Tiger growl, with WTIG’s Ray Jeske
Part of the massive crowd.
The Tiger Swing Band.
The Massillon Tigers.
The Massillon Tigers.
Cheerleaders leading the crowd.
The Massillon Tigers.
Majorettes.
Mayor Cathy Katazoro Perry.
Superintendent Paul Salvino
Washington High School Principal Dave Lautenschleger.
Booster Club President Rob Maylor.
Head Coach Nate Moore
Tiger Swing Band.
Cheerleaders.
Massillon, Ohio, vs. Valdosta, Georgia. An intriguing matchup that has been years in the making, one that is worthy of national exposure. Massillon and Valdosta have two of the winningest programs in the country, with a combined 1,876 wins between them. Valdosta, with an historical record of 944-262-34, is the No. 1 team in the USA in terms of total wins, while Massillon, a former USA No. 1 with a record of 932-299-36, is currently 1st in Ohio and 4th in the nation. Destined to be a classic for the ages, this game opens the 2023 football season, as part of the NE Ohio vs. America Showcase.
The two public schools share many similarities, starting with lengthy football histories. Valdosta began playing in 1913 and Massillon first fielded a team in 1891. The Wildcats have six national championships (the last one in 1992) and 24 Georgia state championships (the last one in 2016), whereas the Tigers have nine national champions (the last one in 1961) and 24 Ohio state championships (the last one in 1970). Both play in sizeable, historic stadiums with large video screens and personalized bricks at the entranceway. Bazermore-Hyder Stadium (1922) in Valdosta holds 11,249, while Paul Brown Tiger Stadium (1939) can seat 16,884. Each has an avid booster club. And national media attention has been enjoyed at each school. For Valdosta, it was named Titletown USA by ESPN (2008) and was then featured in a Netflix Series titled, “Titletown High” (2020). Massillon has been highlighted in numerous book publications, plus several films, including “Touchdown Town” (1951), “It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad football town” (1964), “Go Tigers” (2000), and “Timeless Rivals” (2017).
Valdosta participates in playoff Division AAAAAAA, the highest classification in Georgia. Last season they finished 8-3, with a loss in the first round of the playoffs. They are led by third-year Head Coach Shelton Felton. Felton played football for Troy University and coached in various capacities at the high school and college levels, including Chattanooga (2017), Tennessee (2018 and 2020) and Akron (2019), before being hired as head coach at Valdosta in 2021. Massillon is coached by Nate Moore, who enters his ninth year. Last season the Tigers recorded a 12-2 record and advanced to the state semifinals in the playoffs.
Valdosta operates out of the spread offense. With a run-first approach, they are led by running back Shakevious Wright, a 5’-8”, 190 lb. senior, who is very fast and physical and can cause havoc for any team if he gets into the secondary. At quarterback is junior Todd Robinson, at 6’-0”, 185 lbs., who returns from last year. Like Wright, he is a very good runner, while showing good accuracy on short and mid-range passes. Defensively, the best player in their 3-4 alignment is defensive tackle Eric Brantley, a 6’-2”, 275 lb. senior. Last year he was named Region Player of the Year and holds an offer from Colorado. He may be the best defensive lineman the Tigers will see this year. Linebacker Jaylin Bentley is another player to watch. The 6’-1”, 180 lb. senior is quick and physical, and tackles well. He has an offer from Georgia State.
Massillon will counter with a host of returning starters. At quarterback is 3rd year starter, junior Jalen Slaughter, who passed last year for 2,043 yards and 24 touchdowns. Newcomer Daone Owens is also expected to see time at the position. The Number 1 and 3 wide receivers also return in Braylyn Toles (43-566) and Kyler Wiggins (34-374). The offensive line returns three starters, in addition to 6’-6” Nolan Davenport, who played tight end last year, having moved over to tackle. Defensively, The Tigers return six of their starting front seven players, led by 1st Team All-Ohio linebacker Dorian Pringle (Bowling Green) (69.5 tackle points) and defensive lineman Chase Bond (North Carolina State).
The significance of this game has not been lost on either community. For Valdosta, they have won more games than any other team. They are extremely proud of this record. And they don’t hold back in letting any of the other 15,000 teams across the land know it. Now they are facing the most renowned team in the country, the one put on the map by the legendary Paul Brown. The one that has won more national titles than any other team save one. The Wildcats know that they face a significant challenge, but they must by all means defend their honor.
For Massillon, the game ranks right up there with several other big games the Tigers have participated in throughout their long history. Some of these include:
Now, the Massillon vs. Valdosta game can be added to that list. It should be a classic, one that will be remembered by both schools for a long time, especially by the winner.
