2025 Booster Club Report – Week 10 – Post-Warren…

The Bulldogs play in the Federal League, which is comprised of teams located either in or near Stark County.  In the playoffs they compete in Division I.  Last year they finished with an 8-5 record, with a 31-0 loss to Mentor in the third round of the playoffs.  The record over the previous five years is 36-23, including a 24-5 mark in Federal League play and an 8-5 result in the post-season.  Last year McKinley lost a hard-fought battle to Massillon by the score of 16-7.  The Tigers lead the overall series, 77-53-5 and have won the last nine meetings and thirteen of the last fourteen.  Massillon Coach Nate Moore owns a 9-1 record in the game, while this will be the first experience for Bulldogs Head Coach Renard “Renzy” Parnell II.

The chart below provides some data on McKinley against Federal League competition during the reign of Coach Moore.  The data gives an indication that the Bulldogs this year are on par with the offense, but have one of their better defenses.

McKinley’s results to date:

• Warren Harding (3-5): 43-25 W
• St. Augustine, NJ (6-1): 14-24 L
• Cleveland Heights (4-5): 34-12 W
• Canton GlenOak (2-7): 38-0 W
• Massillon Perry (4-5): 28-18 W
• Green (4-5): 21-3 W
• North Canton (7-2): 21-20 W
• Uniontown Lake (7-2): 24-21 W
• Massillon Jackson (5-4): 40-9

The Bulldogs return four offensive and four defensive starters from last year.  The top players on offense are:

• Senior quarterback Trent Hayden: 122 of 191 passing for 1,455 yards (11.9 ave.), with 6 interceptions and 12 touchdowns.
• Junior running back Keyelin West (5′-8″, 175): 177 carries for 1,068 yards (6.0 ave.) and 10 touchdowns.
• Junior wide receiver Deejay Britt (6′-1″, 165): 36 receptions  for 577 yards (16.0 ave.) and 5 touchdowns.
• Junior wide receiver Darius Hill (5′-7″, 165): 44 receptions for 499 yards (11.3 ave.) and 6 touchdowns.

Defensive Coordinator Jeff Kent spoke about the progress his group has made and a bit on the Bulldog offense.  “We’ve  greatly improved on defense in the last five weeks,” he said.  “It’s really starting to come together.  We’re playing our best football now.  We’re really working on correcting mistakes and then focusing on deeper understanding of the defense.  We’ve been adjusting to formations better.  The last two weeks I’ve been very pleased.  It took awhile to learn the defense.  We can be elite.  We have the  right guys.  And it’s coming together.

“We want to be physical.  Own the game.  Bring the same intensity to every snap.  We did that in practice today for the first time.  We want to be relentless and consistent so the opponents don’t want to play us in the fourth quarter.”

Regarding McKinley Kent said, “They do a really good job with outside zone blocking and RPO.  They try to one-on-one in the perimeter.”  He added that the Tigers need to stop the run and take away the easy throws, thereby forcing the quarterback into tough throws and potential turnovers.  I’m excited about Saturday.  We’re  spending every minute of this week trying to get an edge.  These guys will be ready to go.”

The top players on defense are:

• Junior linebacker Antonio Stevens (6′-0″, 218): 13.0 tackles for loss.
• Senior defensive lineman Collin Hinkle: 13.0 tackles for loss, including 5.0 quarterback sacks.
• Linebacker Amare Mitchell (6′-3″, 205): 11.0 tackles for loss, including 4.0 quarterback sacks.
• Inside linebacker Isaac Brooks (6′-0″, 205).
• Senior safety Demare McClellan (5′-11″, 173).

Offensive Coordinator Evan Berbari said that McKinley presents an even front on defense, similar to Akron Hoban’s scheme, with man-to-man on the corners and cover-1.  “The keys are “do your  job” and “win 3rd down,” he said.

The top player on special teams is:

• Punter Thomas Mankowski: 23  punts for 36.2 yards per punt.

Special Teams Coach Jason Jarvis said that the Bulldog kicker is above average and can reach the end zone.  But they also employ several non-standard schemes.  He added that the punter is decent and all of the return players have skill and speed.

