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.

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO4 – Post-Green…

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO4 – Post-Green Game; Preview of the Cincinnati Anderson Game

Massillon (14-0) defeated Green (10-4), 31-6.  This week the Tigers travel to Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus to face Cincinnati Anderson (13-1) for a Friday, 7:00 pm kickoff in the playoff state semifinals.  The Tigers are No. 1 in Division 2, Region 7, while the Raptors come in at No. 1 in Region 8.  Massillon and Anderson have never played each other.

Link to the Green Game Story

Link to the Green Game Statistics

Review of the Green Game

It was win No. 946, which keeps Massillon in the No. 3 position nationally for all-time wins.

Massillon defeated Green (10-4) to capture its 16^th regional playoff title in the 52-year history of OHSAA state tournament.  The mark is the second most among all large Ohio schools, with only Cincinnati Moeller having more, with 19.  The Tigers entered the season as a heavy favorite to win the region and they didn’t disappoint, with the players hoisting the award with great enthusiasm following the game.  Massillon scored its final touchdown with just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter, sending the game into a running-clock situation. After that, the backups were inserted on both sides of the ball. Up until that time, however, they had rushed 45 times for 325 yards (7.2 ave).  The first-team defense held the Bulldogs to negative 12 yards on the ground on 12 attempts and 5 of 24 passing for 57 yards.  On special teams Chase Bond blocked a punt and Shon Robinson carried the ball 50 yards on a fake punt.

“A great win it was,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore at the weekly Booster Club Meeting.  “I thought our guys played really well.  We were dominant in all three phases.  All of our backs ran hard.  The defense was lights out.  I’m proud of our guys.”

The guest players were linebacker Dorian Pringle and safety Ryan Page.  “Our defense played very well,” said Pringle.  “You know its good when our JV team gets in the game in a regional finals.”  Page added, “We started out fast and did really good.”  He also briefly addressed the upcoming game against Anderson, saying that the Tigers need to understand their different formations and manage their high-tempo offense.

Statistics leaders:

• Da’One Owens: 2 of 4 passing for 20 yards; 11 carries for 107 yards and 1 touchdown
• Ja’Meir Gamble: 16 carries for 97 yards and 1 touchdown
• Mylen Lenix: 9 carries for 54 yards and 1 touchdown
• Jacques Carter: 2 receptions for 20 yards’ 1 carry for 50 yards and 1 touchdown
• Mike Wright:  0.5 TFLs; 1 rushing touchdown
• Chase Bond, Malachi Card, Deangelo Zimmerman: 1 quarterback sack each

Anderson Scouting Report

Anderson plays in the 10-team Eastern Cincinnati Conference.  The Raptors have a record of 13-1 with an 8-1 mark in conference play.  Their big win of the year came in Week 6 when they defeated Cincinnati Winton Woods (8-4), 20-13.  They have outscored their opponents by an average of 42-17.  Scores to-date:

• South Oldham, KY (6-4): 44-14 W
• Loveland (5-6): 48-14 W
• Lebanon (7-4): 44-14 W
• Milford (11-1): 35-56 L
• Cincinnati Walnut Hills (0-10): 51-0 W
• Cincinnati Winton Woods (8-4): 20-13 W
• Little Miami (1-9): 46-20 W
• West Clermont (4-7): 50-5 W
• Cincinnati Turpin (3-8): 31-7 W
• Kings (6-6): 41-21 W
• Cincinnati Turpin (PO) (6-6): 43-7 W
• Kings (PO) (6-6): 41-3 W
• Harrison (PO) (9-4): 50-36 W
• Cincinnati Withrow (PO) (12-2): 49-28 W

Tale of the Tape

The single trait that stand out in regards to the Anderson offense is the high tempo.  They average just 14 seconds between plays.  And in one game this year they ran over a hundred plays.  They will utilize multiple formations, including empty, 10, 11 and 12, with some unbalanced line.  The line is smallish, averaging 6′-1″, 223 lbs..  It utilizes large splits in order to keep rushers as far away from the quarterback as possible.  While the run-pass ratio is around 50/50, they use the pass to generate the big plays, which involves many screens and crossing routes, with occasional deep throws.  So it stands to reason that the best players are the quarterback and wide receivers.

The best offensive players are as follows:

• Junior quarterback Justice Burnam  6′-0″, 175).  Completed 312 of 436 (72%) passes for 3,921 yards and 40 TDs with 7 interceptions.  Rushed 179 times for 597 yards (3.3 ave.) and 7 TDs.  He is both a throwing and running threat and is good at scrambling while keeping his eyes downfield.  Has a good arm and accuracy.
• Senior running back/ wide receiver Brodey Berg (6′-2″, 210).  Rushed 255 times for 1,510 yards (5.9 ave.) and 32 TDs; 63 receptions for 89 yards (14.3 ave.) and 10 TDs.  He has good speed and follows blocks well.
• Junior wide receiver Trace Jallick (6′-2″, 185).  111 receptions for 1,161 yards (10.5 ave.) and 11 TDs.  Best receiver.  Miami, OH, offer.  Runs routes well.
• Senior wide receiver MIke Smith (5′-10″, 180).  81 receptions for 923 yards (11.4) and 7 TDs.  Very shifty.
• Junior tight end Caden Piening (6′-5″, 235).  29 receptions for 549 yards (18.9) and 5 TDs.  Kentucky offer.  Tag screen target.  Big frame.
• Senior wide receiver TJ Nelson (6′-0″, 190).  Most dynamic player.  Bowling Green commit.  Has been injured, but may play.
• Junior left tackle Cam Mathis (6′-2″, 230).  Best offensive lineman.  Physical player.