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Valdosta, GA at Massillon – The Nation’s No. 1 winningest team, Valdosta, vs. No. 4 at Massillon’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. It doesn’t get any better than this. Last year the Wildcats finished 8-3, losing in the first round of the playoffs. However, they did beat their local rival, Lowndes, 13-6. Massillon posted a 12-2 record and a spot in the Division 2 state semifinals. Big wins came against Lakewood St. Edward, 31-28, Austintown Fitch, 49-28 and Canton McKinley, 23-13. Both Massillon and Valdosta are loaded with returning talent.
Lakewood St. Edward vs. Center Grove, IN – Last year the Eagles finished 15-1 and captured the
Division 1 state championship with a 28-14 victory over Springfield. Their lone loss was 31-28 to Massillon in the regular season. But they defeated Division 2 champion Toledo Central, 23-20, Cincinnati Elder, 17-14, and Cincinnati Moeller, 6-0. Center Grove recorded a 12-2 mark and finished in their 5-round playoffs as the best team in Indiana. Both teams are early favorites to repeat as state champions.
Ben Davis, IN at Cincinnati Moeller – Always strong Ben Davis is coming off an uncharacteristic 6-4 season, with a 35-34 loss to state champ Center Grove. The Crusaders, having rebounded from several substandard years, finished 13-2, with two victories over Cincinnati St. Xavier, 20-17 and 28-7, a 42-14 win over Elder and a 38-20 victory over Lakota West. The regular season loss was 6-0 to Lakewood St. Edward. Their season came to an end in the Division 1 state semifinals with a 28-24 loss to Springfield.
Lakota West at Cincinnati St. Xavier – Lakota West, the top team in the Greater Miami Conference, was unbeaten through thirteen games last year, including wins over Cincinnati St. Xavier, 16-13, and Cincinnati Elder, 30-10. But the run ended in the regional finals where they lost 38-20 to Moeller. St. Xavier lost 28-7 to Moeller in Round 2 of the playoffs. Last year Lakota West prevailed in this game 16-13.
Pickerington North at Cincinnati Elder – It’s the Ohio Capital Conference versus the Greater Catholic League in this intriguing matchup. North finished 8-4 last year, defeating Upper Arlington in the regular season, 18-13, but losing 28-20 to Pickerington Central in the playoffs. Elder finished 10-4, with wins over Pickerington Central, 17-7, and St. Xavier, 42-10. In the playoffs, they lost 30-10 to Lakota West.
Hudson at Medina Highland – This is a battle of D2 teams from opposing divisions of the Suburban League. Both finished the regular season last year undefeated. In the playoffs Hudson defeated a good Walsh Jesuit team, 34-7, and a rising Painsville Riverside, 16-14, but ended up losing 41-7 to Akron Hoban in the regional finals. Meanwhile, Highand lost 42-6 in Round 2 to eventual state champ Toledo Central.
Cincinnati Colerain at Cincinnati LaSalle – Neither of these teams has been playing up to par of late, but a win for one of them may provide a kick start to better times. Last year Colerain finished 4-7 and LaSalle ended up 2-9, with LaSalle winning the season opener against these two teams, 17-13. The big money this time around is on Colerain.
Mansfield at Akron St. Vincent – The Tygers last year recorded a 10-3 record with a 42-7 shellacking of North Canton Hoover coupled with a 33-0 loss to Massillon, both in the regular season. In the Division 3 playoffs they lost 17-16 in Round 3 to Cleveland Holy Name. The Irish finished 8-4, posting a 21-14 win over Austintown Fitch before losing 47-7 to Akron Hoban in the 3rd round of the Division 2 playoffs.
Cleveland St. Ignatius vs. Springfield – Last year’s game was rained out, but the Wildcats may wish this one will be rained out as well. Ignatius is very young this year, with a new coach, and is just not the same team they were a few years ago. But they can still be competitive. In 2022 they finished 7-4 with a 24-21 win over St. Xavier and a 28-7 loss to St. Edward in Round 3 of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Springfield, at 14-2, with two wins over Centerville and a win over Huber Heights Wayne, advanced to state finals for the second consecutive year, before losing to St. Eds 28-14.
Steubenville at Youngstown Ursuline – Steubenville finished 12-3 in 2022, with a 32-20 loss to Cincinnati Wyoming in the Division 4 state semifinals. Ursuline was 10-3, losing 33-25 in Round 3 of the Division 3 playoffs to eventual state champ Canfield.
