2023 Championship Football Season Wraps Up with Awards Ceremony

Gary Vogt contributed to this story

2023 Championship Football Season Wraps Up with Awards Ceremony

This one was 53 years in the making.  For it’s been that long since Massillon last won a state championship in football.  But, what a memorable year 2023 was.  A 16-0 record, winning more games than any previous Tiger team.   A defense that surrendered just one touchdown on the ground when the first unit was on the field.  A spectacular season-opening win over Valdosta, Georgia, which owns more wins than any other school in the country.  A second consecutive victory over Lakewood St. Edward, which has won the last three Division I state titles.  A 35-0 victory over Canton McKinley, recording the first shutout against the Bulldogs in 15 years.  Holding high-scoring, up-tempo Cincinnati Anderson to a single touchdown in a blowout win at Historic Crew Stadium.  A victory over Akron Hoban, on the back of a great defensive effort.  And that elusive Division II State Championship.  It all culminated in an awards ceremony for a host of deserving players.

In prior years an elaborate dinner banquet was held.  But, with the high demand for tickets on account of the state championship, it was changed to an awards ceremony at the high school auditorium.

Father Ed Gretchko opened the event with the invocation.  Father Ed has been a mainstay with the Tiger program, having been involved now for 25 years.  In fact, he  has led the team in grace over 250 times.

Rob Maylor, outgoing Booster Club President, gave his final address.  He also introduced next year’s president, Ed Starcher.

Trainer Lee Kuntz presented awards to the team student trainers, followed by Randy Berkley, who presented awards to the student team managers.

Three players were honored for their exceptional performances on the JV team.  They included Offensive Player of the Year Bishop Cupp, Defensive Player of the Year Jadyn Williams and Lineman Player of the Year Frankie Salvino.

Annually, Through the Roof and Ray Jeske of WTIG have an opportunity to present their season-ending awards, which included a couple of new ones this time around.  This year’s winners were:

• Offensive Player of the Year – Da’One  Owens
• Defensive Player of the Year – Dorian Pringle
• Next Man Up Award – Shon Robinson
• Leadership Award – Cody Fair

In an earlier event, the Touchdown Club presented its Hardnose Award to Dorian Pringle.

Each of the position coaches recognized their players and presented participation awards.  This was followed by the following player performance awards:

• Coach of the Year – Spencer Leno (defensive coordinator)
• Captain Awards – Chase Bond, Cody Fair, Zach Liebler, Da’Owens, Ryan Page, Dorian Pringle and Sam Snodgrass
• Brandon Burlsworth Character Award – Sam Snodgrass
• John Pizzino, Sr. Academic Football $1,000 Scholarship – Zach Liebler
• Paul David Memorial Academic Award – Evan Sirgo
• Bob Smith / Bill Snyder Sportsmanship Award – Malachi Card and Nick Paul
• Coach Lee Tressel Citizenship Award (Sideliners) – Evan Sirgo
• Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year – Bishop Cupp
• Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year – Shon Robinson and Frankie Salvino
• Offensive Player of the Year – Da’One Owens
• Defensive Player of the Year – Michael Wright Jr. and Chase Bond
• Special Teams Player of the Year – Lucas Shertzer and Tyler Hackenbracht
• Carl “Ducky” Schroeder Outstanding Lineman Award – Brady Jones and Sam Snodgrass
• Lifter of the Year – Cody Fair
• Tom Harp Coaches’ Award – Ryan Page and Shon Robinson
• Most Valuable Player – Dorian Pringle

Several new player and team records were set, including:

• Jalen Slaughter – Single Season Yards per Pass Attempt – 11.4
• Jalen Slaughter – Single Season Pass Efficiency – 188.7
• Mateo Herera – Single Season PAT Kick Percent – 100% (tie)
• Emy Lewis Jr. – Single Season Kickoff Return Touchdowns – 2 (tie)
• Dorian Pringle – Single Season  Tackles for Loss – 24.5
• Dorian Pringle – Single Season Tackles for Loss  Yards – 126
• Michael Wright Jr. – Single Season Quarterback Sacks – 10.5
• Michael Wright Jr. – Single Season  Quarterback Sacks Yards – 76
• Dorian Pringle – Career Tackles for Loss – 46
• Dorian Pringle – Career Tackles for Loss Yards – 240
• Michael Wright Jr. – Career Quarterback  Sacks – 19.0
• Michael Wright Jr. – Career Quarterback Sacks Yards – 134
• Team – Tackles for Loss – 117
• Team – Tackles for Loss Yards – 504
• Team – Quarterback Sacks – 45
• Team – Quarterback Sack Yards – 308

Ten players were named All-Ohio, including:

• Dorian Pringle – Senior inside linebacker – 1st Team (Co-Defensive Player of the Year)
• Da’One Owens – Senior quarterback – 1st Team
• Michael Wright Jr. – Junior defensive lineman – 1st Team
• Chase Bond – Senior defensive lineman – 2nd Team
• Nolan Davenport – Junior offensive lineman – 2nd Team
• Jacques Carter – Junior wide receiver – Honorable Mention
• Ja’Meir Gamble – Junior running back – Honorable Mention
• Tyler Hackenbracht – Junior defensive back – Honorable Mention
• Brady Jones – Senior offensive lineman – Honorable Mention

State Championship Celebration Parade Photos

State Championship Celebration Parade Photos

Several thousand Tiger fans turned out for one last chance to celebrate Massillon’s recent Division II State Championship with a parade through the center of town.  It was more of a stroll than a parade, but who cares.  It was a night of Tiger pride.  There was the band and cheerleaders and football team and coaches, plus school and civic administrators.  After it wound its way to the Massillon Rec Center, the band played some tunes and then the co-captains had a chance to speak to the large, appreciative crowd.  The event concluded with Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry presenting a city proclamation to Head Coach Nate Moore declaring December 10, 2023, as Massillon Tigers Day, followed by fireworks.