The defense aligns in an odd front with cover-2, although the corners appear to play a bit back from the receivers.  They have a couple of good defensive linemen and a couple of good defensive backs.  They do not pressure the quarterback much and will drop eight players into coverage at times.

The best defensive players are as follows:

• Senior lineman Jack Sammarco (6′-5″, 240).  West Virginia commit.  Also plays wide receiver.
• Junior lineman Alex Stanyard (6′-5″, 225).
• Senior cornerback Joey Emerick (6′-0″, 180).  74.0 (52-44) tackle points.  1.0 sacks and 7.5 TFLs.
• Junior middle linebacker Tommy Husker (5′-10″, 170).  53.5 (34-39) tackle points.  5.5 sacks and 12.0 TFLs.  Best blitzer.
• Sophomore will linebacker Reid Baker (5′-11″, 170).  47.5 (25-45) tackle points.  4.0 sacks and 12.5 TFLs.
• Junior sam linebacker Owen Bergman (6′-2″, 190).  45.0 (29-32) tackle points.  1.0 sacks and 4.5 TFLs.
• Senior safety Patter McHugh (6′-2″, 195).  High motor.  Reads keys well.  Tackles well.  Best cover guy.
• Safety TJ Nelson, if he plays.

The last time Massillon played a team having both an outstanding record and a high scoring average was in 2021.  Big Walnut came into the playoff game with a 12-0 record, having outscored their opponents by an average of 42-13.  They left on the wrong end of a 38-0 score, while facing a Massillon team that was all business that night.

Notes

Several players have been nominated by the coaches in Region 7 for participation in next summer’s Ohio All-Star Game, including Zach LIebler, Adonis Marshall, Cody Fair, Malachi Card, Evan Sirgo, Sam Snodgrass, Kyler Wiggins and Da’One Owens.  Dan Studer also received a nomination for Assistant Coach of the Year.

The Booster Club is sponsoring a bus to the Anderson game.  A link for tickets is displayed on the front page of this website.

Sideliners and former Tiger players are invited to attend practice on Thanksgiving morning to support the team.  The practice will be held from 9:30 am to 10:45 am in the stadium.  Enter through the player gate.

Coach Moore announced “Black Wednesday” for November 29 from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.  During that time discarded black Massillon game jerseys will go on sale at the Ticket Office, 50% off.

Go Tigers

2023: Massillon 31, Green 6

Massillon Wins Regional Championship, Continues to Roll

Game Statistics

Massillon (14-0) defeated Green (10-4) to capture its 16^th regional playoff title in the 52-year history of OHSAA state tournament.  The mark is the second most among all large Ohio schools, with only Cincinnati Moeller having more, with 19.  The Tigers entered the season as a heavy favorite to win the region and they didn’t disappoint, with the players hoisting the award with great enthusiasm following the game.  Next up is a state semi-final match against Cincinnati Anderson (13-1), their only loss being 56-35 to Milford (11-1).  The game will be played at Crew Stadium in Columbus.

Small craft advisories were up on Friday night at Hoover Stadium with a strong wind howling out of the north end zone continually throughout the game, wreaking havoc on the passing and kicking games of both teams.  But in the end, the Tigers simply had a bigger boat, plowing their way through the white-capped waves, as opposed to the small-masted dinghy of the Bulldogs, which were quickly left behind, stranded at sea, bucking the strong blow.

Placing the passing game in the drawer, Massillon reverted to a throwback, run-only offense, utilizing two massive fullbacks with just two wide receivers.  The playbook was reduced to quarterback Da’One Owens and running backs Ja’Meir Gamble and Mylen Lenix sharing the load, with an occasional jet sweep tossed in.  In fact, only four passes were thrown the entire night.  The attack was devastating to Green and the Tigers never once punted the ball.

Massillon scored its final touchdown with just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter, sending the game into a running-clock situation.  After that, the backups were inserted on both sides of the ball.  Up until that time, however, they had rushed 45 times for 325 yards (7.2 ave).  That, in spite of Green stacking the line to stop the run by changing from an odd-front to an even-front and using three linebackers.  The Tigers ended up converting 7 of 12 third down conversions and 2 of 2 on fourth down using the “jumbo” package of Lenix and Mike Wright Jr.  Owens left the game with 107 yards rushing.  Gamble had 97 and Lenix added 54.

