Category: <span>News</span>

Coach Moore Names 2018 Tiger Captains

Six seniors and one junior comprise the list of position captains for this year’s football team.  All played significant roles last year in helping Massillon to a 10-4 record and a spot in the playoff state semifinals.  The players named are as follows:

Dean Clark – Defensive back.  Second on the team last year with 68.5 tackle points, including 44 solo tackles and 49 assists.  4.5 tackles for loss and one sack.  Also caught seven passes for 131 yards and one touchdown.

Justin Gaddis – Offensive line.  Returning starter anchoring a line that rushed for 2,353 yards and surrendered just nine sacks through 14 games.

Aidan Longwell – Quarterback.  Completed 166 of 282 passes for 2,423 yards and 21 touchdowns.  Threw just five interceptions.  His pass efficiency of 322 and yards per attempt of 19.1 against Youngstown Ursuline ranks first all-time.

Kyshad Mack – Linebacker.  Assumed the starting role midway through the season.  Sixth last year with 38.5 tackle points.  Three tackles for loss and one sack.  Will also play some wide receiver this year.

Tre’von Morgan – Wide receiver.  Caught 36 passes for 489 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the game winner last year against Canton McKinley.

Jamir Thomas – Running back.  Rushed 349 times for 1506 yards, an average of 4.3 yards per carry.  Scored 21 touchdowns.  Set a new mark for total carries in a season, eclipsing the old one by 96 carries.  Third all-time in total yards for a season.  His 42 attempts against Canton McKinley is the second highest all-time.  Also played linebacker, recording 27 tackle points.  One interception.

Deon Williams – Offensive line / defensive line.  Returning starter on both sides of the line.  Last year recorded 23.5 tackle points and one quarterback sack.

Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

Massillon Merchants Jump on the Opportunity to Feed the…

It’s takes a concerted effort to feed the Tiger football players during all-day camp days prior to the season.  In appreciation, the Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club thanks all of the Tiger moms, grandmas, aunts and little sisters that organized this program.  The Club also thanks the following local Massillon-area merchants for their generous donations.  Tiger fans are encouraged to support these organizations:

  • Arby’s
  • BW3
  • Danbury’s
  • Eagles 190 of Massillon
  • El Campensino
  • Grace United Church of Christ
  • Hot Head Burritos
  • Kraus’ Pizza of Amherst
  • Lamoore’s South Erie Pizza
  • Mandy’s Menu
  • Menches Brothers
  • Smiley’s
  • Smitty’s Food Truck
  • Santangelo’s Restaurant
  • Top of the Viaduct
  • Wendy’s of Lincoln Way
  • Your Pizza

Tigers Explosive in Berea Midpark Scrimmage

The wealth of skill-level talent on this year’s Massillon football squad was on full display in Berea as the Tigers put on an impressive offensive display in their second of three scrimmages.  Both the running and passing games were uncorked, helping Massillon to move the ball almost entirely at will.  Defensively, the players were aggressive and brought a high degree of physicality to the game, completely shutting down the Titan running attack.

Midpark is a D1 team that one would probably rate as average, except for having a very good quarterback in Trevor Bycznski, a 6’-5”, 230 lb. senior.  He makes the Midpark eleven something special offensively.

The scrimmage was staged in two phases, the first involving two 10-play series for each team and the second one half of football.  Here is a rundown of each drive:

10-Play Series

Massillon – Advanced from their own 35 to the MIdpark 2 using a mix of running and passing plays.

Midpark – Advanced from their own 35 to the Massillon 10 using exclusively pass plays designed for short receptions.

Massillon – Scored on a 35-yard pass from Aidan Longwell to Jayden Ballard.  With five plays remaining in the series, advanced from the Massillon 35 to the Midpark 1.

Midpark – Advanced from the MIdpark 35 to the Massillon 45.

One Half of Football

Massillon – Scored on a 58-yard Jamir Thomas run, with a fine block thrown by Jayden Ballard at the ten springing Thomas free for the score.  Jamir seemed to kick it into a second gear once he passed the line of scrimmage.  Score: 7-0.

Midpark – Scored on a 63-yard pass from Bycznski.  Massillon missed an open-field tackle at the 50.  Score: 7-7.

Massillon – Scored on a 3-yard run by Preston Hodges.  Score: 14-7.