Enjoy the photos.

Ten Massillon Players Tapped for All-Ohio Honors; Moore Named…

Ten Massillon Players Tapped for All-Ohio Honors; Moore Named Coach of the Year

The Massillon Tigers, winner of the 2023 Division II state title, was duly honored by having ten players named to the division’s Ohio All-Star Team, five seniors and five juniors.  Headlining the group was Dorian Pringle, who was named the Co-Defensive Player of the Year.  In addition, Nate Moore was named Co-Coach of the Year, along with Mike Elder from Avon.

Massillon captured the championship by rolling through a gauntlet of six playoff games and finished the season with a perfect 16-0 record, receiving Top-25 ranking in several national polls.  It all culminated in a 7-2 victory over nationally-ranked Akron Hoban, a team that the Tigers had lost to in the state finals twice before, to capture the title.  During the regular season, Massillon defeated three national powers, including Valdosta, Georgia, Lakewood St. Edward and St. John’s College, DC.  They also downed local rival Canton McKinley in the season finale, 35-0.  With the win over Hoban, the Tigers can now rightfully claim that they are the best team in Ohio, given that St. Edward won the Division I state title, with their lone loss coming at the hands of the Tigers (for the second consecutive year).

(l-r) Dorian Pringle, Da’One Owens, Michael Wright Jr., Chase Bond and Nolan Davenport.

(l-r) Cody Fair, Jacques Carter, Ja’Meir Gamble, Tyler Hackenbracht and Brady Jones

First Team

• Dorian Pringle – Senior linebacker (6’-0”, 215).  2-year starter.  Recorded 48 unassisted tackles and 38 assisted tackles (61 tackle points).  Had a team-high 24.5 tackles-for-loss (126 lost yards) and 8.0 sacks (73 lost yards), with at least 3 TFLs in six different games.  Also, carried the ball 50 times for 246 yards (4.9 ave.) and 14 touchdowns.  Recovered three fumbles, forced three fumbles, broke up two passes and blocked a kick.  Second on the team in scoring with 84 points.  Against Akron Hoban in the state finals, recorded 14 total tackles and broke up a pass at the end of the game to secure the win for the state title.  On top of that, he made both the first defensive play of the game, a tackle for loss, and this last defensive play.  Holds several Division 1 offers.  Currently committed to Bowling Green.
• Da’One Owens – Senior quarterback (6’-2”, 200).  Completed 94 of 158 passes (60%) for 1,414 yards and 17 touchdowns.  Rushed 140 times for a team high 1,302 yards (9.3) and 15 touchdowns.  Only Massillon quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards.  Led the team in scoring with 92 points.  Passed for 341 yards and 4 touchdowns against Grove City Central Crossing.  Rushed for 241 yards and scored 2 touchdowns against Valdosta, GA.  Hot on Southern Illinois as a quarterback or running back.
• Mike Wright Jr. – Junior defensive lineman (5’-10”, 280).  3-year starter.  Recorded 28.0 tackle points, 15.5 TFLs (loss of 96 yards) and a team-high 10.5 sacks (loss of 76 yards).  Broke up three passes and caused two fumbles.  Sacked the Canton McKinley quarterback three times.  On offense, carried the ball 29 times for 118 yards (4.1 ave.) and 8 touchdowns.

Second Team

• Chase Bond – Senior defensive lineman (6’-4”, 245).  2-year starter.  Recorded 20.0 tackle points, 7.5 sacks (loss of 46 yards) and 11.0 tackles-for-loss (loss of 53 yards).  Against Anderson, recorded seven tackles, 4.0 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, and blocked and intercepted a pass that he returned for a touchdown.  Committed to North Carolina State.
• Nolan Davenport  – Junior offensive tackle (6’-6”, 260).  2-year starter.  Played tight end in 2022.  Used principally as a blocker.  Instrumental in helping his team rush for 240 yards per game (6.6 ave.) and 53 rushing touchdowns, while surrendering just 8 quarterback sacks.  Holds several Division 1 offers.

Third Team

• Cody Fair – Senior inside linebacker (6’-2”, 220).  2-year starter.  Leads the team with 44 solos and 38 assists (63.0 tackle points).  Recorded 18.0 TFLs (loss of 61 yards) and 5.0 sacks (loss of 30 yards.  Holds several offers and will play at the next level.

Honorable Mention

• Jacques Carter – Junior wide receiver (5’-10”, 160).  Caught 41 passes for a team high 796 yards (19.4 ave.) and 7 touchdowns.  Caught 8 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown against Middletown, DE.  Ran 50 yards for a touchdown against Green.
• Ja’Meir Gamble – Junior running back (5’-10”, 180).  Rushed 142 times for 948 yards (6.7 ave.) and 5 touchdowns.  Rushed for 233 yards against Austintown Fitch.
• Tyler Hackenbracht – Junior defensive back (6’-2”, 195.  Recorded 31 tackle points, broke up 11 passes and intercepted 3 passes, which were returned for 45 yards.  Returned 9 punts for 91 yards and 8 kickoffs for 197 yards (24.6 ave.), with a long of 64 yards.  Also punted for the Tigers.
• Brady Jones – Senior center (6’-3”, 245).  2-year starter.  Instrumental in helping his team rush for 240 yards per game (6.6 ave.) and 53 rushing touchdowns, while surrendering just 8 quarterback sacks.