Meanwhile, the first-team defense held the Bulldogs to negative 12 yards on the ground on 12 attempts and 5 of 24 passing for 57 yards.  The quarterback was under pressure the entire night, forcing many errant passes, compounding the difficulties posed by the wind.  And he was sacked twice, once by Chase Bond and once by Malachi Card.  Tyler Hackenbracht also picked off a pass off a Zach Liebler deflection.

But again, the Tigers missed some opportunities and took just a 14-0 lead into the locker room.  There was a fumble into the end zone that was recovered by Green.  There was a kickoff that was knocked down by the wind that a Bulldog receiver elected to field on the bounce.  Only it hopped straight into the air.  Several Massillon players had their hands on it, but it eventually was covered by Green.  Then there was the fumble at midfield after forcing a wind-hampered punt by Green.  Even the backups lost a good chance.  After blocking a punt and taking over at the Green 11, they gave the ball back three plays later on a fumbled handoff.

The one thing Massillon wanted most was a fast start.  And they got that by scoring on each of its first two possessions.  After receiving the opening kickoff, the Tigers engineered a 7-play 75-yard march, with Da’One Owens lighting  it up on the first play with a 43-yard run, right through the middle of the Green line.  After a Bulldog punt, Massillon took over at its own  21.  Ten plays later the Tigers were in the end zone.  During the drive, Gamble carried the ball five times for 50 yards, picking up three first downs.  At no time during the two series did the Tigers attempt a pass.

On the third possession Massillon fumbled at midfield and on the fourth try they fumbled into the end zone.

Nevertheless, they found themselves in the third quarter and posted 17 points, starting with a 35-yard field goal by Vinny Keller.  Next came a jet sweep by Jacques Carter, who is one of the fastest players on the team.  On second and seven from the 50, Carter took the handoff from Owens, turned the corner near the right sideline and then swiftly sped through several would-be tacklers.  Once clear, there was no stopping him until he reached the end zone.

The final score came on the next series when the Tigers drove 40 yards in six plays, with Gamble toting the pigskin on each play, with the exception of the final 3-yard run, which belonged to Owens.  At that point the starters were through for the night, owning a 31-0 lead.

Green scored in the fourth quarter against the Tiger backups when quarterback Samino Manson found favored receiver Zachary Bagilo wide open far down the middle of the field owing to a missed coverage for a 66-yard score.

Now it is off to Columbus as Massillon, the Number 1 rated team in Ohio, continues its quest for a state title.

Go Tigers.

Tigers Vie for Yet Another Regional Championship

Tigers Vie for Yet Another Regional Championship

This Friday Massillon will face Green in the Division 2, Region 7 championship game.  With a win, the Tigers will advance to the state semifinal game to play the winner of Region 8, which involves Cincinnati Anderson and Cincinnati Withrow.  Massillon will also reverse the outcome of the 2021 regional final game, in which they lost to Green, 26-25.

The Ohio high school football playoffs began in 1972 and this is the 52^nd year of its long history.  During that time Massillon has captured fifteen regional championships, the second-most in the state among Division 1 and 2 schools.  Cleveland St. Ignatius also has fifteen, while Cincinnati Moeller has the most titles, with eighteen.

During the first six years of the playoffs only one team from each region participated.  Massillon, assigned to Division 1 at the time, qualified for the state tournament twice, in 1972 and 1979.  The Tigers continued to compete in Division 1 through 2012 and won eight regional championships by defeating a bracket opponent, while losing four other times.

In 2012 the divisions were restructured, resulting in Massillon moving down to Division 2.  From then through 2020, the Tigers have taken home the crown in five of six appearances, making their overall record in that game, 13-5.  Massillon has also competed in the regional finals game in each of the last six years, this year marking the seventh straight.

Four times they faced Canton McKinley in a rematch, winning three of four.  In 1980 they won 14-6, in 1994 they lost 27-20, and they won 21-3 in 2005 and 10-7 in 2009.  With two of the wins, 1980 and 2005, they reversed losses that occurred during the regular season.

In 1980, under head coach Mike Currence, Massillon dropped the regular season game to McKinley 16-7, spoiling a potential unbeaten season.  The Bulldogs completely dominated, leading in total yards, 313-96.  This being the year the OHSAA increased the number of regional qualifiers from one to two, Massillon was fortunate enough to grab the second spot, setting up a rematch the following week at Faucett Stadium.  McKinley still led in total yards, but it was the Tigers that owned the scoreboard, taking advantage of a strong defense and three Bulldog turnovers.  Massillon parlayed that win into a trip to the state finals, against Cincinnati Moeller.

With Tom Stacy at the helm in 2005, an undefeated McKinley eleven negated a potential Massillon 10-win season with a 38-8 one-sided performance.  The Bulldogs led 14-0 at the half and then just piled on the points the second half, while holding the Tigers to just 127 total yards.  Three weeks later, following wins over North Canton and Findlay, Massillon would meet McKinley again, at the Akron Rubber Bowl.  This time, it was the other team’s turn to shine.  A 100-yard effort by Brian Gamble and a 10 of 12 passing performance by Bobby Huth, coupled with some stingy defense, made the difference in a 21-3 win.  After a 21-17 upset of Lakewood St. Edward the following week, the Tigers faced Cincinnati St. Xavier for the state title.