Massillon traveled to Cincinnati Moeller for the second of two scrimmages in preparation for the Tigers’ 2023 season opener next Friday against Valdosta, Georgia, the winningest team in the U.S. Moeller is coming off a 2022 season during which they compiled a 9-1 record and won the Division 1 Southwest Region in the playoffs. This year they are ranked second in Ohio D1 behind Lakewood St. Edward and 35th in the nation per maxpreps.com. Meanwhile, Massillon also finished 9-1 last year and captured their region in Division 2. The Tigers are currently ranked 3rd in D2 behind Akron Hoban and Avon, a team they scrimmaged and defeated last week.
The Crusaders struck first on the second play of their initial possession with a long bomb. But their offense was completely stymied the rest of the way. Meanwhile, the Tigers put up three scores to win 21-7. The first came at the end of a long drive when Mike Wright powered the ball into the end zone from four yards out. Vinnie Keller then converted the first of three PAT attempts. In the second quarter Daone Owens connected with Braylyn Toles for a 35-yard score. VIDEO. Toles beat the defender down the left sidelines and grabbed the ball touched his foot down in the end zone just inches away from the line. That upped the score to 14-7. Massillon’s first possession of the third quarter also went to paydirt when Jalen Slaughter hit Ja’Meir Gamble on a 35-yard strike. With the score sitting at 21-7, the starters vacated the field in favor of subs.
Moeller won 14-7 with the backups in. The Tigers’ score occurred when Eli Moore completed a 30-yard pass over the middle to Ricardo Wells, who made an acrobatic catch. VIDEO.
The freshmen won 21-6.
Videos courtesy of Becca Moore.
AUG 08, 2023
Hey, Tiger fans! As construction continues on our new elementary buildings, parking options for varsity football games will be as follows. Thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate construction.
Option 1: The Massillon City School District Transportation Department will run continuous loops from the Target and The Massillon Recreation Center parking lots beginning at 5:15 PM on game nights. Buses will begin transporting fans back to Target and the Massillon Recreation Center on a continuous loop after halftime.
Option 2: Limited parking will be available at The Leven Good Company parking lot located at 1861 Harsh Ave. SE Massillon, OH 44646 – The lot will open at 5:00 PM
Option 3: Limited parking will be available at Gerstenslager Hardwood parking lot located at 343 16th Street SE Massillon, OH 44646 for $5 – The lot will open at 5:00 PM
All parking on school property will be PASS ONLY. Parking passes are currently sold out.
Massillon and Avon, two perennial contenders to capture their respective Division II regional championships, locked horns Saturday in their annual scrimmage. This match-up has been ongoing for several years and has always been productive, in that it was a chance, albeit with just a few practices under their belts, for these teams to get some snaps in for perspective starters and, more importantly, evaluate all the talent looming underneath. The final score is simply a secondary outcome.
In the first part of the scrimmage, each team started at its own 35 and ran ten plays, with down-and-distance, in each of two possessions. Avon had the ball first and advanced on a nice drive to the Massillon 15 before running out of downs. Their attack was almost exclusively in the air. The Tiger defense was pretty basic with a 3-man front and blitzed only sparingly.
Then it was the Tigers’ turn. Daone Owens was the first under center and then was replaced halfway through the ten plays by Jalen Slaughter. This alternating routine they did for the entire scrimmage. Starting at the 25, Massillon advanced to the Avon 46, but was stopped on downs. The Tigers used a balanced attack, with modest production on the ground, but not much in the air, owing to the constant linebacker blitzing from the Eagles, which gave the quarterbacks little time to set up. Keep in mind that there is minimal game-planning for a scrimmage, whereas for a regular season game certain schemes would be employed to offset the blitz.
Now, many starters were being replaced. On Avon’s next possession they first lost two yards and punted. Then they gained seven yards and punted. Finally, they gained five yards and by that time consumed their ten plays. Massillon gained eight yards and punted. Then they ran out of plays without gaining a yard.
In part two the teams started at the opponent’s 25. Avon was intercepted at the goal line by Kyler Wiggins. Restarting, the Eagles lost seven yards and punted. Again restarting, they were intercepted by Tyler Hackenbracht. Starting once more, they ran out of downs at the Tiger 25. At this point, with the apparent starting defense on the field, the Tigers began to dominate.
Massillon scored on its first try from the 25 when sophomore Jaydyn Williams went over from the one. Vinny Keller’s PAT was successful. The next try went for two yards and was stopped on downs.
Part three involved each team starting at the opponent’s ten. Avon scored twice in two possessions, once on a 2-yard run and once on a 10-yard pass. Massillon also scored twice. Williams picked up his second TD on a 10-yard run and Ricardo Wells caught a 10-yard pass from Owens. Keller kicked both extra points.