Dorian Pringle Receives Touchdown Club Award

Dorian Pringle Receives Touchdown Club Award

At the end of each season the Touchdown Club honors one of the players with the “Bob Commings Memorial Hardnose Award.”  That player would have received the most votes from among weekly tallies taken by the club members.  Past honorees include John Muhlbach (Ohio State), David Whitfield (Ohio State), Chris Spielman (Ohio State), Shawn Crable (Michigan), Brian Gamble (Illinois/Ashland) and Willtrell Hartson (Ohio State).  Click here for the complete list of past award winners.

Bob Commings was a very successful coach for the Tigers from 1969 to 1973, compiling a record of 43-6-2, including a qualification for Ohio’s first ever state playoff games (1972) and winning Massillon’s last state championship prior to this year (1970).  Commings departed following the 1973 season to become head coach of the University of Iowa and later coached at GlenOak High School, for which their field is currently named.

This year’s hardnose award winner is Dorian Pringle, the Tigers’ record-setting linebacker and running back, who helped lead his team to a 16-0 record and a Division 2 playoff state championship.  Dorian received the award from Bob Commings Jr., son of the former Massillon coach, and George Mizer, this year’s president of the Touchdown Club.

Pringle started at middle linebacker for two years and was immediately cast as a clone of Chris Spielman, who played linebacker for both the state runner-up 1982 team and the 9-win 1983 team, based on his smart, aggressive and physical style of play.  In his junior year he was awarded 1st Team All-State and NE Inland District Co-Defensive Player of the Year.  This past season, he was again awarded NE Inland District Co-Defensive Player of the Year.  The All-State team has yet to be released, but he is certain to again be named 1st Team and perhaps Defensive Player of the Year.

In 2022, Pringle led the team with 69.5 tackle points, 21.5 tackles-for-loss and 114 tackles-for-loss yards.  He also sacked the quarterback 5.5 times for a loss of 47 yards and blocked two kicks.  As a running back, he carried the ball 54 times for 294 yards (5.4 ave) and scored six touchdowns.  This year, in spite of losing four games to injury, he was second on the team with 61.0 tackle points and led the team with 24.5 tackles-for-loss and 126 tackles-for-loss yards  He also recovered three fumbles, blocked a kick and produced at least three tackles-for-loss in each of six different games.  On the ground, he carried the ball 50 times for 246 yards (4.9 ave.) and 14 touchdowns and was second on the team in scoring with 84 points.

Here are the Massillon defensive records he set during his two years of varsity ball:

• Single season tackles-for-loss
• Single season tackles-for-loss yards
• Single season quarterback sacks
• Single season quarterback sacks yards
• Career tackles-for-loss
• Career tackles-for-loss yards
• Career quarterback sacks
• Career quarterback sacks yards

What is most remarkable is that he tore his MCL at the beginning of the game against Westerville South (Week 12) and didn’t play again until the Hoban game (Week 16), having strengthened the joint sufficiently in between to return to the field.  Once there, he was a tremendous factor in the victory.  Not only did he lead the team in tackles, he sacked the quarterback three times and broke up a pass at end of the game to secure the win and the state championship.  Unknown to most fans is that he was blitzing on that play, but recognized an uncovered receiver heading downfield.  So he reverse direction and chased down the player, catching him in time to knock the ball out of his hands.  That lone play determined the winner of the game.

Pringle, on winning the Hardnose Award – “I really appreciate it.  It’s a whole team award.  I’m pleased that everyone worked hard the whole season.  And I want to thank the people who voted for me.”

Pringle, on winning the state title – “I’m very happy.  Our team, we put a lot of work in, like I said.  And it all came together and showed at the end that we’re the best team in the state.”

A big congratulations goes out to Dorian Pringle, a true Massillon Tiger!

(l-r) Touchdown Club Chairman George Mizer, Dorian Pringle, Head Coach Nate Moore

(l-r) George Mizer, Dorian Pringle, father of Dorian Pringle

Co-captains: (bottom row, l-r) Da’One Owens, Coach Nate Moore; (top row, l-r) Ryan Page, Chase Bond, George Mizer, Dorian Pringle, Cody Fair, Zach Liebler and Sam Snodgrass.

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO6 – Post-Akron…

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO6 – Post-Akron Hoban

Massillon (16-0) captured the Division 2 State Title with a hard fought 7-2 victory over Akron Hoban.  It was the first fully unbeaten season since 1970 and first time that the Tigers had won 16 games in a single season.

Link to the Akron Hoban Game Story

Link to the Akron Hoban Game Statistics

Review of the Akron Hoban Game

Statistics leaders:

• Da’One Owens: 17 carries for 82 yards; 3 of 11 passing 17 yards
• Mylen Lenix: 6 carries for 11 yards and 1 touchdown
• Jacques Carter: 2 receptions for 12 yards
• Dorian Pringle: 10.5 tackle points; 3.0 tackles-for-loss
• Cody Fair: 7.0 tackle points; 1.0 TFL
• Adonis Marshall: 7.5 tackle points
• Ryan Page: 6 tackle points; 0.5 sacks; 0.5 TFL
• Maverick Clark: 0.5 sacks; 0.5 TFL
• Chase Bond: blocked punt
• Vito McConnell: pass interception

Booster Club Meeting

Booster Club President Rob Maylor opened the meeting and was simply ecstatic over the team winning the Division 2 State Championship and the their accomplishments throughout the season.  What an enlightening experience he must have had this year.  And to be the president of the club when the Tigers won their first playoff championship is something that will certainly be cherished by him for the rest of his life.

Head Coach Nate Moore brought the entire team to the meeting to share in the enthusiasm of the many club members in attendance.  “How ’bout those Tigers!,” he shouted.

Here are the remarks from the team co-captains:

Ryan Page – “It was a great game.  A hard fought win.  It was amazing seeing a whole city behind you.”