The biggest win while in Division 2 came in 2019 under current head coach Nate Moore, when they defeated defending state champion Akron Hoban, 17-14.  All of the points were scored in the first half, with a 31-yard Alex Bauer field goal with seven seconds left making the difference in the score. The Knights mounted a final drive late in the fourth quarter, but they came up short when linebacker Ben Krichbaum sacked the quarterback on a fourth down play with two minutes remaining in the game.  Massillon then ran out the clock to secure the victory.  Current OSU running back Deamonte Trayanum was held to 18 carries for 79 yards and no touchdowns.

Here are the scores for Massillon’s past regional finals games:

• 1972 – Uncontested
• 1979 – Uncontested
• 1980 – Canton McKinley – Won 14-6
• 1982 – Sandusky – Won 29-7
• 1989 – Akron Garfield – Won 43-7
• 1990 – Sandusky – Lost 27-7
• 1991 – Toledo St. John’s – Won 42-21
• 1993 – Walsh Jesuit – Lost 30-20
• 1994 – Canton McKinley – Lost 27-20
• 2001 – North Canton – Won 27-7
• 2002 – Pickerington – Won 14-0
• 2005 – Canton McKinley – Won21-3
• 2009 – Canton McKinley – Won 10-7
• 2017 – New Albany – Won 24-6
• 2018 – Wadsworth – Won 41-17
• 2019 – Akron Hoban – Won 17-14
• 2020 – Massillon Perry – Won 43—13
• 2021 – Green – Lost 26-25
• 2022 – Uniontown Lake – Won 24-6

2023: Massillon 35, Uniontown Lake 6

Massillon Overcomes Missed Opportunities to Defeat Uniontown Lake

Game Statistics

Often when a team loses a game, they cite missed opportunities as the culprit.  A dropped pass.  A key penalty.  A missed tackle.  A blown coverage.  On Friday in the Division 1, Region 7 semifinal game against Lake, Massillon had several of them.  But in this case the Tigers proved they are a strong enough team to overcome those misses.  And by game’s end, they were fully in control of the outcome, winning going away, 35-6.  The Tigers will now face Green next Friday in the regional finals with a chance to advance to the state tournament.

But credit also needs to be given to Lake, which played as hard as any opponent Massillon has faced this year, especially on defense.  But they just lacked the offensive firepower.  Nevertheless, they were able to stay in the game for nearly the entire first half.  Only, come the fourth quarter, they were simply out of gas and the Tigers had their way with them, finishing with 421 yards of offense, with 349 on the ground and another 72 in the air.  The Blue Streaks ended with 138 yards, with 52 on the ground and 86 in the air.  Federal League Player of the Year running back Nathan Baker was held to just 46 yards on ten carries.

Massillon received the opening kickoff and it was returned by Tyler Hackenbracht behind some great blocking to the 43 yard line.  On the first play from scrimmage every receiver went deep and they were all comfortably open down the field.  Quarterback Da’One Owens targeted and let it fly.  It was on the money and a sure touchdown.  Only, to the disappointment of all the pass was dropped.  The first of several missed opportunities.  And it set the tone for the remainder of the first half.  Two short runs afterwards and the Tigers were forced to punt.

Lake took over at their own 19 and advanced into Massillon territory, but a 3^rd down sack by Malachi Card quelled the effort and forced a punt.  Massillon in turn failed to move the ball and punted back.  On the first play Lake’s Noah Kennedy found Ethan Hunt open down the right sideline with the Tiger defender out of position for a 52-yard touchdown.  The PAT was missed.

Massillon then drove to the Lake 28, only to see a touchdown pass to Kyler Wiggins called back due to a man downfield and a subsequent pass into the end zone to Jacques Carter overthrown by inches.  Two more missed opportunities.

Following yet another punt by Lake the Tigers finally put together a drive, of 73 yards.  Owens carried the ball four times for 40 yards and JaMeir Gamble added three carries for 15 yards.  Finally, Mike Wright Jr. bulled it in from the one on his third attempt.  Vinny Keller’s PAT was true and Massillon had a lead that they would not relinquish for the rest of the night.

The Tigers would get one more chance with minutes left in the half, starting at their own five.  A 24-yard run by Owens kick-started the effort, which was followed by a 26-yard run by Owens and a 22-yard sprint by Gamble.  Then, from the 29-yard line, Owens found Braylyn Toles at the back of the end zone for a touchdown with one second remaining on the clock.  Thus, Massillon took a 14-6 lead into the locker room.

The second half began with punt exchanges until Owens got loose for a 34-yard touchdown run.  The onside kick that followed nearly came up short when Keller’s rolling ball lost energy and took a left turn after nine yards.  But it eventually righted its direction and very slowly turned over at the 50.  Patiently waiting to secure the ball were four Tiger players, with nary a Blue Streak player in sight.  However, the drive stalled (another missed opportunity).