The Book on Massillon

• Junior quarterback Manny Patterson: 85 of 131 passing  (65%) for 986 yards (11.6 ave.), with 6 interceptions and 15 touchdowns.
• Junior running back Savior  Owens: 140 carries for 860 yards (6.1 ave.) and 11 touchdowns.
• Senior running back Anthony McMullen Jr.: 96 carries for 468 yards (4.7 ave.) and 3 touchdowns.
• Junior wide receiver Giorgio Jackson Jr.: 31 receptions for 360 yards (10.9 ave.) and 7 touchdowns.
• Junior wide receiver Deonay Malone: 26 receptions for 369 yards (14.2 ave.) and 6 touchdowns.
• Senior linebacker Ja’Dyn Williams: 89 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 quarterback sacks, 1 pass interception, 4 fumble recoveries, 1 blocked kick
• Junior linebacker  Isaac  Maxheimer: 47 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss,  2.0 quarterback sacks, 2 pass interceptions, 1 fumble recovery
• Senior defensive lineman Sam Dossous: 31 total tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 quarterback sacks.
• Sophomore punter Rasmus Haines: 24 punts, 36.5 ave.
• Junior kicker Mateo Herrera: 36 of 36 PATs, 1 of 3 field goals

Go Tigers!

Massillon Wears Down Warren Harding in 42-10 Victory

Massillon Wears Down Warren Harding in 42-10 Victory

Statistics

They say that the most difficult football games In Massillon to prepare for are those just before Canton McKinley and the ones just after.  That was ever so true in the Week 9 match with Warren Harding, at least through most of the first half.  Fortunately, the Tigers found themselves thereafter and ended up running away with a 42-10 victory, with a running clock in effect through the better part of the second half.

While the defense kept the Raiders at bay for the most part, the offense seemed in a funk early, gaining just 15 yards on the ground in the first quarter.  The rest of the game, however, went well and the Tigers ended up with 132 yards rushing over the remainder of the game.  Leading the way for the second straight week behind some great blocking by the offensive line was running back Anthonny McMullen Jr., who carried the ball 22 times for 158 yards and a touchdown, while averaging 7.2 yards per attempt.  Some credit, however, must go to Warren’s defensive front-7, which received praise from Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore prior to the game.  Only, they seemed to tire later, with most of the players going both ways.

The other story was the number of turnovers.  Seven in total: two for Massillon and five for Warren.  While the Tigers’ turnovers were on interceptions of two long bombs and had minimal effect on the game, the Raiders’ gift-wrapped great field position to Massillon on four occasions, all of which resulted in scores.

It didn’t take long for the Tigers to get on the board.  On Warren’s second play from scrimmage Massillon’s Christian Culler knocked the ball out of the hands of Makhai Brogden and Ja’Dyn Williams immediately scooped it up, racing 18 yards for a touchdown.

Then, during returning the ensuing kickoff return, Kai Blutcher lost the ball from a tackle by Braylon Gamble and the Tigers were in business at the Warren 19.  An encroachment penalty advanced the ball to the 14, from where Tiger quarterback Manny Patterson lofted a beautiful pass to Gio Jackson Jr. in the back corner of the endzone.  It was a repeat of what Manny did last week with Deontay Malone.

Later in the first quarter, following the return of a pass interception, the Raiders advanced to the Massillon 23, only to be thwarted by a loss of three yards on a pass, a loss of four yards on a tackle by Gamble and Noah Jenkins and a loss of nine yards on a quarterback sack by Williams.  Owing to the reversed field position Harding ended up punting.

In the middle of the second quarter Warren was finally able to put together a scoring drive, of 55 yards in 8 plays.  However it ended, not in a touchdown, but with a 34-yard field goal by Jaron Edmonds, which made the score 14-3.  The drive was kick-started by a 39-yard pass from Ameire Cobb to Matt Richardson.

The Tigers at this point finally got their run game going, with McMullen doing most of the work.  First was a 14-yard burst up the middle.  Then on play No. 5, he raced around the right end and wasn’t caught until he stepped out of bounds at the Warren 3, after covering 51-yards of turf.  Culler finished it off on the next play.

Massillon’s final possession of the half began when Gamble intercepted a pass at the Tiger 40 and returned it 44 yards to the Harding 16.  Three plays later Sebastian Harper scored from the 3.

On Warren’s first possession of the third quarter they fumbled once again, this time at their own 20, and Malone was right there to pounce on the loose ball.  Following a holding penalty, Patterson tossed a tag screen pass to Malone, who with his great speed simply ran away from the Raider defensive backs and into the end zone.  Mateo Herrera’s fifth of six PATs on the night was true, making the score 35-3, and a running-clock was now in effect.

But it was short-lived when Richardson returned the kickoff 90 yards for a score.  Once again, special teams has had some issues.

Now it was time to chew up the clock.  And that they did.  Starting at their own 20, the Tigers drove 80 yards in 15 plays and scored in the fourth quarter on a 5-yard run by McMullen for the final points of the night.  Back to the running-clock.