Midpark – Scored on a 55-yard pass from Bycznski.  Massillon was in a blitz and missed an open-field tackle at the Tiger 40.  Score: 14-14.

Massillon – Scored on a 57-yard pass from Aidan Longwell to Aydrik Ford.  The score came on the second play of the drive, which was set up by an 18-yard bubble screen to Ford.  Score: 21-14.

Midpark – Moved the ball 13 yards and punted.  End of the first quarter.

Massillon – Scored on a 1-yard run by Zion Phifer.  Score: 28-14.

Midpark – Scored on a 33-yard pass from Bycznski.  Score: 28-21.

Massillon – Game stopped with the ball at the Midpark 21.

Toward the end of the first quarter, play between the two teams started to get chippy and then some cheap shots and retaliations were seen after the whistle well into the fourth quarter.  This is something that the referees should have gotten control over immediately.  But with their failings, the chippiness just escalated.  Following the final recorded play, a Massillon player removed of the action appeared to be targeted and was unceremoniously punched to the ground.  The Midpark offender was immediately ejected, but the referees elected at that time to vacate the field with just over two minutes remaining, marking the end of the scrimmage.  Unfortunately, the JV teams did not get their opportunities.

Regarding statistics for one half of football, Massillon led in total yardage, 319 to 238.

Observations

Offense – run: Many running backs stood out, but particularly Zion Phifer, who ran with both power and speed while bursting time and again through a bevy of would-be tacklers to pick up chunks of yardage.  The new split backfield was also effective in producing good results.

Offense – pass: Aidan Longwell was much improved from the last scrimmage and connected on most of his passes.  It didn’t matter if they were short, medium or long.  The passes were where and when they needed to be.  The receivers also showcased the athletic talent this group possesses.

Defense – run: Midpark never got untracked, many times being caught in the backfield.  On a few occasions, the outside linebacker would blitz, which allowed the back to spring for some yardage.  But this did not appear to be the result of any errant play.

Defense – pass: It appeared that the Tigers were willing to give up the short pass and concentrate on making the sure tackle.  This worked all day, except for the two touchdowns noted above.  All of the deep passes were well-covered.  It’s just a matter of making the play.

Kicking game: All of the extra points were made.  Kickoffs landed around the 10-15 yard line.

The final scrimmage is scheduled for Friday, August 17 against Lakewood St. Edward.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm at St. Edward High School at 13500 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood.

Massillon and Avon Spar in Opening Scrimmage

Two Division 2 Regional Champions from 2017 squared off on Tuesday at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in a much-anticipated matchup.  If you were keeping score, it was Massillon getting the better of Avon 16 touchdowns to 2.  But in reality a score doesn’t mean much in a first scrimmage.  It’s more important for the coaches to evaluate all of the players and also to find out what the key takeaways are as they prepare for their respective openers.  Nevertheless, several hundred Massillon and Avon fans were able to get an early football fix during the nearly 3-hour scrimmage.

The format for both the varsity and JV teams was a minimum 10-play series starting at their own 35 yardline, with the ability to keep the ball as long as first downs were attained.  After several reps, the teams practiced overtime simulations.  Here is how it all played out:

Varsity – Down and Distance

  • Avon – Stopped on a fumble at the Massillon 20.
  • Massillon – Stopped on downs at their own 43.
  • Avon – 18-yard touchdown pass.
  • Massillon – 24-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Pedro to Luke Murphy.
  • Massillon – 21-yard touchdown run by Zion Phifer.
  • Avon – Stopped at the Massillon 39.
  • Avon – Stopped at the Massillon 39 again.
  • Massillon – 70-yard touchdown pass from Aidan Longwell to Aydrik Ford.
  • Massillon – Stopped at the Avon 35.
  • Avon – Stopped at the Massillon 45.
  • Avon – Stopped at the Avon 35.
  • Massillon – 23-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Pedro to Heath Manson.

Varsity Overtime Simulation

  • Avon – 12-yard touchdown pass.
  • Massillon – 25-yard touchdown run by Zion Phifer.
  • Massillon – 25-yard touchdown pass from Aidan Longwell to Jayden Ballard.
  • Massillon – 3 yard touchdown run by Jamir Thomas.
  • Avon – Missed 32-yard field goal.
  • Avon – Stopped at Massillon 30.
  • Massillon – Lost ball on fumble.
  • Massillon – 25-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Pedro to Luke Murphy.
  • Massillon – Stopped on pass interception.