Zach Liebler – “The energy and atmosphere was amazing.  It was an honor to play with these guys behind me.”

Sam Snodgrass – “I dreamed of this.  I just wanted to bring one home for the city.”

Cody Fair – “We had a great game.  We scored and they didn’t.  That was the difference.  I had so much fun this season working hard with my teammates.”

Chase Bond – “It wasn’t the prettiest from the stands.  But from the field it was a beautiful thing.  Playing great defense.  We finally got it all done.”  Regarding his blocked punt, he said it didn’t feel as amazing at the time he did it.  But only later when he realized it led to the only touchdown of the game.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that we have the best coaching staff in the country,” said Moore.  They are tireless workers in giving our players the best opportunity to win.”

Defensive Coordinator Spencer Leno – “Our kids take a lot of pride.  Special players make special plays.  Play together.  Do your job.  Read your keys.  Buy in and good things happen.”

Special Teams Coordinator Jason Jarvis – “Thursday night was a special night for me and my family (noting that his father, who also coached football, is currently ailing and was watching the game from home).  We put players in the best positions to make plays.  But these guys have to do it.  I’m proud of the guys.”

Offensive Coordinator Jarrett Troxler – “Obviously, this was a special year.  The win over Valdosta jump started our season.  Everybody contributed.  It wasn’t just one guy (as seen in the game statistics).  It was everybody.  The offensive line did a fantastic job this year.  Thursday night was tough.  We struggled at times.”  So the offense went conservative in the play calling during the second half to keep the risk level down since the defense was playing so well.  “It was quite an experience.  Quite a year.  16-0!”

Strength and Conditioning Coach Dan Studer – “To win a state title you need a group of guys than can withstand a 16-game season.  To be able to do what we do; not everybody can do it.  We start on January 2nd and it’s just hard, brutal work.  And it pays off.  They’re willing to do it.  And it showed on Thursday.  We’re state champs!”

Coach Moore wrapped up the meeting with some final remarks, starting with the senior class.  “It is a special group,” he said.  “A great mix of good players.  They’re tough and they love Massillon.  I couldn’t be more proud of this Class of 2024.”

Then he addressed the underclassmen.  “We had a lot of juniors step up and make great plays.  And the younger players contributed on special teams.  Very soon it will be time to turn the page and prepare for the 2024 state championships.”

He also lauded the scout teams, specifically in preparing the varsity for the game against Cincinnati Anderson, with their high-tempo offense.  Even some first team players participated.  “It was one of the things that make this a special group,” said Moore.

“What a great season,” he ended with.  “Hoban; shouldn’t have happened any other other way.  What a great performance by our defense.  So many incredible events to look back on.  And we didn’t win the title just to prove that we have the best program in the country!”

Booster Club President Rob Maylor with the senior players.

2023: Massillon 7, Akron Hoban 2

STATE CHAMPS!!!  Massillon Runs the Table to Take Home the Crown

Game Statistics

Division 2 Bracket

Say goodbye to the proverbial monkey, for it’s been lifted from the backs of the Massillon community, never to be seen again.  That, after the Tigers defeated Akron Hoban 7-2 to capture their first state title in the playoff era. The OHSAA trophy now takes its honored place next to the 24 other state title trophies that Massillon won prior to the playoffs, a mark often ridiculed by outside parties, who discount the poll championships.

The home side filling up as the game approached.

A crowd of 13,329 mostly Massillon fans packed Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium to witness history in the making.  They came early to get the choice seats.  They wore their orange and black.  They were loud.  And they supported the Tigers without a break from the pre-game warmup to the game’s end.  And they didn’t leave until their victorious team had left the field.  But it didn’t end there.  Several thousand headed to a noisy, horn-honking downtown Massillon to welcome the team back and then celebrated the achievement with them at Duncan Plaza well into the night.

It was a defensive struggle unlike that seen by Massillon fans in many years, with just a single touchdown on the scoreboard by the end.  Both teams were billed as having outstanding defenses and they didn’t disappoint, forcing eleven punts between them and holding opposing offenses to less than four yards per carry on the ground and 7 of 21 in the air. But in the end, it came down to which team made the fewest mistakes.  Although Hoban held the advantage in the statistics, they also held the edge in crucial errors and that ultimately cost them the game.  Not to take anything away from the magnificent performance turned by the Tiger defense, which kept the Knights out of the end zone the entire night with a “bend but don’t break” attitude and allowed only two drives to enter the red zone, one at the beginning and one at the end.  They were also turnover-free, with just four penalties for 25 yards.

Midway through the second quarter the Knights were forced to punt from their own 29.  The punter couldn’t cleanly catch the ball and it fell forward onto the carpet.  He immediately ran forward and picked up the ball, while again attempting to punt.  Only, Chase Bond now had time to close and block the kick, with the ball quickly pounced on Malachi Card.  Massillon took over in good field position, but couldn’t advance against the stingy Knight defense.  Only, problems continued for Hoban when, on 4^th and 10 from the Massillon 28, a defender grabbed Da’One Owen’s facemask while he was stepping into the pocket to throw and didn’t let go until the upended Owens was on the ground.  The penalty: fifteen yards and first down, with the ball now resting at the Knight 14.  In comes the jumbo package, with Mylen Lenix and Mike Wright Jr. in the backfield.  Lenix got the first carry and he picked up three yards.  Wright was next and he advanced it to the six.  But Lenix’s second carry was golden; right up the middle for a touchdown, behind some great blocking by every member of the offensive line.  Vinny Keller’s PAT was good and the Tigers had a lead they would never relinquish.

But that wasn’t the only crucial mistake made by Hoban.  On their first possession of the game they went on a 10-play, 58-yard drive deep into Massillon territory.  But it came to an end when quarterback Tylar Boykin fumbled the snap and Pringle was right there to pounce on it to halt the threat.