Massillon displayed a balanced attack, with 147 yards rushing and 133 yards passing, for a total of 280 yards.  Patterson finished the night with 12 of 17 passing with two touchdowns.  Jackson  caught 5 ball for  61 yards and a TD, and Malone caught 3 for 52 yards and a TD. Defensively, Culler and Williams each had five total tackles.  Williams also had 3 tackles-for-loss, one sack and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown.  Gamble had the 44-yard return of a pass interception.

Warren, however, just could not run the ball against the Tigers’ stout front-7.  They ended up gaining just 32 on ground, including 26 during their final drive.  Brogden led the team with 8 carries for 27 yards.  In the air they managed 100 yards on 7 of 15 passing.  Rai’Twan led the defense with 10 total tackles.  Sophomore Asa Burch had 3 TFLs.

Next week Massillon (6-3) hits the road for the first time this year.  The host is Canton McKinley (8-1), which defeated Warren in Game 2, 43-25.  Harding (3-6) hosts Austintown Fitch (7-1).

Photos by Marlene Kanipe

Braylon Gamble (5), Christian Culler (2)

Deontay Malone (6)

Manny Patterson (10), Christian Culler (2)

Anthony McMullen Jr.  (24)

Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

Marcus Garner (60), Davionne Floyd (52), Kevin Elliot Jr. (74) James Wallace (50)

Braylon Gamble (5) on the return of a pass interception

Marcus Garner (60), Anthony McMullen Jr. (24), Christian Culler (2)

Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

Davionne Floyd (52), Anthony McMullen Jr. (24), Manny Patterson (10), Will Hymes (34)

Logan Allman (13), Manny Patterson (10), Anthony McMullen Jr. (24)

Owen Sirgo (53), Christian Culler (2)

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 9 – Post-Cornerstone…

Harding is a Division II school that plays in the All-American Conference along with Austintown Fitch and Boardman.  Last year they finished with a record of 8-4, with a 41-21 loss to Fitch in the second round of the playoffs, after defeating the Falcons 35-21 during the regular season.  They also lost to Massillon, 45-14.  Harding has compiled a 5-year record of 26-29, while qualifying for the playoffs each year, with eight wins and five losses in those games.  The Tigers own the edge in historical series, which stands at 61-25-3.  This one is the 90th renewal of the rivalry, which is Massillon’s second longest, behind that of Canton McKinley.

Results to date:

• Canton McKinley (7-1):  25-43 L
• Akron Buchtel (3-5): 25-6 W
• Massillon Perry (4-4): 15-25 L
• Akron St. Vincent (0-8): 42-6 W
• Erie McDowell, PA (3-5): 28-9 W
• Boardman (4-4): 10-14 L
• Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (6-2): 3-7 L

The top players on offense are:

• Junior quarterback James Jones (6′-4″, 200); returning backup; 27 of 49 (55%) for 335 yards and 3 TDs
• Senior quarterback Amiere Cobb (6′-0″, 210); 10 of 28 (36%) for 136 yards and 3 TDs; 20 carries for 208 yards (10.4 ave.) and 2 TDs
• Sophomore running back Makhai Brogden (5′-11″, 185); 27-259 (9.6 ave.) and 3 TDs
• Freshman running back Satavian Hill (6′-0″, 170); 30-158 (5.3 ave.) and 2 TDs
• Senior wide receiver Julius Ferrell (6′-2″, 170); 13-162 (12.5 ave.) and 2 TDs
• Junior wide receiver Matt Richardson (5′-10″, 175); 11-104 (9.5 ave.) and 0 TDs

The offense operates out of the spread, but the will run the ball 70% of the time, even on 3rd and long.  That’s because original starting quarterback James Jones has been out with an injury.  In his place is Amiere Cobb, a converted tight end, who does not have great passing stats.  He will call his own number at times, but seems to lumber and does not possess running back speed.

Warren has also experienced injuries at the running back position and has currently settled on sophomore Makhai Brogden, with Freshman Satavian Hill subbing in at times.  Brogden plays downhill and is a pretty good player.  The offensive line comes off the ball well and has very good size, averaging 6′-2″, 283 lbs.  Another week, another huge offensive line to contend with.  Moore says that the Tiger front seven will have its hand full against this group.  Harding will run some 2-back sets and some empty.

According to Moore, Harding is doing the best it can without a specialized quarterback.  But they will still present a lot of challenges.