JV

  • Down and Distance: Massillon outscored Avon 4-0.
  • Overtime Simulation: Massillon outscored Avon 4-0.

The biggest takeaway for Massillon was the level of depth exhibited at each of the different offensive and defensive positions on the field.  This asset was prevalent throughout both the varsity and JV squads.  The coaches constantly shuffled players in and out and the Tigers did not miss a beat with their progress down the field.  Couple that with great athleticism and speed at the skill positions and you have the potential for something special this year.

Scheme-wise, the offense has been expanded a bit in two particular areas, both on account of the talent at the running back position.  The first is an occasional split back formation in the backfield, giving the QB two options in the running attack, as opposed to a single back with the fullback pushed up towards the line.  The second is the ability to float the ball to a back out of the backfield, now that there is better speed at that position.  Both of these techniques resulted in good success throughout the scrimmage.

Defensively, the Tigers utilized their traditional 3-4 alignment.  However, the speed and aggressiveness has definitely improved over last year.  Avon had only modest success on the ground and needed to rely on a very good quarterback to move the ball in short bursts.  But still Avon had great difficulty scoring in the red zone.

Massillon will be back in action on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. when they visit Berea Midpark and then at Lake St. Edward the following Friday at 7:00 pm.

Jamir Thomas (16) heads through the line on one of his few carries. Also shown are Deon Williams (50), Justin Gaddis (52) and Alejandro Salazar (72).
Jayden Ballard makes a leaping catch for a first down.
A Massillon receiver looks for running room after catching a pass over the middle.
The pass is just over the outreached hands of the Tiger receiver.
Massillon Tigers Black Letter Logo

What’s New on the Tiger Website?

The massillontigers.com website has recently undergone some modest changes in format and content that should make the site more navigable and informative.  Here is a quick rundown:

Revised the header menu, eliminating the sub-sub menus

Added photos of the 2018 Tigers team – Link

Added photos of individual 2018 players – Link

Added photos of the 2018 coaches – Link

Added photos of the 2018 Booster Club Officers – Link

Updated the photos of the weight room – Link

Added a photo of the indoor facility interior – Link

Added photos of the locker room – Link

Added a list of all past team captains – Link

Added a list of NCAA Division 1 recruits – Link

Enjoy.

First Day of Contact

The pads were cracking at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium on Saturday morning as the Massillon football players got their first taste of contact, formally initiating the 2018 season.  This came following ten summer camp workouts and a week-long instructional camp.  The practice was extremely organized, with every activity timed to the minute.  And coaches were quick to transform into classroom teaching mode when the needs arose.  Although there is a lot of work to accomplish before the season opener against Akron St. Vincent, it was evident on this day that the Tigers were raring to get it started.  Enjoy the photos.

 

Tiger Signs Are Ready for the 2018 Season

Each spring a group of dedicated Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club members spends several evenings at the old Massillon High School making signs to support the Tiger program.  Throughout the season, these signs are displayed in the windows of the various Massillon merchants.

Tiger sign making assembly lIne

Henry Ford would be proud of the assembly line precision on display during the production of several thousand signs.  On a given evening, two lines are in operation.  Each is crewed by 4-5 workers who are constantly in motion to complete the silk-screening of over 600 signs.  One worker feeds the silk-screening frame, a second does the actual silk-screening, a third removes the completed signs and others stack the signs in racks for drying.

Some signs are devoted to specific games (i.e., “Beat Akron St. Vincent”), while others are general (i.e., “Go Tigers Go”).  While most have single color lettering, some have two colors and are run through the assembly line twice, once for each color.

Chairman Paul Ream and his crew do a remarkable job completing around 5,000 signs by end of the spring.  “I’ve been doing this as a committee chair about six years,” Paul said.  “We have probably about twelve guys each day.  We go through one night a week and do two signs a week.”  The best part of doing this according to Paul: “Just getting together with guys from the Booster Club.  For all the Tiger fans.  For the kids.  Something we can take pride in.”

Each week during the season over 400 businesses receive signs honoring the Massillon football program.  Be sure to support them.