The most crucial mistake came right at the end of the game after Massillon was stopped on downs.  The Tigers were facing a 4^th and 3 from their own 40 when the coaches elected to run a fake punt.  Unfortunately, Shon Robinson’s run came up just short and Hoban took over at the Massillon 42 with 7:33 remaining in the game.  The smart play would have been to punt, but a successful fake would have resulted in more time being taken off the clock, given that the Knights were out of time outs.

Nine plays later Hoban was sitting pretty at the Tiger ten with a 3^rd and 1.  Only, the next snap sailed past the quarterback’s right ear and a Hoban player was fortunate enough to fall on the ball at the 17, with Wright also on the play.  Now it was fourth down and a pass was called for.  Boykin dropped back to the 25 and looked over the middle for an open receiver.  But all were covered.  So he looked to his right and found a secondary receiver, who was running an outside curl rout toward right side of the end zone.  Pringle, who was on a blitz, recognized the threat at the same time and reversed direction 180-degrees to provide coverage.  As he closed the gap the receiver was racing across the front of the end zone toward the boundary.  Boykin rolled to his right and while on the run lofted a pass some 35 yards in his direction.  But it was coming in just a tad low and the receiver did not have time adjust his route to the ball flight.  So he went low for for the catch.  Meanwhile, Pringle was now in position to make a play, jerked his right elbow away at the same time the ball arrived, opportunely preventing the completion.  The ball then bounced off the receiver’s chest and fell harmlessly to the ground.  That was it.  The game was over and the Tigers had won.  There was 1:22 left on the clock, Massillon had the ball and the Knights were out of timeouts.  Two knees later the game was over.

In between all that action the defenses dominated.  After Hoban was stopped on their initial possession, Massillon drove 59 yards in nine plays, but ran out of downs at the Knight 22, with Owen’s long 4^th down pass to Braylyn Toles was just off his fingertips in the end zone.  During the drive Owens carried the ball five times for 54 yards, with runs of 11, 29 and 14 yards.  It was what Tigers fans were expecting.  But after that, Hoban adjusted and Owens rushed for just 28 yards the rest of the way.

After an exchange of punts, two by Hoban and one by Massillon, the Tigers got their touchdown.

Later in the second quarter a Knight punt was downed inside the one yard line and Massillon could not push it out, surrendering a safety.  Interestingly, on the first try from scrimmage, Owens found daylight on the right side of the line, aided by a great seal block against the inside linebacker by Mike Wright Jr.  Owens was in the clear and might have taken the ball to the house, except the whistle blew just after he crossed the line of scrimmage and the play was called back for motion on the ever so slightly leaning running back.  In hindsight, the safety might have been advantageous to the Tigers, since a punt from the end zone would have given Hoban great field position with which to tie the score.  As it was, the Knights returned the ensuing kickoff to their own 48 and were subsequently intercepted by Vito McConnell at the Tiger 43 to quell any threat.

The second half was a mirror of the first as the teams took turns trading punts, up until Massillon’s fake punt and Hoban’s missed touchdown opportunity.  With two plays left and the Knights out of timeouts, Owens twice took a knee to secure the victory and the state title.

The subsequent celebration by both the players on the field and the fans in the stands was one of the greatest experiences for the Massillon community in a long time.  For it’s been 53 years since the last state title and only a small minority of present-day fans were around then.  But this one will be cherished for a long time, while an energized Tiger team will gear itself in the off-season to prepare for another deep playoff run.

A shout-out should go to both punters.  Massillon’s Tyler Hachenbracht punted five times for an average of 36.2 yards and a long of 42.  Hoban’s 1^st Team Inland District 1^st Ryan Burns punted six times for an average of 38.8 yards and long of 49 yards, with the big one stopping at the one and setting up the safety.

On defense, Pringle, while playing injured, led Massillon with seven solo tackles and seven assists, with three tackles-for-loss.  Cody Fair had four solos, six assists and one TFL.  Adonis Marshall had six and three, while Ryan Page had three and six.

It was a great day to be a Tiger!!!

Twenty-Four Massillon Seniors Will Suit Up for the Last…

Twenty-Four Massillon Seniors Will Suit Up for the Last Time

It’s the end of November and the Tigers are exactly where they want to be.  That is, playing for a state championship.  It was a goal set by the team a year ago, given the high number of starters returning this year.  And it was bolstered by a great senior class, one that fashioned a 12-2 record and a regional championship in 2022, and one that will be greatly missed when their senior season comes to an end.

Pre-season talk centered around a playoff region that was ripe for the picking.  And it played itself out exactly as expected.  What wasn’t necessarily expected, however, was heading into the title game undefeated at 15-0 and setting a Massillon record for total wins in a season.  That’s because there were three formidable teams standing in the way: Valdosta, Lakewood St. Edward and St. John’s.  And, of course, Canton McKinley is waiting at the end.

Valdosta was and still is the winningest team in the country, with Massillon currently in the third position.  The game itself received national media attention with the Tigers playing against a team that was very athletic and having a dynamic offense and an aggressive defense.  But a win for the Tigers would surely set the tone for the season.  After falling behind early 14-0, Massillon regrouped and came away with a 28-17 victory.  The win also instilled confidence in the players that they would be at least competitive against the other two powers.

St. Edward came to Tigertown in Week 5 still stinging from a 31-28 upset loss from the previous season.  Especially, since that was their only loss that year and they rolled by season’s end to a second consecutive Division 1 state championship.  There is no way that Massillon was supposed to win the rematch.  The Eagles were unbeaten and ran an offense that was bolstered by a 300 lb. line, perhaps the largest in the country.  But the Tigers not only won the game, they dominated the statistics, in spite of winning just 15-12.  Nevertheless, it propelled the Massillon program into the national spotlight and locals began to realize just how good this team was.