The top players on defense are:

• Junior safety Elijah Phillips (5′-9″, 180): 43 total tackles
• Senior linebacker Raitwan Hill (5′-9″, 210): 42 total tackles
• Senior linebacker Tyler Smith (6′[-0″, 205): returning starter; 38 total tackles; 2 sacks

The strength of defense is the front-7, which aligns in a 3-4.  This group moves around a bit and has good size.  It is also here that Harding has seen the return of several injured players.  The line averages 6′-3″, 270 lbs.  In the secondary look for cover-0, cover-1 and cover-3.

Warren is hampered with playing several 2-way starters, including all three defensive linemen and both safeties.  In addition, three of the linebackers also sub in on offense.  Moore believes this could be a major factor in the game.  “They have a lot of 2-way  guys,” he said.  “That should work in our favor.  Wear them down in the second half.”

Special teams are good all-around.

Go Tigers!

Massillon Downs Texas Opponent Cornerstone Christian as Playoffs Loom…

Massillon Downs Texas Opponent Cornerstone Christian as Playoffs Loom in the Horizon

Statistics

Massillon defeated Cornerstone Christian from San Antonio, Texas, 45-20, thereby improving to 5-3 on the season and continuing the hunt for a Top 4 seed in the post-season tournament, which also carries a first-round bye.  Fortunately, after the events of last week, it was an evening of traditional high school football that is normally seen in Tigertown, devoid of chippiness during the game and unbecoming post-game behaviors.

It was a contest of two very good teams doing what they do best.  For Massillon it’s running the ball and controlling the clock.  For Cornerstone, it’s the aerial attack.

Tigers running back Savior Owens got the first carry of the night, but immediately left the game after apparently re-injuring his shoulder and did not return.  That provided opportunities for backups Anthony McMullen Jr. and Christian Culler to showcase their talents.  And that they did, producing outstanding breakout games.  McMullen carried the ball 23 times for 130 yards (5.7 ave.) and a touchdown, and Culler rushed 11 times for 102 yards (9.3 ave.) and two scores.  Both were capable of taking the ball either inside or breaking it to the outside with equal success.  It’s great to have depth at that position.

Meanwhile, Warriors’ quarterbacks Malcolm Carter and Mateo Rodriguez combined for 187 yards passing.  Carter was 11 of 14 for 101 yards and Rodriguez completed 13 of 17 for 86 yards and one TD.  However, it should be noted that the average yards per completion was just 7.8, well below a normal high school completion average of 12 to 15.  But in essence, they were mostly throwing screen passes beneath the Massillon coverage to their speedy ball catchers, featuring wide receiver Luke Smith (9-45, TD) and running back Jaylen McKane (6-61).  Both were very adept at defeating the initial tackler to keep many drives alive.

At the opposing end of the spectrum, the Tigers threw the ball sparingly owing to the success of the run game.  Nevertheless, quarterback Manny Patterson had a fine night running the offense and completed 5 of 8 passes for 71 yards (14.2 ave.) and two touchdowns, those going to Giorgio Jackson Jr. and Deontay Malone.   Patterson also ran for a score, his first of the year.  For Cornerstone, they never got their rushing attack going against a stout Massillon defense.  McCane gained just 48 yards in 13 attempts (3.7 ave.), while the Warriors picked up 32 additional yards on quarterback scrambles.

On special teams, Mateo kicked a 22-yard field goal.  Also, the Tigers never punted.

The Tigers received the opening kickoff and drove 62 yards in nine plays and scored on a Patterson run of nine yards off a 3^rd and 3 scramble.  Cornerstone started their first drive at their own 15, but on a third down pass wide receiver Josiah McNeil was stripped of the ball by Culler, giving Massillon great field position at the Warrior 25.  Three plays later Patterson connected with Jackson in the back of the end zone on a 12-yard pass for a second score.

The next time the Tigers had the ball they drove 77 yards to the five yard line, from where Mateo Herrera kicked a 22-yard field goal, giving his team a 17-0 advantage.  Mateo was also six for six on PAT kicks.

The Warriors finally got on the board with three minutes left in the half when McKane scored from five yards out.  But Massillon came right back with a 15-yard race to the end zone by Culler.  So, at the half the score was 24-7.

Cornerstone got back into the game with a 3-yard flare pass after driving 71 yards in 11 plays.  But it didn’t take long for the Tigers to counter.  It took 11 plays to cover 78 yards, with Culler scoring from the three.  Following an interception by Deontay Malone at the Warrior 30, Patterson threw a beautiful pass to the right corner of the end zone that was caught by Malone in stride just before he stepped out of bounds.  Score: 38-14.

Massillon tallied its final points of the night on the next possession with a 1-yard run by McMullen.  Then Cornerstone finished the remainder of the game under a running-clock situation, scoring as time ran out with a Carter 14-yard scramble.