The next possession went much better, when Mylen Lenix carried seven times for 57 yards to complete a 71-yard drive, scoring himself from the eight.  Following a Zach Liebler interception of a long pass, Massillon quickly turned that into another score.  A 46-yard run by Gamble, with 27 yards in penalties tacked on, and a 12-yard Gamble TD run completed an 85-yard drive.  Then, the Tigers recovered the ensuing kickoff and closed out the game.

Owens ended up with 17 carries for 164 yards and a touchdown.  He also completed 10 of 19 passes for 72 yards.  Gamble rushed 15 times for 131 yards and a score.  Lenix added 9 carries for 56 yards and a TD.  Card had 5.0 tackle points, 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles-for-loss.  Vito McConnell had 4.0 tackle points and Wright had 1.5 TFL’s and a rushing touchdown.

Go Tigers!

Seven Tigers Named All-Stark County

Seven Tigers Named All-Stark County; Owens is MVP

WHBC recently announced its all-county team and six Tigers received honors.  The group was selected by vote of the area coaches.  Da’One Owens was also named MVP.

The Massillon all-county players include Nolan Davenport and Dorian Pringle, repeat honorees from 2022, and first-timers Chase Bond, Tyler Hackenbracht, Brady Jones and Mike Wright Jr.  Three seniors and three juniors.  Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore was very proud to acknowledge these players at the Booster Club meeting.  It is unfortunate that just six from Massillon received this honor, since at least ten others off this national Top 15 team deserve recognition.

• Da’One Owens – Senior quarterback (6′-1″, 200).  Has completed 82 of 135 passes (61%) for 1,322 passes and 16 touchdowns.  Leads the team in rushing with 90 attempts for 874 yards (9.7 ave.) and 12 TDs.  Passed for 277 yards and 3 TDs against Warren Harding and 341 yards and 4 TDs vs. Grove City Central Crossing.  Rushed for 241 yards and two TDs against Valdosta, GA, 134 yards and 1 TD against Austintown Fitch and 130 yards and 2 TDs against Mansfield.
• Chase Bond – Senior defensive lineman (6-4, 245).  2-year starter.  11.5 tackle points.  5.0 tackles-for-loss.  2.5 quarterback sacks.  Committed to North Carolina State.
• Nolan Davenport – Junior offensive lineman (6’-6”, 260).  Played tight end last year, earning all-county honors.  Moved to tackle due to loss of an injured lineman.  Instrumental in helping the offense average 228 yards rushing per game and 6.5 yards per attempt.  Has received several Division 1 offers.
• Tyler Hackenbracht – Junior defensive safety (6’-2”, 195).  Lost sophomore year due to an injury.  18.0 tackle points.  Two pass interceptions returned for 29 yards and one touchdown.  Eight pass breakups.
• Brady Jones – Senior offensive lineman (6’-3” 245).  2-year starter.  Plays center.  Instrumental in helping the offense average 228 yards rushing per game and 6.5 yards per attempt.
• Dorian Pringle – Senior inside linebacker and running back (6’-0”, 215).  2-year starter.  Leads the team in tackles with 50.5 tackle points, 21.5 tackles-for-loss, 114 lost yards, 8.0 quarterback sacks and 73 lost yards.  Recovered two fumbles.  Blocked a kick.  Recorded 8.5 tackle points in the victory over Lakewood St. Edward.  Rushed 50 times for 246 yards (4.9 ave.) and 12 touchdowns.  Rushed six times for 54 yards (9.0 ave.) against Canton McKinley.  Leading scorer with 64 points.  Several Division 1 offers.
• Mike Wright Jr. – Junior defensive lineman (5’-10”, 280).  2-year starter.  19.0 tackle points.  11.0 tackles-for-loss.  80 lost yards.  7.5 quarterback sacks.  61.5 lost yards.  Two pass breakups.  Had a monster game against McKinley with 3.0 quarterback sacks (No. 2 single game all-time; No. 1 single-game all-time vs. McKinley).

Chase Bond, Nolen Davenport, Tyler Hackenbracht, Brady Jones, Dorian Pringle and MIke Wright Jr.

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO2 – Post-Westerville…

2023 Booster Club Report – Week PO2 – Post-Westerville South Game; Preview of the Uniontown Lake Game

Massillon (12-0) defeated Westerville South (7-4), 50-7.  This week the Tigers travel to North Canton to face Uniontown Lake (8-3) for a Friday, 7:00 pm kickoff in the third round of the playoffs.  The Tigers are No. 1 in Division 2, Region 7, while the Blue Streaks come in at No. 4.  Massillon leads the all-time series, 1-0, with the last game played in the 2022 playoffs when they defeated the Lake 24-6 in the “ice bowl.”

Link to the Westerville South Game Story

Link to the Westerville South Game Statistics

Review of the Westerville South game

It was win No. 944, which keeps Massillon in the No. 3 position nationally for all-time wins.