After that the punt and field goal units got in some work.
The junior varsities each ran two series and tied 1-1, with quarterback Eli Moore crossing the goal line from five yards out.
The Tigers will be back in action next Thursday when they travel to Cincinnati to scrimmage Moeller. Game time is 2:00 pm. All of this in preparation for the season opener one week later when Massillon hosts Valdosta, Georgia.
The following is a reprint of a story from the Valdosta Daily Times Newpaper announcing the football game between Massillon and Valdosta. It was written by Clint Thompson and published on February 9, 2023.
Valdosta to open against national power to start ’23 season
VALDOSTA – The Valdosta Wildcats’ mantra is they do not back down from playing anybody. That includes one of the top football programs in the country in the Washington Tigers (Massillon, Ohio).
The two prestigious programs will kick off next season on Friday, Aug. 18 at Massillon’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. It is one of four games that comprise the inaugural Northeast Ohio vs. America Showcase.
Valdosta head coach Shelton Felton talked about the opportunity that awaits his Wildcats.
“It’s very exciting,” Felton said. “The opportunity to play in the Showcase game, an out-of-state game with two of the best programs in the nation from day one, it’s a great opportunity. It’s very exciting to be leading the Wildcats with an opportunity to play the game.”
Felton said Valdosta and Massillon have always wanted to compete against each other. The promoter for Ohio contacted Felton with the proposal.
“At the time, we had a game scheduled but they canceled. We jumped on board with the opportunity to play,” Felton said.
Valdosta ranks first in the country in high school football wins, while Massillon ranks fourth. Valdosta has 944 wins compared to Massillon’s 932. Valdosta finished 8-3 last season and third in Region 1-7A. Massillon finished 12-2.
The trip northward not only provides Valdosta a great opponent and electric atmosphere to start this season, it also provides Felton’s players a chance to see a part of the country they may not have seen before. That experience will be just as invaluable.
“Some of these kids won’t leave Valdosta after graduation. They’ll stay here and work, be great young men, great citizens. To be able to use football to see the world and see something different is an awesome opportunity,” Felton said. “There’s more stuff in the world than Valdosta, Georgia.”
The long-awaited 2023 football season is finally here. It should be an exciting year, as a challenging schedule awaits a talented Tigers team that is stocked with a wealth of returning starters. But first, there are several events to be enjoyed, all leading up to the opening game against Valdosta, Georgia.
Monday, July 31 – First official day of football practice. Massillon will utilize both Paul Brown Tiger Stadium and the Paul L. David Athletic Training Center, located at Washington High School.
Wednesday, August 2 – Media Day at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Group photographs of the varsity and freshmen teams and individual photos of all players will be taken by the website staff, the local media and commercial firms. Freshmen at 5:00 pm and varsity at 6:00 pm. Open to the public. Photos will appear in this website prior to the first game.
Saturday, August 5 – First scrimmage, vs. Avon, at Avon Football Field Mark Walberg Chevrolet Stadium. Game time is 11:30 am. Avon participates in the playoffs in Division 2 and has achieved five regional championships and one runner-up over the past six years. Their 10-year record is 111-17. Last year the Eagles finished 12-2, losing in the regional finals to eventual state champion Toledo Central Catholic. They are led by long-time coach Mike Elder.
Sunday, August 6 – Sideliners Picnic at Washington High School, starting at 12:00 n. The Sideliners is a group of Massillon supporters that act as “Big Brothers” for the varsity players. The members interact with the players on a weekly basis throughout the season and are also accessible to the players for help anytime in helping to resolve any personal problems that they might have.
Thursday, August 10 – Second scrimmage, vs. Cincinnati Moeller, at a site in Cincinnati to be determined. Game time is 2:00 pm. Moeller opened with the Tigers last season and went away with a 49-31 victory. Having resurged in recent years, the Crusaders won the championship in their Division 1 region in each of the last two seasons. They are led by first-year coach Bert Bathiany, who recently coached at Lexington Catholic in Kentucky.
Saturday, August 12 – Football Booster Club Golf Outing at the Massillon Elms Country Club. The 18-hole, shotgun start begins at 1:00 pm. Dinner will follow golf.
Tuesday, August 15 – First Touchdown Club meeting of the season. The event is held weekly at Eagles 190 at 11:30 am. 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 also provide nsight. Occasionally, the meetings are enhanced with guest speakers. At the end of the season the Club honors one player with the Hardnose Award. Memberships can be obtained in this website or at the door.