The two teams then lined up in single file with the respective head coaches in the lead for the post-game handshake.  It came off in a friendly manner.

Jay’Dyn Williams led Massillon with 11 total tackles, 2.0 sacks and 2.0 TFLs.  Noah Jenkins and Isaac Maxheimer followed with nine total tackles.  For Cornerstone, Elijah Fayall recorded 11 total tackles.

Next week the Tigers (5-3) host Warren Harding (3-5) in the 90^th renewal of this long rivalry.  The Warriors (4-3) have an open date.

Photos by Marlene Kanipe

Landon Hose (22), Sebastian Harper (3), Noah Jenkins (16), Head Coach Nate Moore (pre-game)

Anthony McMullen Jr. (24)

Manny Patterson (10) enroute to the endzone

Giorgio Jackson Jr. (21) with the score

Christian Culler (2), Manny Patterson (10)

Deontay Malone (6)

Christian Culler (2)

Mateo Herrera (7), Isaac Maxheimer (20)

Sam Doussous (91), Joe Karder (94)

Christian Culler (2), Isaac Maxheimer (20)

Ke’Aun Fowler (43), Noah Jenkins (16)

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 8 – Post-Cardinal…

2025 Booster Club Report – Week 8 – Post-Cardinal Ritter; Preview of the Cornerstone Christian Game

Massillon (4-3) defeated Cardinal Ritter (2-3) from St. Louis, Missouri, 28-14.  This week Massillon hosts Cornerstone Christian (4-2) from San Antonio, Texas.

Link to the Football North Story

Link to the Football North Game Statistics

Other scores:

• 7th Grade (4-0): Defeated Massillon Perry, 21-6.  Plays at Canton on Tuesday, October 7, at 6:00 pm.
• 8th Grade (1-4): No score reported.  Plays at Canton on Wednesday, October 8, at 6:00 pm.
• Freshmen (1-5): Lost to Medina Highland, 32-24.  Plays at Akron Buchtel on Tuesday, October 7, at5:00 pm.
• Junior Varsity (0-6-1): Lost to Avon, 42-7.  Plays at Warren Harding on Saturday, October 11, at 11:00 am.

Review of the Cardinal Ritter Game

Massillon defeated a very good Cardinal Ritter team, 28-14.  The Tigers scored on the third play of their first possession when Savior Owens broke through the right side of the line and raced 45 yards to the end zone.  Owens then scored again from ten yards out to up the score to 14-0.  The points continued as Ritter had the their own long run of 70 yards for a score, followed by a 12-yard touchdown pass from Manny Patterson to Jadyce Thigpen.  Finally, the Lions connected on a Hail Mary pass of 46 yards as time expired, closing the margin to 21-14 at the half.  In the fourth quarter Christian Culler salted the game away with a 44-yard touchdown run.  It came on his first carry of the season.  Owens finished with 22 attempts for 168 yards and two TDs.  Isaac Maxheimer recorded nine total tackles and Ja’Dyn Williams had seven.  Chayce White was spectacular in intercepting a long sideline pass.

“It was a great win last week against a big, physical team,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore.  “We had a lot of guys play really hard against a great opponent.  The Tigers outplayed them.  I’m really proud of them for responding (following last week’s loss to Football North).”

Moore also cited the play of the defensive, particularly linemen Marcus Garner and Joe Karder.  “There was lots of great execution and hustle by the defense.  Marcus makes a big difference in the middle of the defensive line.  Joe had his best game of the year.”

Coach also said it was sad how it ended when the two teams had difficulty shaking hands.  He was glad that the Massillon Police Department was there to restore order.

The guest players were senior quarterback Eli Moore and junior wide receiver/defensive back Deontay Malone.

Moore – We had to keep our heads on.  We did the little things right.

Malone – I’m  very excited to head into this week.  I can’t wait to get after it.  They (Cornerstone Christian) have a couple of good players.  But the wide receiver -to-defensive back matchups are in our favor.

Results to date:

• Dallas Christian (2-3): 43-22 W
• Fort Bend Christian Academy (2-4): 37-7 W
• Parish Episcopal (5-1): 38-43 L
• Midland Christian (3-2): 14-17 L
• LBJ Austin Early College (3-2): 37-21 W
• Stanton (1-5): 58-0 W

Moore said that Cornerstone is a good opponent, similar to teams the Tigers have played the past few weeks.  They have good size, but are not as physical up front as last week.  They also have good skill players, but not as fast as Cardinal Ritter.  Inspite of having good players across the board, Moore did not see any matchup problems.  Nevertheless, the team will need to play their best.

