game as did every other Massillon player from the opening whistle to the finish.  It was the second straight time that the Tigers had played through an entire game without a single substitution.”

The team finished 8-1-1 that year, with a 6-6 tie against Mansfield and a 7-0 loss to New Castle, during which Snavely played sparingly due to knee injury he suffered in a practice leading up to the game.  However, he was again named 1^st Team All-Ohio.

Following high school, he played four years at center for Columbia University.

Register Now For the 2025 MASSILLON TIGER FOOTBALL Golf…

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time: 1 pm shotgun start time
Location: The Massillon Elms Country Club
Cost: $100 per golfer; $400 per foursome
Participants: Lunch, dinner, performance awards, 50-50, raffle baskets

The Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club would like to invite you to our annual golf outing being held on August 16th at the Elms Country Club, with a shotgun start at 1:00 pm.  This year’s scramble format is open to all levels with awards to lowest team score as well as course challenges for both guys and ladies.  Lunch and dinner will be provided.  50-50 raffle, hole in 1 contest and raffle baskets.  Coach Moore plans to attend and once again show his skills on Hole #9.  Registration: $100 per golfer or $400 per foursome is online (see below).

Let’s celebrate the kickoff to the 2025 Massillon Tiger Football season.  If you would consider sponsoring a golf hole, an award, lunch or dinner, please email Glen Weirich at UAbulldogs1@gmail.com.

This golf outing continues to be an important fundraiser for your Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club.  THANK YOU for your support.

TEAM REGISTRATION (4 Players)	INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION (1 Player)	HOLE SPONSOR
BUY NOW	BUY NOW	BUY NOW

Notes from the Tiger Football Summer Kickoff Event

Notes from the Tiger Football Summer Kickoff Event

Football is a 12-month at Massillon for the both the players and the fans.  Thus, a good crowd was on hand at the Massillon Eagles 190 to officially kick off the 2025 high school football season.  First, was the introduction of Mary Lou Wilton, this year’s Booster Club President, and first ever woman in that position.  Mary was graciously welcomed by the members.

Then it was Head Coach Nate Moore’s turn, who is beginning his eleventh season at the helm, more than any previous Massillon mentor.  “The summer practice season is just getting underway, with two practices in, as we prepare for the season opener against Cleveland Glenville,” he said.  “There’s no place like Massillon.  It’s a very special place, like no other place in America.  The entire community is behind them.  That’s what makes this place special.  And we want to build upon it.”  He then addressed the members of the Booster Club, thanking them for all of the support they provided over the years.  “The Booster Club is the heartbeat of this program,” he emphasized.  Moore closed by reviewing the schedule, highlighting the major contests of Glenville, Rabun Gap of Georgia, Lakewood St. Edward, Cardinal Ritter of Missouri and Canton McKinley.  He was also excited to have nine regular season home games.  His current record at Massillon 110-25, including five regional titles and a Division II state title in 2023.  He also owns a 9-1 record over McKinley.

Moore then turned the presentation over to his assistant coaches, including newcomers Evan Berbari, Jeff Kent and Edwin Glick.  Here are a few of their remarks:

Dan Studer (Strength and Conditioning)

• Had an exceptional off-season; 62 workouts.
• Record year of attendance.
• Excited to see what these guys can do.
• Reviewed weight lifting and speed; 20 players under 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash, including Tra’Yon Williams, who runs a sub 4.4.
• The numbers indicate that we’re going to have a really good football team.

Evan Berbari (Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks)

• We will be tough-minded and disciplined.
• Will try to get more downhill in the run game and have more variety in the passing game.
• Three candidates at the quarterback position.

Chip Robinson and Ty Keirns (Offensive Line)

• We’re going to run the ball and hit you in the mouth.
• We have a really coachable group.
• We will hold up our end of this.

J.P. Simon (Tight Ends)

• I haven’t seen an off-season like I’ve seen this year (10^th year).
• I have young guys. But we’re going to be good.
• Returning starter Logan Allman is available at tight end.

Cale Miller (Wide Receivers)

• We have a lot of size, speed, experience and toughness.
• Some will play on both sides of the ball (defensive backfield).

Jeff Kent (Defensive Coordinator / Inside Linebackers)

• I am excited to be here (coming from Georgia). Massillon, it’s a really special place.  It has its own energy.
• The defense will be based out of a 3-front, with occasional 5-front and 7-front. Very multiple.  Multiple coverage schemes.  Players will make adjustments on the field.
• The players are new to the system, but they have made up a lot of ground in a short amount of time.
• Pressure will come from everywhere, with a lot of blitzing.
• We will be very physical. We want the other team to tap out.  We want to see how many quarterbacks they have on the roster!
• The weight program is second to none and many high schools in Georgia are copying it.
• I can’t wait to get into Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.

Joey Studer and Chris Spruill (Defensive Line)

• We are emphasizing discipline, effort, attitude and physicality.
• We’re seeing tremendous growth. The kids are diving right in.
• Don’t think; play fast.

Edwin Glick (Outside Linebacker)

• A lot of young guys. No returning starters.
• Excited to see the kids grow.

Jason Jarvis (Safeties)

• The coaching staff is a tight group. The kids see that and it transfers to them regarding respect of others.
• Cited Tra’Yon Williams and Braylon Gamble as players to watch.  Also mentioned sophomore George Rivera.

Bo Grunder (Cornerbacks)

• Relying on 2-way players to stock this position.  Thus, have more athletes to look at.

It’s Time for the Tiger Football Summer Kickoff Event

It’s Time for the Tiger Football Summer Kickoff Event

The annual Massillon Tiger Football Summer Kickoff Event will be held at Massillon Eagles 190 on Tuesday, June 17.  Doors will open at 6:00 pm for a social hour (including appetizers) and the event will get underway at 7:00 pm.  This will be an opportunity to meet the new assistant coaches and listen to their plans for the upcoming season.  Head Coach Nate Moore will also be there to preview the upcoming season.  Tickets are $25.00 each and can be purchased at the Washington High School ticket office, Liberty Embroidery or at the door on the night of the event.

Go Tigers!