It didn’t take long for Massillon to put this game out of the reach of visiting Westerville South, winning 50-7.  With machine-like precision, the offense scored the first three times it touched the ball, on drives of 93, 59 and 49 yards, and led 42-0 at the half. A fourth TD that followed came via a fumble return, making the score 28-0 early in the second quarter.  Meanwhile, the defense was its usual self, this time holding the opponent to a mere 75 yards of total offense, with most of that coming in the second half against the backups.  The defense has now held nine of the last ten opponents to less than 100 yards rushing.  Only St. John’s College surpassed that mark.  Quarterback Da’One Owens rushed for two touchdowns and passed for a third.  Ja’Meir Gamble rushed for 99 yards and scored once.  South tallied their lone touchdown against the backups.

“I’m proud of the way our guys played,” said Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore at the Monday Booster Club meeting.  “The defense had a great day.  The offense did a great job; 42-0 at halftime.  And we were able to get some younger guys in during a playoff game.”  Moore also noted that there were three freshmen on the kickoff team.

The guest player was defensive back Ryan Page.  “We had a pretty good game overall,” he said.  “We locked in and locked it down.”  Looking ahead to Lake, Page singled out running back Nate Baker as their primary threat.

The scout team players of the week were four freshmen: R.Celle Hill, Briar Mattox, Deontay Malone and Isaac Maxheimer.

Statistics leaders:

• Ja’Meir Gamble: 13 carries for 99 yards and 1 touchdown
• Da’One Owens: 3 of 6 passing for 90 yards and 1 touchdown; 3 carries for 46 yards and 2 touchdowns
• Mylen Lenix: 10 carries for 56 yards
• Emy Louis Jr and Ricardo Wells: 1 touchdown reception each
• Shon Robinson: 3.5 (2-3) tackle points; 0.5 tackles-for-loss
• Mike Wright Jr.: 1 sack; 2 TFLs
• Deangelo Zimmerman: 2 TFLs

Uniontown Lake Scouting Report

Lake plays in the Federal League.  The Wildcats are currently 9-3 with a 5-2 conference record.  Their big win of the year came in Week 8 when they defeated North Canton Hoover, 21-7.  Scores to-date:

• Alliance (6-5): 7-12 L
• Boardman (1-9): 42-31 W
• Brecksville (6-6): 17-14 o.t. W
• Canton GlenOak (7-5): 10-7 W
• Louisville (1-9): 49-0 W
• Massillon Jackson (5-6): 19-7 W
• Canton McKinley (9-3): 22-29 L
• North Canton (6-6): 21-7 W
• Massillon Perry (4-7): 37-14
• Green (9-3): 0-28 L
• Massillon Perry (4-7) (PO): 35-14
• BigWalnut (6-6) (PO): 21-20 3 o.t. W

The Lake offense operates out of the spread, with mostly 10 and some 11 (tight end) alignments.  They also have a heavy package that they use in the red zone.  The best player is senior running back / wide receiver Nate Baker (5′-11″, 175), whom they try to get the ball to as much as possible.  An all-county player, he is a hard runner, can break tackles and follows his blocks well.  As a wide receiver, he is the quarterback’s favorite target.  During the regular season, Baker rushed 211 times for 1,183 yards (5.6 ave.) and scored nine touchdowns.  He is also the leading scorer with 60 points.

The Blue Streaks play two quarterbacks.  Senior Cale Jarvis (5′-11″, 185) has an average arm, but is a threat to run.  During the regular season he completed 52 of 89 passes (58%) for 477 yards (9.2/compl.) and two touchdowns.  Junior Noah Jeb Kubasky (6′-3″, 215) is the better passer and at times will line up at wide receiver.  He completed 34 of 55 passes (62%) for 472 yards (13.9/compl.) and five TDs.  At times, both will be in the game.  Lake will play seven different receivers, including Baker and former Massillon Tiger senior Kam’ron Fouty-Koonce (6’0″, 165).

The offensive line has a couple of sizeable book-end tackles in junior Cohen Stuli (6′-5″, 290) and senior Anthony Miller (6′-0″, 290).  Stuli plays with good technique and is physical.  Miller is all-county.  He plays aggressively and physically.

The defense aligns in an even front with cover-3.  It presents like a 4-4.  The strength of this unit is the linebacker corps.  The best player is junior middle linebacker Charlie Christopher (6′-1″, 220), an all-county selection.  He is a physical, downhill player and reads keys well.  Through ten games he recorded 11.0 tackles-for-loss.  Will play running back in the heavy package.  Senior Evan Brady (5′-11″, 215) is also a physical, downhill player and tackles well.  At outside linebacker is senior Joseph Garro (6′-1″, 210), who has 14.0 TFLs.

The line is one of the smallest the Tigers have faced this year, averaging 6′-2″, 220 lbs.  The best of the group is senior Dane Jarvis (6′-2″, 220).  He has a quick come-off, is strong and is very active.  Also, keep an eye on junior Ryan Lippe (6′-4″, 220), an all-county player who leads the team with 19.0 TFLs through ten games.

Baker is the best defensive back.  He is very athletic and tackles well.

The punter is senior Celton Dutton (6′-1″, 190), who doubles as an outside linebacker.  He has a good average at 36.6 yards per kick.

Go Tigers

Shon Robinson!