By the time St. John’s came to town, they weren’t looking as dangerous anymore, given the Tigers’ success up to that point in the season.  Although the Cadets did play a good game, featuring some of the best athletes seen this year, they couldn’t overcome a 21-7 halftime deficit and eventually fell 28-7.  On the ground, St. John’s rushed for 131 yards at 6.9 yards per attempt, the most yards given up by the Massillon defense this year.  But they just couldn’t extend their drives to the end zone, most of which ended with either a punt or a stop on downs.

And, of course, the Tigers handled the Bulldogs easily, winning 35-0.  In the playoffs, they won the first five games without being challenged, with a scoring margin of 42-6.  But now comes the most significant match of the season, against Akron Hoban, for the Division 2 state title.  Without a doubt, this Massillon team couldn’t have gotten this far without having a great senior class.  Below are these players:

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO5 – Post-Cincinnati…

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO5 – Post-Cincinnati Anderson; Preview of the Akron Hoban Game

Massillon (15-0) defeated Cincinnati Anderson (13-2) in the playoff state semifinals, 55-7.  This is first time that the Tigers have won 15 games in a single season.  Massillon next travels to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton to face Akron Hoban (13-1) for a Thursday, 7:00 pm kickoff in the state finals.  The Knights come in at No. 1 in Region 5, while the Tigers are No. 1 in Division 2, Region 7.  Massillon trails in the series with Hoban, 3-2.

Link to the Anderson Game Story

Link to the Anderson Game Statistics

Review of the Anderson Game

It was win No. 947, which keeps Massillon in the No. 3 position nationally for all-time wins, just one game behind Louisville Make, KY, and five games behind Valdosta, GA.

Massillon defeated Cincinnati Anderson, playing perhaps its best game of the season.  The offense rolled up 393 yards, with 258 on the ground and 136 in the air, while never in position to punt the ball.  In fact, they were able to either convert a first down or score a touchdown 93% of the time.  The defense held Anderson’s 40+ point offense to just seven points, holding the Raptor run game to a mere eight yards.  Anderson did complete 33 of 50 passes, but for less than eight yards per catch.  The special teams also played a great game, returning a kickoff for a touchdown and dropped their own kickoffs in great position right along the sidelines to quell any potential returns.

“What a great victory it was,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore.  “It was the biggest offensive challenge of the year.  To hold a big offense to seven points.  It was great.  We played really well in all three phases of the game.  A shout out to the defense.  The defense played great.  They brought great pressure.  Our scout team gave us a phenominal look.  And they were faster than Anderson.  The offensive line played great.  The backs ran hard.”

Moore also said that the game plan going in was to blitz and let the man-to-man defense handle the screens.  But that didn’t work out so well on Anderson’s first drive.  So the Tigers adjusted by taking off the blitz and assigning one linebacker to the quarterback and another to the screen, while blocking off any short crossing pattern.  Following that adjustment, the game went much better.

The guest player was inside linebacker Cody Fair.  “Last week it was a pretty tough team to prepare for,” he said.  “But we adjusted well.” Fair also felt that Massillon used their constant physical play to tire out the Anderson players.  He also added that Anderson running an up-tempo offense didn’t help matters (they ran 70 plays).  Regarding the upcoming game against Akron Hoban, Fair believes that the Tigers need to be close to perfect.  But they are excited to get after them this week.

Statistics leaders:

• Da’One Owens: 8 of 13 passing for 135 yards and 1 touchdown; 5 carries for 75 yards and 1 touchdown
• Ja’Meir Gamble: 10 carries for 52 yards
• Peytton Mitchell: 9 carries for 41 yards and 1 touchdown
• Mylen Lenix: 6 carries for 33 yards and 1 touchdown
• Jacques Carter: 4 receptions for 46 yards
• Braylyn Toles: 3 receptions for 58 yards
• Emy Lewis: 1 reception for 31 yards and 1 touchdown; 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown
• Mike Wright:  5.0 tackle points; 2.0 sacks; 2.5 TFLs; 4 carry for 18 yards and 2 touchdowns
• Shon Robinson: 8.0 tackle points
• Chase Bond: 5.0 tackle points; 3.0 sacks; 4.0 TFLs; 1 pass interception returned 51 yards for a touchdown

Akron Hoban Scouting Report

Hoban enters the contest with a record of 13-1.  The Knights have outscored their opponents by an average margin of 33-8.  In contrast, Massillon has outscored its opponents by an average margin of 41-8.  The two teams have played one common opponent: Lakewood St. Edward.  The Tigers defeated the Eagles 15-13, outgaining the Eagles in total yards 299-212.  Hoban lost 14-7 and failed to score an offensive touchdown.  It is without a doubt a game matching the two best defenses in Division 2.  Scores to-date:

• Frederick Douglass, KY (5-4): 45-6 W
• Erie Cathedral Prep, PA (6-3): 44-12 W
• Trinity Episcopal School, VA (6-3): 34-6 W
• Akron East (8-3): 39-0 W
• Cleveland St. Ignatius (3-9): 35-0 W
• Walsh Jesuit (12-2): 57-7 W
• Cleveland Glenville (12-3): 28-16 W
• St. Francis, NY (4-5): 28-13 W
• Lakewood St. Edward (14-1): 7-14 L
• Akron Ellet (39-7) (PO): 39-7 W
• Barberton (7-5) (PO): 41-7 W
• Painsville Riverside (10-3) (PO): 21-0 W
• Walsh Jesuit (12-2) (PO): 30-6 W
• Avon (14-1) (PO): 17-14 W

The Hoban offense is similar to Massillon’s in that they use many of the same plays:  They line up in the  spread with some empty backfield, some 2-fullback sets, some heavy sets and a few jet sweeps.  They run primarily gap scheme and power with some play-action mixed in.  Moore believes that their offensive line is very good and they have several good running backs.  The quarterback can run, some off of set plays.  But the passing game is a definite weakness with both the quarterback and wide receivers.  Nevertheless, it is a pretty solid group overall.