Silk screening Tiger signs
Completed signs

 

 

Booster Club Memberships On Sale Now



The Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club (MTFBC) is actively seeking funds to support the Massillon Tigers.  Here are the ways you can help:

  • Click the Donate link above and make a donation via PAYPAL
  • Purchase a discount card to be used at various local merchants.  See Schedule of Events for dates.
  • Purchase a Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club membership.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

General ($10.00)
Bronze ($25.00)
Silver ($50)
Gold ($100)
Corporate ($200 or more) (president@massillontigers.com)

Memberships can be purchased during the door-to-door drive (See Schedule of Events for dates), at any MTFBC event or via mail-in form.  Print and send form with check to:

MTFBC
P.O. Box 19
Massillon, OH  44648

For a membership purchased at Bronze level or above, your name (corporation) will be printed weekly in the Massillon game program.

Each member will receive a hand-painted Obie Tiger lapel pin, a tradition started in 1952.

 

 

A copy of the Ohio High School Athletic Association By-Laws on recruiting shall be made available to all members. As a condition of membership, all members must agree to abide by such By-Laws and rules.

Major Shakeup in OHSAA Playoff Regional Assignments

The Ohio High School Athletic Association has released its regional assignments for the 2018 football playoffs.  With the incorporated changes, Massillon’s Region 7 just got a little tougher with the addition of Massillon Perry plus several Division 2 powers from just west of Cleveland.

Gone is Dublin Scioto, which defeated the Tigers in the first round of the 2015 playoffs.  They are now in Region 8.  Also transferring to other regions within Division 2 are Boardman, Westerville North, Franklin Heights, Youngstown East, Big Walnut and Columbus Briggs.

The newcomers via transfer have significantly improved Region 7.  They include Barberton, Medina Highland, Wadsworth and Green.  Also coming in are Perry from Division 1 and Dover from Division 3.  Tri-Valley returns to Division 2 after a 1-year stay in D3.

Region 5 remains largely intact, with Akron Hoban the dominant power, competing with the likes of Cleveland Benedictine, Walsh Jesuit and Hudson.  Barberton has been moved to Region 7.

Region 6 is also much the same, aside from the significant addition of Toledo Central Catholic.  With a base enrollment matched for Division 4, competitive balance numbers have pushed them up the ladder to Division 2.  Central has qualified for the playoffs in each of the last 5 years, all in Division 3.  Four times they were regional champs and once they were regional runner-up.  In 2014 they captured the state title.  Central will compete with Avon, Grafton Midview, Toledo St. John’s and Toledo St. Francis.  Highland and Wadsworth have been moved to Region 7.

Region 7, as noted above, is significantly stronger owing to the addition of Perry and transfers from within the division.  Here is a short rundown:

  • Massillon – 2018 Region 7 champion.  Qualified in 4 of the last 5 years.
  • Perry – 2016 and 2017 state runner-up.  Qualified in 4 of the last 5 years, including last year in Division 1.
  • Medina Highland – 2013 Region 6 champion.  Qualified in 4 of the last 5 years.
  • New Albany – Qualified in 3 of the last 5 years.
  • Tri-Valley – Qualified in 4 of the last 5 years, albeit 3 times in Division 3.
  • Worthington Kilbourne – Qualified 3 times in the last five years, none since 2015.
  • Barberton – 2017 Region 5 runner-up to Akron Hoban.  Only appearance in the last 5 years.
  • Lake – Qualified twice in the last 5 years.
  • Dover – Qualified 3 times in the last 5 years, all in Division 3.

Challenging in Region 8 will be Cincinnati LaSalle and Cincinnati Winton Woods.  However, Dublin Scioto has been moved from Region 7 to add some strength.

Robert Partridge Needs Our Help

Former Massillon Tiger quarterback Robert Partridge was recently involved in a serious auto accident and unfortunately suffered a severe spinal cord injury.  A gofundme page has been set up to enable financial support to help cover the cost of rehab.

Robert was a 2-year starting quarterback for the Tigers.  In 2008 he passed for 471 yards and four touchdowns.  He followed that up with a stellar 2009 year in which he passed for 2,631 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading his team to the state playoff semifinals against Cleveland Glenville.  Robert is 6th all-time in career yards passing and 3rd for total yards passing in a single season.  Following Massillon, he accepted a scholarship to play football at Miami of Ohio and later transferred to Hiram College, where he set a new single-season passing record, including 410 yards against Kenyon.

Please help if you can.