The top players on offense are:

• Sophomore quarterback Mateo Rodriguez (5′-10″, 180); 64 of 113 (57%) for 904 yards and 13 TDs; 44.7 punt ave; accurate passer; keeps eyes downfield.
• Senior wide receiver Davis McCray (6′-2″, 200); 16 receptions for 293 yards and 5 TDs; 3-star recruit; Kentucky commit.
• Junior wide receiver Luke Smith (6′-0″, 187); 25 receptions for 321 yards (12.8 ave.) and 4 TDs.
• Sophomore running back Jaylen McKane (5′-8″, 165); 85 attempts for 706 yards (8.3 ave.) and 11 TDs; good player with good speed.

The the largest player on the Warrior offensive line is junior Brandon Stewart (6′-5″, 365), although he is not the most mobile football player.  However, the rest of the line is still big, averaging 6′-1″, 280 lbs.  The have good height in their 4-man the receiver corps, with McCray and junior Jaaaden Johnson standing 6′-2″ and 6′-3″, respectively.  Cornerstone will operate mostly in 10-personnel, but will show some empty backfield.  The scheme is heavy pass.

The top defensive players are:

• Senior linebacker Angel Hernandez (6′-0″, 210); 49 total tackles, 15.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks; best linebacker.
• Junior defensive lineman Ahzan Bacote (6′-3″, 270); best defensive lineman.

The Warriors utilize a 4-3-4 alignment, but will occasionally pull a linebacker and insert a fifth defensive back.  The front-7 is considered the strength of the unit, while all of the defensive backs are good players.

Massillon Notes

The Tigers continue to shuffle the starting lineup, even this far into the season.  On offense, 20 different players have been listed as starters for various games, including 11 seniors and 9 juniors.  Some for more than one position.  They are distributed as follows:

• Quarterback (3)
• Running back (2)
• Tight end (3)
• Fullback (1)
• Offensive line (7)
• Wide receiver (7)

On defense, there have been 19 different starters, including 9 seniors and 10 juniors.  Again, some for more than one position.  They are as follows:

• Defensive line (6)
• Inside linebacker (5)
• Outside linebacker (4)
• Cornerback (4)
• Safety (3)

Even this week there are two new starters listed: Marcus Garner Jr. at nose tackle and Ke’Aun Fowler at inside linebacker.

When comparing Week 1 to Week 8 there is just one different starter on offense, senior lineman James Wallace Jr., in spite of all the shuffling that has occurred.  However, the defense continues to be a work in progress, as there are now six different starters from Week 1 to now.  In addition, there are several players that never started, but have seen significant action early in the game.  It is certainly building depth and bodes well for the future, as it attests to the youth of this team.  And the strength.

Go Tigers!

IMPORTANT: Beat McKinley Parade Information 2025

IMPORTANT: Beat McKinley Parade Information 2025

Follow the Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club on Facebook.

REGISTER HERE

McKinley Week is coming. The culminating event prior to Saturday’s game is the annual Beat McKinley parade. The parade is scheduled to begin at 7pm Friday October 24th with the route going right through the heart of downtown. Staging on 8th street will begin at 5:30pm

Below you will find an interactive map showing the planned route and planned drop off area. The staging area will be on 8th street and the drop off area is noted within the interactive map.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If you would like to participate in the Beat McKinley parade, please CLICK the REGISTER HERE link above.

This information is REQUIRED for participation in the parade. At the time of registration you will receive a confirmation email response with registration number that you will need to provide at the staging area.

All parade registrants must positively promote the Massillon Tiger Football Program, Massillon City Schools, Massillon Athletics and the City of Massillon.

POLITICAL SIGNS AND POLITICAL PROMOTION OF ANY KIND ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

ALCOHOL IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND IS GROUNDS FOR IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM THE PARADE.

THROWING OF CANDY OR ANY OTHER OBJECTS FROM PARADE VEHICLES IS ALSO PROHIBITED

GO TIGERS!!

Massillon Falls to Canada’s Football North in One-Sided Loss

Massillon Falls to Canada’s Football North in One-Sided Loss

Statistics

Coaches will tell you that in order to win in the game of football a team must run the ball and stop the run.  And that philosophy goes hand in hand with the need to control the line of scrimmage.  It also helps to win the turnover battle.  But on this pleasant fall evening Massillon was able to do none of the above and fell to the visitors from Mississauga, Ontario, 34-2.