The strength of the defense is the front-7 which, according to Moore, is really good.  They line up in an even front with stand-up ends.  Two or three linebackers, one of which has an offer to Ohio State.  Another linebacker has an offer to West Virginia.  The secondary is normally in cover-1 with man-to-man on the receivers and occasionally in cover-3.   Often, it will resemble a 4-2 dime look.  Look for a lit of  blitzing.  Moore said that the Hoban defense is really good across the board.

The keys to the game: run the ball and stop the run.

Go Tigers

2023: Massillon 55, Cincinnati Anderson 7

Massillon Rolls Over Anderson, Heads to State Finals

Game Statistics

If you watched the movie “Friday Night Lights” you might recall the mantra preached to the Permian players by the head coach: support each other, give it everything you have and play perfect with clear hearts.  It wasn’t a perfect game for nationally ranked Massillon on Friday at a fabulous Historic Crew Stadium, but it close to it as the Tigers literally took a very good Cincinnati Anderson team apart in the Division 2 state semifinals, 55-7.  And the damage was done early, with the game proceeding into a running-clock situation midway into the third quarter.

The offense never punted, although it was stopped three times inside Anderson territory.  The defense as usual was relentless.  Aside from an opening Raptor score, they kept an opponent that was averaging over 40 points per game out of the red zone the remainder of the night.  The front seven also accounted for eight quarterback sacks and thirteen tackles-for-loss.  In addition, Vinny Keller was marvelous on special teams, dropping each of his kickoffs on a dime and connecting on all seven PAT tries.

With the win, Massillon advances to next Thursday’s state final matchup at Canton’s Tom Benson Stadium to face local nemesis Akron Hoban, with which they have some recent history.  The once-beaten Knights, in their semifinal matchup against previously unbeaten Avon, overcame a 14-3 deficit to win 17-14.  The Tigers remain undefeated at 15-0, while Anderson closes the season at 13-2.

The game started out with a bang when quarterback Da’One Owens, following Massillon’s opening game kickoff return, took the snap in an empty backfield and headed through the middle of the line.  Somehow, he emerged on the other side, broke free and then outraced the Anderson secondary 68 yards for a score.  The Raptors immediately responded with a beautiful passing drive for which the Tigers seemed to have no answer.  It ended when quarterback Justice Burnam, 1^st Team All-Southwest District, connected with Trace Jallick on a screen pass for a 19-yard touchdown, tying the score at seven apiece.  Not to be outdone, Emy Louis Jr. took the ensuing kickoff and raced 91-yards down the right sidelines for a score.

At that point it looked like it was going to turn into a typical Anderson game: high-scoring with a total lack of defense.  Only, the Tigers regrouped and shut out the Raptors the rest of the way.  It appeared that the Tiger secondary had figured out the wide receiver passing routes and thereafter kept the Raptors from mounting any serious drive.  Anderson, however, did hurt themselves in a couple of ways.  The first was through several dropped passes.  The second was by a coach that was determined to do what he has done throughout the season; i.e., go for it on fourth down, regardless of position on the field.  They failed six times, three of which were in their own territory.  You just can’t do that against top-level competition.  For they will make you pay.  And the Tigers did just that.

Anderson mounted a short drive to the Massillon 44, but Burnam was intercepted by a diving Vito McConnell at the 45.  The Tigers then drove to the Raptor 30, but were stopped on downs, hindered by twenty yards in penalties.  Anderson took over at their own 20 and did pick up a first down, but following a sack by Chase Bond were forced to punt.  From there Massillon engineering a methodical 14-play drive that covered 67 yards and ended when Mike Wright Jr. powered it in from the five, making the score 21-7.

The Raptors subsequently advanced to the Tiger 44 and faced a 4^th and 2, but Wright and Maverick Clark combined on fourth down for the stop with a 2-yard loss.  Two plays later Massillon was in the end zone.  This time it was a 31-yard bomb to a wide-open Emy Lewis Jr., set up  by a 23-yard burst by Ja’Meir Gamble.

The Tigers might have taken that 28-7 lead into the locker room, but Anderson elected to go for it on 4^th and 4 from their own 31.  Burnham went back to pass and, failing to find an open receiver, was promptly sacked by Bond and Brandon Carman at the 29.  A 19-yard pass to Jacques Carter and 10-yard run by Mylen Lenix, during which he reversed field while running out of several would-be tackles and dove into the end zone.  Suddenly, Massillon was up 35-7 and the game was essentially over at that point.

In the third quarter Wright scored from five yards out, capping a 4-play, 57-yard drive to send the game into running-clock.  During the play the 285 lb. Wright showed that he is truly an accomplished running back.  He took the handoff from Owens and headed up the middle.  But it was clogged so he cut to the outside and cleared the edge of the fray with a tremendous burst of speed, and crossing the goal lie untouched to the delight of the large Massillon crowd.

With the score at 42-7 the varsity yielded the field in favor of the backups.  But it didn’t take long for them to add points.  Following a 39-yard run by quarterback Jalen Slaughter off a fake handoff, the Tigers drove it in with Peytton Mitchell scoring from the one.

Massillon would have been content at that point to end the onslaught.  Only, Bond tipped a Burnam pass, intercepted it, and then strolled 49 yards for an uncontested touchdown.  It appeared to come to the surprise of even himself, who was surely in unknown territory at the moment he crossed the goal line.  Final score, 55-7.