2023: Massillon 50, Westerville South 7

Massillon Downs Westerville South, Advances in Playoffs to Round 3

Game Statistics

It didn’t take long for Massillon to put this game out of the reach of visiting Westerville South, winning 50-7.  With machine-like precision, the offense scored the first three times it touched the ball, on drives of 93, 59 and 49 yards.  A fourth that followed came via a fumble return, making the score 28-0 early in the second quarter.  Meanwhile, the defense was its usual self, this time holding the opponent to a mere 75 yards of total offense, with most of that coming in the second half against the backups.

With the win the Tigers next face Uniontown Lake, a 21-20 triple-overtime winner over Big Walnut.  The site of the game will be announced on Sunday.  The other half of the regional bracket involved Canal Winchester defeating Watkins Memorial, 7-3, and Green besting North Canton, 23-21.

Massillon received the opening kickoff, but returned it only to their own seven, as the call was for a return to the opposite side of the field.  Only, they failed to secure a block against South’s Isaac Patterson, who made a fine stop at the Tiger seven.  But, after a 7-yard run by Ja’Meir Gamble, quarterback Da’One Owens kept on the next play and rumbled all the way to the Massillon 35, giving the offense some breathing room.  And they took full advantage.  Two plays later the Tigers were in the endzone when Owens hit Emy Louis Jr. with a precise sideline pass and Louis then outraced the defender to the goal line to complete a 40-yard score.  Vinny Keller kicked the extra point, his first of six straight.

The Wildcats showed their only promising offense of the night against the Tiger starters on their first possession when they managed to pick up consecutive first downs and advance to the Tiger 41.  But they were stopped on downs following a run for no gain and three incomplete passes.

Massillon responded with a 9-play 59-yard touchdown drive.  The key play was a 20-yard pass from Owens to Braylyn Toles that placed the ball at the South 21.  From there it took just three plays: a 12-yard jet sweep by Kyler Wiggins, a 5-yard run by Gamble and a 4-yard run by Owens.

The third score came on the first play of the second quarter when Owens faked the handoff and sprinted 21 yards into the end zone.  Then came the fumble.  On first and ten from the South 36, running back Nasir Phillips was stripped of the ball in the backfield by a hard-charging Mike Wright Jr.  Vito McConnell was right there to pick it up in stride and he then raced 30 yards to the end zone.   With Massillon leading 28-0, the game was essentially over at that point.

Later in the quarter, the Tigers engineered a 7-play 54-yard drive, which ended when Gamble scored from the seven.  Gamble carried the ball in all seven plays with runs of 15, 12, 8, 3, 9, 0 and 7 yards.  As expected South, similar to several previous Massillon opponents, was in blitz mode the entire game.  But it was mostly ineffective, as Gamble was able to find the seams to get the big yards.

With 46 seconds remaining in the half, the Wildcats tried one more time to find some points.  But on 3^rd and 6 from their own 22, quarterback Dominic Birtha unloaded an errant pass that was promptly picked off by Tyler Hackenbracht and returned 29 yards for a touchdown, making the score 42-0.

The backups played the entire second half, under a running-clock situation.  The Tigers scored when quarterback Eli Moore fired a 25-yard pass to Ricardo Wells, who won a wrestling match with the defender for possession of the ball and came down with it in the end zone for the score.  The 2-point conversion try was successful when Moore faked a handoff and strolled untouched across the goal line.

South responded with a 6-play, 62-yard drive, with Birtha converting a 20-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Keilmeyer.

Massillon racked up 343 yards of offense, with 221 rushing and 122 passing, while averaging 7.8 yards per play.  South had a net 75 yards, with 19 in the first half against the Tiger starters and 56 in the second half against the backups.  Massillon punted just once, with Hackenbracht booting a wind-aided 40-yarder.  The Wildcats punted five times.

Gamble led all rushers with 13 carries for 99 yards and a touchdown.  Mylen Lenix added 56 and Owens 46.  Owens completed 3 of 6 passes for 90 yards and one TD.  Linebacker Shon Robinson, who filled in for the injured Dorian Pringle for the nearly the entire game, led all defenders with five tackles.  Wright and Deangelo Zimmerman recorded two tackles-for-loss each.  Wright also had a sack.

For South, the speedy Phillips carried 19 times and 43 yards.  Birtha completed 5 of 16 passes for 31 yards and one TD and avoided all but one of the many sack attempts.  Safety Jordan Wheeler had eight tackles and linebacker Kawa Preston had six, with one TFL.

Go Tigers!

Massillon’s Complete Team Effort Keeps Them Undefeated

Massillon’s Complete Team Effort Keeps Them Undefeated

Through eleven games this year the Tigers continue to be unblemished in the win-loss column.  But from a statistics standpoint, it’s a bit strange.  Normally, on an unbeaten team there are a small handful of players that make the biggest difference.  A big-time passer, or a big-time runner, or a defender that literally takes over the game.  But not on this team.

There is no 1,000-yard rusher.  There is no 1,500-yard passer.  And there is no one defender that makes most of the tackles.  That’s because this Massillon team has outstanding players at every position on the field.  Offensively, they spread the ball around several running backs and speedy receivers.  And defensively, they play as a single unit, with each player responsible for a different facet during the game, with inevitably all of them making plays.