Football North is an all-star team that rosters players from all over Canada, who hope to receive football scholarships from American universities.  They compete against opponents exclusively from within the United States.  As such, they are not your typical Canadian football team.  North is also a bit disadvantaged at the start of the season since, like Rabun Gap, they don’t get their players in camp until just a few weeks prior to the first game.  So, they peak later.  Unfortunately, it appears that the Tigers caught them at peak time, unlike previous opponents, and perhaps underestimated them a bit based on their earlier performances.  It would be surprising if they lost another contest this year.

The star of the game was North’s diminutive running back Josh Martin-Pendkey, who rushed 26 times for 192 yards (7.4 ave), including a long of 54, and scored four touchdowns.  He was fast, strong and elusive and he was everything you wanted in a running back.  On most plays he would take the handoff and head directly for the line.  Once bottled up, he would then quickly change direction to the outside, skirting the end for most of his yards, dragging would-be tacklers along the way.  The rest of the team produced just 54 yards, but Martin-Pendkey’s was enough.

The other star was the North defense, which kept the Tigers pinned back in their own territory for most of the game, while in essence pitching a shutout.  It didn’t help that Massillon gave the ball away seven times, four in conjunction with quarterback sacks, two when runners were stripped of the ball and one on a pass interception.  But credit for all the fumbles goes to the North defensive front, which played in the Tiger backfield for the entire game.  Incidentally, three of fumbles led to short-field touchdowns on second half drives of 2 yards, 3 yards and 36 yards.  Nevertheless, the fumbles didn’t affect the eventual outcome, just the final score.

Massillon picked up two points from a safety early in the game when a punt snap sailed over the head of the punter and out of the end zone.  But it became their only points.  The last time the Tigers failed to score a touchdown in a game was in 2007 in a 27-0 loss to Cleveland St. Ignatius.  The last time they failed to score an offense touchdown was in a 7-6 loss to Austintown Fitch in 2015.  That TD came on a punt return.

As well as North ran the ball, Massillon did finish with good statistics in the passing part of the game, limiting quarterback Jacob Muller to just 3 of 13 for 65 yards, with one interception.  As a result, North was able to convert just 4 of 12 third downs.  That at least kept the score under control until the turnovers became a factor.

The North defense caused problems for the Tigers all night.  They had big, powerful linemen to control the line of scrimmage and blitzed two linebackers on nearly every play, thereby closing down the running plays and putting maximum pressure on the quarterback.  With this scheme they also relied on a speedy secondary to limit the passing yards.  As a result, a frustrated Owens had little success running from either the running back position or from the shotgun and finished with 14 attempts for just 51 yards (3.6 ave.).  Meanwhile, quarterback Manny Patterson was under duress the entire night and was constantly chased out of the pocket.  Give him credit for trying to make something happen with his team behind on the scoreboard, but it was also costly in the long run, resulting in five sacks, four fumbles, 56 lost rushing yards and 1 of 8 on third down conversions.  Field position was also a problem, with Massillon’s twelve possessions beginning on average at their own 25 yard line.

North scored on the third play of its first possession on a 12-yard rush by Martin-Pendkey.  The TD was set up when Mujller connected with Andre Meltzer on a 38-yard pass and Martin-Pendkey followed up with a 10-yard run.  Massillon responded by moving the ball to midfield, but fumbled it away.  Then, after a mishandled snap from scrimmage moved North back 29 yards, the ensuing snap on fourth down sailed over the punter’s head to award Massillon the safety.

The Tigers did have a chance for points on their next possession when they moved to the North 28, but were stopped on downs.

In the second quarter North scored again, capping off a 52-yard drive with a quarterback keeper from the one.  The PAT failed.  The score stayed at 13-2 until late in the third quarter when the fumble scenario began.  First was a 1-yard TD run by Martin, then a 3-yard TD run by Martin, followed by a 1-yard TD run by Martin in the fourth as it seemed that the roof was falling in on the Tigers.  The total offense for the three TDs?  Just 41 yards.

Massillon’s final attempt at a score came on their last possession and ended when a 12-yard pass into the end zone was intercepted by Jorel Sahay.  Patterson finished the game completing 13 of 24 passes for 117 yards.  Isaac Maxheimer, who was moved to outside linebacker for this one, led the team with eleven total tackles, one quarterback sack and two tackles for loss.  Rasmus Hines punted four times and averaged a very fine 42.5 yards per attempt.  Deontay Malone caught three passes and returned a kickoff 61 yards.

Next week Massillon (3-3) is home to Cardinal Ritter (2-2) from Missouri.  Football North (2-3) travels to Mt. Zion Prep (0-5).  The following week they play Lakewood St. Edward.