Several players shared the ball as the Tigers rolled up 262 yards on the ground.  The various ball carriers included Owns (75 yards), Gamble (52 yards), Mitchell (41 yards), Slaughter (39 yards), Lenix (33 yards) and Wright (18 yards), all-in-all accounting for five touchdowns.  Owens was also 8 of 13 passing for 135 yards and a score.  On the receiving end were Carter (4-46), Toles (3-58) and Louis (1-31).

Defensively, Shon Robinson, playing in place of the injured Dorian Pringle, was once again the leading tackler, recording 8.0 tackle points.  Bond had 5.0 tackle points with three sacks and Wright had 5.0 with 2.0 sacks.

Anderson’s Burham completed 33 of 50 passes for 256 yards and one touchdown.  Southwest District Offensive Player of the Year running back Brodey Berg was held to 9 yards on 5 carries.  Joey Emrick recorded 7.5 tackle points and Leo Muehlenkamp had 6.5.  Trace Jalick caught 9 passes for 103 yards and Berg caught 9 for 35.

Twelve Massillon Players Receive All-District Honors

Twelve Massillon Players Receive All-District Honors

The Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association (OPSWA) has released its 2023 Northeast Inland District All-Star Team for Division 2.  Twelve Massillon players are included, with special recognition going to Da’One Owens, who was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year, and Dorian Pringle, who repeats as Co-Defensive Player of the Year.  Massillon, the Region 7 champion and the No.11 nationally rated team in USA Today, remains undefeated with a 14-0 record and will participate in the state playoff semifinal game this Friday Against Cincinnati Anderson, the winner of Region 8.

(l-r) Da’One Owens (1st), Dorian Pringle (1st), Chase Bond (1st), Nolan Davenport (1st), Cody Fair (1st) and Mike Wright Jr. (1st)

(l-r) Jacques Carter (2nd), Ja’Meir Gamble (2nd), Tyler Hackenbracht (2nd), Brady Jones (2nd), Adonis Marshall (HM) and Braylyn Toles (HM)

First Team

• Da’One Owens – Senior quarterback. 3-year starter.  Completed 94 of 158 passes (59%) for 1,414 yards and 17 touchdowns.  Rushed 118 times for a team high 1,145 yards (9.7) and 14 touchdowns.  Only Massillon quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards.  Leads the team in scoring with 86 points.  Passed for 341 yards and 4 touchdowns against Grove City Central Crossing.  Rushed for 241 yards and scored 2 touchdowns against Valdosta, GA.  Holds several Division 1 offers.
• Dorian Pringle – Senior linebacker.  2-year starter.  Leads the team with 41 unassisted tackles and has recorded 50.5 tackle points.  Recorded 8.0 sacks for a team high 73 yards and team high 21.5 tackles-for-loss for a team high 114 yards.  Also, carried the ball 50 times for 246 yards (4.9) and 14 touchdowns.  Forced two fumbles, broke up two passes and blocked a kick.  Even holds for extra points.  Holds several Division 1 offers.
• Chase Bond – Senior defensive lineman.  2-year starter.  Recorded 14.0 tackle points, 4.5 sacks for a loss of 33 yards and 7.0 tackles-for-loss for a loss of 39 yards.  Committed to North Carolina State.
• Nolan Davenport  – Junior offensive tackle.  2-year starter.  Played tight end in 2022.  Used principally as a blocker.  Instrumental in helping his team rush for 249 yards per game (6.7 ave.) and 47 rushing touchdowns, while surrendering just 8 quarterback sacks.  Holds several Division 1 offers.
• Cody Fair – Senior inside linebacker.  2-year starter.  Leads the team with 51.5 tackle points.  Recorded 4.0 sacks for a loss of 25 yards and 15.0 tackles-for-loss for a loss of 52 yards.  Holds several offers and will play at the next level.
• Mike Wright Jr. – Junior defensive lineman.  3-year starter.  Recorded 22.5 tackle points, 8.5 sacks for a loss of 68 yards and 13.0 tackles-for-loss for a loss of 87 yards.  Broke up three passes and caused two fumbles.  Sacked the Canton McKinley quarterback three times.  On offense, The 285 lb. running back carried the ball 24 times for 95 yards (4.0 ave.) and 6 touchdowns.

Second Team

• Jacques Carter – Senior wide receiver.  Caught 35 passes for a team high 738 yards (21.1 ave.) and 7 touchdowns.  Caught 8 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown against Middletown, DE.  Ran 50 yards for a touchdown against Green.
• Ja’Meir Gamble – Junior running back.  Rushed 128 times for 893 yards (7.0 ave.) and 5 touchdowns.  Rushed for 233 yards against Austintown Fitch.
• Tyler Hackenbracht – Junior defensive back.  Recorded 25 tackle points, broke up 9 passes and intercepted 3 passes, which were returned for 45 yards.  Returned 8 punts for 97 yards and 7 kickoffs for 179 yards, with a long of 64 yards.
• Brady Jones – Senior center.  2-year starter.  Instrumental in helping his team rush for 249 yards per game (6.7 ave.) and 47 rushing touchdowns, while surrendering just 8 quarterback sacks.

Honorable Mention

• Adonis Marshall – Junior defensive back.  Recorded 28.5 tackle points, 2 tackles-for-loss, 11 pass breakups, 3 pass interceptions and a recovered fumble, which he returned for 18 yards.
• Braylyn Toles – Junior wide receiver.  2-year starter.  Caught a team high 42 passes for 556 yards (13.2 ave.) and 8 touchdowns.  Caught 8 passes for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns against Grove City Central Crossing.