And it’s not like the schedule was favorable for this success.  Massillon this year has faced one of the most difficult slates in their long history, with the likes of Valdosta, GA, Lakewood St. Edward, St. John’s College, DC, Middletown, DE, Austintown Fitch and Canton McKinley.  And nine of their ten regular season opponents have qualified for the playoffs.  In addition, Massillon’s 45.76 Harbin points is the highest amount in the history of the playoffs, regardless of division.  Finally, all of the national rating services have the Tigers ranked in the Top 20.

Here’s a look at the performance statistics for this year, with some comparisons to prior years.

Offense

• Averages 40 points per game. This is the 18^th time this has happened in Massillon history.
• Averages 410 yards per game, exceeded only by six other teams.
• Averages 7.6 yards per play, surpassed since the time of Paul Brown by only the 1959 team, which averaged 8.4 yards per play. That team finished first in both Ohio and the nation.
• Averages 16.8 yards per pass completion, the most since 1981.

Da’One Owens and Jalen Slaughter split time at quarterback throughout the first half of the season, until Slaughter suffered an injury.  Since then,  Owens has become the primary signal caller.  He has an efficiency rating of 175.2, completing 79 of 129 passes (61%) for 1,232 yards and 15 touchdowns.  Slaughter has an efficiency rating of 188.7, completing 34 of 60 passes (57%) for 685 yards and 9 touchdowns.  Both are currently ranked all-time in the Top-5 for single-season pass efficiency.

The Tigers have most often used four wide receivers who all possess great speed and good hands.  The group is led by Braylyn Toles, who has 33 receptions for 471 yards and 7 touchdowns, and Jacques Carter, who has 32 receptions for 709 yards and 7 touchdowns.  Kyler Wiggins, last year’s leading receiver, has 13 catches for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns and Emy Louis Jr. has 12 catches for 273 yards and 5 touchdowns.  Carter and Louis are the best deep threats, averaging over 22 yards per reception.  On occasion, fullback Deangelo Zimmerman will be on the receiving end of a pass.  He has one touchdown to his credit.

Owens has also rushed 87 times for 828 yards (9.5 ave.) and 10 touchdowns.  Ja’Meir Gamble has rushed 84 times for 566 yards (6.7 ave.) and 3 touchdowns and Peyton Mitchell has rushed 56 times for 383 yards (6.8 ave.) and 1 touchdown.  Dorian Pringle, inserted in short yardage situations, has rushed 50 times for 246 yards (4.9 ave.) and 14 touchdowns.  He is also the team’s leading scorer with 84 points.

But all of this couldn’t be done without a stellar line.  This group includes Jaezen Lewis (6’-6”, 400) and Nolan Davenport (6’-6”, 245) at tackle, Sam Snodgrass (6’-2”, 285) and Mike  Looney (6’-0”, 245) at guard and Brady Jones (6’-3”, 245) at center.  Gavin Kappes (5’-11”, 260) also sees significant time on the line.

The Tigers are converting first downs 86% of the time, which is the best mark in over 60 years.

Defense

• Gives up an average of 8 points per game, the fewest since 1986.
• Gives up an average of 1.6 yard per rushing attempt, the fewest since 1979.
• The first unit has surrendered just one rushing touchdown (on a 5-yard drive).
• Has held 8 of 11 opponent to under 100 yards rushing.
• Has forced 65 punts, nearly six per game.

What makes this unit so good is the front seven, which has been simply dominant against the run.  The three down linemen include Mike Wright Jr.(5’-10″, 280), Malachi Card (6’-2”, 195) and North Carolina State bound Chase Bond (6’-4”, 255).  These three very talented players control the middle and force double teams from opposing offensive lineman, which leaves the linebackers free to do their job.  Many teams have tried then to test the outside, but this group has been the best seen in awhile in setting the edge and funneling running backs toward the inside linebackers.  The linebacking group includes Dorian Pringle and Cody Fair on the inside and Maverick Clark and Vito McConnell on the outside.  Help  is also provided by a speedy secondary that includes Zach Liebler and Adonis Marshall at cornerback and Ryan Page and Tyler Hackenbracht at safety.

Pringle has 49.5 tackle points, 8.0 sacks and 21.5 tackles-for-loss.  Right behind is Fair, who has 44.0 tackle points, 4.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles-for-loss. Page has 27.5 tackle points and cornerback Marshall has 26.0 tackle points.  Marshall also has three pass interceptions.  Wright has 6.5 sacks and 9.0 tackles-for-loss, Card has 4.5 TFLs, Bond has 4.0 TFLs and McConnel has 4.0 TFLs.

Opponents are converting first downs just 57% of the time, which is the best mark in the last twenty years.

Special Teams

The kicking game is manned primarily by Vinny Keller, who has converted 33 of 35 extra points.  Also kicking is Mateo Herrera, who has made all 22 of his PAT attempts.  Hackenbracht handles the punting shores, averaging 30.1 yards per attempt.  Of course, the Tigers have punted only 23 times this year.