Wednesday, August 16 – Season Kickoff Rally at Duncan Plaza, beginning at 6:00 pm. Greet the team. Enjoy entertainment provided by the Tiger Swing Band and cheerleaders.
Thursday, August 17 – Valdosta Game Tailgate Party at Duncan Plaza, sponsored by Downtown Massillon Association and City of Massillon-City Hall. 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Games, live music and food trucks.
Thursday, August 17 – Freshmen football opener vs. Lake St. Edward at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
Friday, August 18 – Varsity football opener vs. Valdosta, Georgi,a at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:07 pm. The game is part of the NE Ohio vs. America Showcase. Valdosta, with an historical record of 944-262-34, is the No. 1 team in the USA in terms of total wins, while Massillon, a former USA No. 1 with a record of 932-299-36, is currently 1st in Ohio and 4th in the nation. Last year, the Wildcats finished 8-3, with a loss in the first round of the playoffs. They are led by third-year Head Coach Shelton Felton.
Note: Parking will be a premium due to the construction of the new elementary school in the east parking lot. There will be no parking in the east lot. The tailgate lot and upper and lower lots west of the stadium require a permit. Non-permit fans are encouraged to park at Target and take the shuttle bus to the stadium. Buses are scheduled to begin their runs at 5:00 pm.
Monday, August 21 – First Booster Club meeting, at Washington High School’s auditorium on the first floor, starting at 7:00 pm. Open to all Booster Club members (minimum membership is $10.00, which can be purchased in this website or at the door). Listen to Coach Nate Moore review the past game along with game film and preview the next opponent.
Last Thursday, in conjunction with the Booster Club Reverse Raffle event, five new members were inducted into the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame, including Arvine Ulrich, Larry Larsuel, Gary Vogt, Ron Ertle and Devin Smith. In addition, Rick Spielman was inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions. Each also will receive a commemorative plaque at halftime of the Valdosta Game.
Arvine “Tink” Ulrich played quarterback for the Tigers in 1920-22 under legendary Coach Dave Stewart. He was also a team captain.. During his senior year, the team finished 10-0 and was named state champion. Later, Ulrich played for Wittenberg College and was the class president. Following his return to Massillon, he was elected in 1934 as the Booster Club’s first president. He also held leadership roles in several Massillon-area civic organizations.
Larry Larsuel was a lineman for Massillon in 1962-64 first under Coach Leo Strang and then Earl Bruce. During his senior year the team finished 10-0 and was voted state champion. Twice he was named All-County and All-Ohio and later participated the Ohio North-South All-Star Game.
Gary Vogt, a former Massillon basketball player and 1966 graduate, has held several positions within the Booster Club, including Chairman of the Tiger Sideliners and President of the Club. In the latter position, he was instrumental in bringing several stadium projects to fruition, including installation of the Omni Sand Turf and installation of a rubberized running track. Also, under his watch, the “TIG-ERS” fan cheer was developed. He is currently the Booster Club’s Historian, a position he has held for the past 14 years.
Ron Ertle played offensive lineman and linebacker for the Tigers from 1966-68. In his senior year his team compiled a 9-1 record, capturing the All-American Conference championship and earning 2nd place in the sportswriters’ state poll. Ertle, a co-captain, was named 1st Team All-Ohio linebacker. And he participated in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game. After high school, he played football for the University of Cincinnati.
Devin Smith was a 2-year standout for Massillon at wide receiver from 2009-10, leading the team in receptions, yards and scoring each year. He was also named 1st Team All-Ohio in both years. During his junior year the team finished with a 10-4 record and a spot in the Division 1 state championship game. An All-County basketball player, he also captured three first place medals in state track meets. Following high school, Smith played football for four years at Ohio State, with his team capturing the national championship during his senior season. He also played in the NFL for the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys.
Rick Spielman played linebacker for the Tigers during his junior year and then switched to quarterback for his senior year. As a linebacker, he was instrumental in helping his team compile a 10-2-1 record and advance in the playoffs to the Division 1 state championship game. In college, he played linebacker for Southern Illinois University, earning 1st Team All-Gateway Conference honors, with his team once capturing the NCAA Division 1-AA national championship. Post-college, he achieved a long career in the NFL, holding various administrative positions within different organizations, including general manager of both the Miami Dolphins and the Minnesota Vikings.
Congratulations to the latest inductees.
Left to right: Gary Vogt, Ron Ertle, Devin Smith and Stacy Larsuel Howard for Larry Larsuel
Top (L-R) Irvine “Tink” Ulrich, Larry Larsuel and Gary Vogt; bottom (L-R) Ron Ertle, Devin Smith and Rick Spielman.