Ja’Dyn Williams (9), Josh Henderson (19), Christian Culler (3), Eli Moore (8), Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

Eli Moore

Manny Patterson (10)

Deontay Malone (6)

Ja’Dyn Williams (9)

Deontay Malone (6)

Anthony McMullen Jr.

Gio Jackson Jr. (21)

Manny Patterson (10)

Savior Owens (1)

Jadyce Thigpen (44)

Lee Owens Book Signing Event Was a Rousing Success

Lee Owens Book Signing Event Was a Rousing Success

The Massillon Museum served as host for a packed house on Wednesday to hear three former Tiger coaches and a current one reflect back on their experiences as head coaches of the Massillon football program.  The group included Lee Owens, Rick Shepas, Tom Stacy and Nate Moore.  Following the forum each took part in signing a recently released book written by Owens titled, “The Spirit of a Team.”  The contents of the publication are described as “Successful CEOs and Coaches Share Their Strategies for Achieving Excellence,” with a forward written by Jim Tressel, Lt. Governor of Ohio and former Ohio State football head coach.

Emceeing the event was Scott Ryan and Becca Moore, with the support of the museum staff, including football curator Logan Carr and museum director Alexandra Nicholis Coon.

Lee Owens was the head coach of Massillon from 1988 through 1991.  He was hired at a time when the Tigers were struggling to consistently field a competitive team.  In fact, Massillon had lost four consecutive games to Canton McKinley and had a year left on a 3-year ban from post-season play.  Owens quickly righted the ship and went on to compile a win-loss record of 35 wins and 13 losses over his four seasons.  His teams also qualified for the playoffs three times and captured two regional championships.  In addition, he won three of four games against the Bulldogs, including a 42-13 beat down during the 1991 season.  Owens then left Massillon for a 3-year stint as an assistant coach for Ohio State, which was followed by six years as head coach at the University of Akron, where his 2000 team finished first in the MAC East.  He finished his career as a very successful mentor for Ashland University, retiring with a 137-61 record, four league championships and six NCAA Division II playoff qualifications over a 19-year span from 2004 to 2022.  Four times he was named Conference Coach of the Year.  While an active member of the American Football Coaches Association, he has also been inducted into both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame.  Please welcome back Coach Lee Owens.

Rick Shepas was the head coach of Massillon from 1998 through 2004, where he compiled a record of 53 wins and 27 losses.  He was not shy in scheduling the top parochial schools from around the state and played them fairly evenly.  But his record against peer public schools was a fine 49 wins against just 13 losses, including 5-3 mark versus McKinley.  His 1999 team was undefeated during the regular season and his 2001 and 2002 teams captured playoff regional championships.  Following Massillon, Rick was the head coach for twelve years at Division III Waynesburg University, where he had a record of 69-55.   Four of his teams qualified for post-season play.  His next stop was athletic director for the Youngstown City Schools and he is currently the AD for Warren Harding.  Please welcome back Coach Rick Shepas.

Tom Stacy, who was an assistant coach under Lee Owens at both Massillon and the University of Akron, returned to Tigertown in 2005 as head coach.  He remained in that position for three years, compiling a record of 25 wins and 11 losses.  His best season was his first when his team advanced to the Division I playoff state finals.  The Tigers had a remarkable year, finishing the season with a 9-1 record, defeating Cleveland St. Ignatius for the first time ever, revenging a season-ending loss to Canton McKinley and beating Lakewood St. Edward in the state finals, before dropping a close one in the state finals to Cincinnati St. Xavier.  The 2005 team also set a Massillon record with 13 victories.  He then served three years as head coach at Green High School before re-uniting with Owens at Ashland as an assistant coach, where he remains today in his 16^th year.  Please welcome back Coach Tom Stacy.

Nate Moore is the current head coach of the Massillon Tigers.  This is his 11^th year as a Tiger where he has compiled an overall record of 113 wins and 27 losses, owning more wins there than any previous Massillon coach.  In fact, Moore has elevated the program from state-level to national-level prominence, while regularly scheduling and defeating teams from throughout the country.  Four times his teams finished the season ranked in the Top 100 nationally.  Through ten years he has experienced six playoff regional championships, along with a Division II state championship in 2023.  During that year the Tigers finished with a perfect 16-0 record, a regular season victory over Division I state champion Lakewood St. Edward and a state finals victory over nemesis Akron Hoban.  Following the season Moore was named Ohio Division II Coach of the Year, Maxpreps.com National Coach of the Year and head coach of the Ohio North-South All-Star Game.  Prior to his arrival at Massillon, Moore won a Division II state title at Cincinnati LaSalle High School.  Please welcome Coach Nate Moore.